New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 5:18

The Sermon on the Mount

For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 5:18, in plain English

Jesus says that not even the tiniest detail of God's word will disappear until everything it promises has come true. Every word matters. Every detail counts.

Why it's here

In a world that picks and chooses which parts of faith to follow, Jesus says it all matters. God didn't waste a single word.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks about the lasting authority of Scripture.

Where it sits in the story

The Bible isn't outdated. According to Jesus, it's as permanent as heaven and earth, and every word is heading somewhere.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The 'jot' (iota, the smallest Hebrew letter yod) and 'stroke of a pen' (keraia, a small serif or hook distinguishing similar Hebrew letters) emphasize that even the smallest details of Torah remain authoritative until 'everything is accomplished' (panta genetai).

Language and setting

This statement affirms the complete authority of Scripture down to its smallest orthographic details, a position stronger than most rabbinic schools held.

Voice

Jesus, emphasizing the permanence of Scripture.

Significance

Jesus affirms the enduring authority of the entire Hebrew Bible while simultaneously claiming the authority to bring it to fulfillment.

In context

Matthew 5:16–20

16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.

18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.

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