The words “jot” and “tittle” appear a few times in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. Understanding what these words mean can provide insight into the messages communicated in those passages.
The Meaning of “Jot”
The word “jot” is used in Matthew 5:18, where Jesus says, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (NIV)
In the English Standard Version, the verse reads: “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
The word “jot” refers to the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, known as the yod. It looks something like an apostrophe. Jesus uses the illustration of the smallest letter of the alphabet to emphasize that even the seemingly insignificant parts of God’s law contain meaning and importance.
The Meaning of “Tittle”
The word “tittle” also appears in Matthew 5:18, included in the phrase “not the least stroke of a pen.” In the ESV, it is rendered “not a dot.”
A tittle refers to the small decorative strokes on certain Hebrew letters. For example, there is a tiny line that distinguishes the letter bet from the letter kaf. Or the tiny spur on the dalet that differentiates it from the resh.
A tittle does not change the basic meaning or pronunciation of the letter. But it distinguishes it from another letter that looks similar. Jesus uses the illustration of the tittle to emphasize that even the smallest marks and details in God’s Word carry meaning.
The Significance of Jesus’ Teaching
Jesus uses these two terms – jot and tittle – to stress the enduring authority of God’s Word. His teaching in Matthew 5 emphasizes that:
- God’s Word is completely authoritative for belief and practice.
- No detail in Scripture is insignificant – all contains divine truth.
- God’s moral law endures forever and cannot be set aside.
- Scripture will be fulfilled down to the smallest detail.
Although a jot or tittle may seem insignificant to us, Jesus stresses that God has purpose for every detail of His Word. This underscores the importance of honoring Scripture in its entirety as the reliable Word of God.
Where Else “Jot” and “Tittle” Appear
The word “tittle” appears one other time in Scripture, in Luke 16:17. Jesus states, “It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.” (NIV)
This passage reiterates Jesus’ teaching that God’s moral law endures forever, down to the smallest detail. Every part of Scripture contains divine instruction that must be upheld.
The term “jot” does not appear anywhere else in the Bible besides Matthew 5:18.
Jesus Affirms the Authority of the Old Testament
It is significant that Jesus uses these terms – jot and tittle – in reference to the Old Testament law. He lived under the Mosaic Law and viewed it as completely authoritative and binding.
By stressing that every detail of the law carries meaning, Jesus affirmed the ongoing relevance of the Old Testament. His high view of Scripture is an example for Christians today. Even the parts we may consider obscure or unimportant contain God’s trustworthy instructions.
Paying Attention to Details
Jesus’ mention of the jot and tittle is a lesson in paying attention to details. Every word of Scripture contains divine truth put there for a purpose by the ultimate Author.
When we honor God’s Word, we should be careful to heed everything it says, even details that may seem minor. God uses every jot and tittle to reveal His character, purposes, and instructions.
Studying the biblical languages can help us gain insight into the significance of the smallest details in Scripture. Resources like commentaries can shed light on the importance of tiny grammatical marks or textual variations.
No part of God’s Word is truly insignificant. As we interpret and apply the Bible, we must remember Jesus’ lesson – that God has purpose for every jot and tittle.
Principles for Understanding Jot and Tittle
In summary, some key principles from Jesus’ mention of jot and tittle include:
- Scripture is completely authoritative and enduring.
- No detail in God’s Word is insignificant or can be disregarded.
- Even the smallest parts of Scripture are divinely inspired.
- Honoring God’s Word means paying attention to details and minor features.
- Resources like commentaries can help us understand tiny textual details.
- Jesus affirmed a high view of Scripture down to the jots and tittles.
How This Teaching Applies Today
For Christians today, Jesus’ teaching highlights principles such as:
- The Bible is totally trustworthy: We can have complete confidence in Scripture down to the smallest details. All of it is God-breathed and useful (2 Timothy 3:16).
- No text is insignificant: Obscure Old Testament laws, minor genealogies, small grammatical marks – all these contain divine truth for us to discover.
- Handle Scripture carefully: Paying attention to details helps us interpret and apply God’s Word accurately. We should handle the text with care, recognizing Jesus’ high view of Scripture.
- Investigate difficult passages: When we come across a confusing jot or tittle, we can dig deeper through prayerful study. God has a purpose for the details that puzzle us.
- God’s Word endures forever: Society changes, but the truth of God’s Word remains fixed – even down to the jots and tittles. We find unchanging moral guidance in Scripture.
Jesus’ lesson about the jots and tittles helps us adopt a high view of Scripture. It reminds us that God has specific purposes for every detail of His Word. He uses even the smallest marks and letters to reveal His character, plans, and instructions.
Examples of Jots and Tittles
To illustrate the potential significance of small textual details, here are a few examples of jots and tittles in the Bible:
- In Genesis 2:2, a tiny mark distinguishes between the Hebrew words for “sixth” and “seventh” – clarifying that God rested on the seventh day.
- In Numbers 25:6, a small suspended nun in the Hebrew text is believed to indicate God’s displeasure at Phinehas’ violent action.
- In 2 Samuel 19:20, a marking called a pausal accent alters the meaning of David’s speech about Shimei’s cursing.
- In Isaiah 9:6, the small mark distinguishing two similar Hebrew words changes the prophecy about Jesus’ name from “wonderful counselor” to “wonderful, counselor.”
- In Daniel 5:25, the choice of a dalet or resh changes how Belshazzar is weighed by God.
These examples show how tiny jots and tittles can have an impact on the meaning of biblical texts. They illustrate why paying attention to small details in Scripture is valuable.
Resources for Studying Jots and Tittles
Here are some recommended resources for learning more about the meaning and significance of jots and tittles in the Bible:
- A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew by C.L. Seow – discusses Hebrew grammar and markings
- The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – explains key words in original languages
- ESV Expository Commentary – provides detailed passage analysis
- Bible dictionaries/encyclopedias – entries on “jot and tittle,” textual criticism, etc.
- Bible commentaries focused on original language study (Ellicott’s, Cambridge, Word Biblical)
- Books on biblical exegesis – teach careful interpretation of grammar, word usage, etc.
- Software like Logos or Accordance – explore meaning of original text
Studying jots and tittles requires paying close attention to the details of Scripture. With the help of resources like these, we can gain valuable insight into even the smallest marks of God’s Word.
Conclusion
In summary, the terms “jot” and “tittle” used by Jesus refer to small textual details in the Hebrew Scriptures – the smallest letter yod and decorative marks on certain letters. Jesus uses these illustrations to emphasize that no part of God’s Word is insignificant or can be discarded.
This teaching highlights principles such as the complete authority of Scripture, the significance of minor details, and the need to handle God’s Word carefully. For Christians today, it reminds us to study the Bible closely, trusting that God has purposes for every jot and tittle in His divine message to humanity.
Even features of the text that seem obscure or unimportant to us contain divine truth that God wants to communicate. Just as Jesus valued the Old Testament Scriptures down to the smallest detail, so should we adopt a high view of the Bible in its entirety.