New Testament
Matthew 5:18
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I tell you the truth: until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter or the tiniest stroke of a pen will disappear from the law until all is fulfilled.
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For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
What Matthew 5:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the enduring nature of God's law. He asserts that not even the smallest part of the law will be removed until everything it points to is completely fulfilled. This highlights the importance of the law and its role in God's plan. The 'smallest letter' and 'tiniest stroke' refer to the Hebrew characters, indicating that every detail matters. Jesus is affirming that the law is not obsolete but remains relevant until all prophecies and promises are realized. This statement reassures believers of the reliability of God's word and the significance of adhering to it. It also sets the stage for understanding how Jesus fulfills the law through His life, death, and resurrection, showing that the law leads to Him and finds its completion in Him.
How to apply Matthew 5:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to respect and study the scriptures, recognizing their lasting significance. It reminds us that every part of God's word is important and that we should seek to understand how it applies to our lives today, especially in light of Jesus' fulfillment of the law.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 5:18
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 5:18 mean?
Matthew 5:18 means that Jesus is affirming the lasting nature of God's law. He states that not even the smallest part of the law will be removed until everything it points to is fulfilled, highlighting the importance of every detail in scripture.
What is the significance of 'jot' and 'tittle' in Matthew 5:18?
In Matthew 5:18, 'jot' refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and 'tittle' refers to a tiny stroke or mark that distinguishes one letter from another. This emphasizes that every detail of God's law is important and will remain until all is fulfilled.
How does Matthew 5:18 relate to Jesus' fulfillment of the law?
Matthew 5:18 sets the stage for understanding how Jesus fulfills the law. It indicates that while the law is important and enduring, Jesus' life, death, and resurrection complete its purpose.
Why should we study Matthew 5:18?
Studying Matthew 5:18 helps us recognize the lasting significance of scripture. It reminds us that every part of God's word is important and encourages us to understand how it applies to our lives today.
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