This article was inspired by a question from Jane Allen about David Bivin’s Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 1: Jesus’ Hebrew Name (Part 1). |
Rather listen instead? |
JP members can click the link below to access an audio version of this essay. Premium Members One Time Purchase Rather Than Membership ![]() |
In a statement about the continuing validity of the Torah, Jesus uses a difficult-to-understand idiom. The Greek reads: ἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ, ἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κεραία οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου (“…until pass away the heaven and the earth, iota one or one point by no means will pass way from the law…”; Matt. 5:18).
Most English translations have not helped readers understand the idiom:
“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law…” (KJV)
“…till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law…” (RSV)
“…until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law…” (ESV)
What Is a “Jot” and What Is a “Tittle”?
Behind the translation “jot” is the word ἰῶτα (iōta), the name for the tenth letter of the Greek alphabet (ι), and behind “tittle” is κεραία (keraia). Presuming that Jesus originally made the statement recorded in Matt. 5:18 in Hebrew, iota would stand for י (yod), the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. But what is the meaning of keraia, and what might have been its Hebrew equivalent?
Premium Members
If you are not a Premium Member, please consider becoming one starting at $10/month (paid monthly) or only $5/month (paid annually):
One Time Purchase Rather Than Membership
Rather than a membership, you may also purchase access to this entire page for $1.99 USD. (If you do not have an account select "Register & Purchase.")
Comments 4
Pingback: What is a jot and tittle? | JerusalemPerspective.com Online
Pingback: Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 1: Jesus’ Hebrew Name (Part 1) | JerusalemPerspective.com Online
Pingback: Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 31: Righteousness | JerusalemPerspective.com Online
Pingback: Hebrew Nuggets, Lesson 25: ta·NAK (Part 1) | JerusalemPerspective.com Online