Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "jot" is derived from the Greek word "iota," which is the smallest letter in the Greek alphabet. In the context of the Bible, "jot" is often used to emphasize the precision and completeness of God's Word and law. The most notable reference to a "jot" is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew.Biblical Reference: Matthew 5:18 : "For truly I tell you, 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." In this passage, Jesus underscores the enduring nature of the Law, affirming that not even the smallest letter or stroke will pass away until all is fulfilled. This statement highlights the divine authority and permanence of Scripture, suggesting that every detail, no matter how minute, holds significance in God's plan. Theological Significance: 1. Inerrancy of Scripture: The reference to a "jot" underscores the belief in the inerrancy and infallibility of the Bible. It suggests that every part of Scripture, down to the smallest letter, is inspired by God and is essential for understanding His will. 2. Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus' mention of the "jot" in Matthew 5:18 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where He clarifies His relationship to the Law. By stating that not even a jot will disappear, Jesus affirms the continuity and fulfillment of the Old Testament Law through His teachings and actions. 3. Attention to Detail: The emphasis on the "jot" serves as a reminder of the importance of paying attention to the details of God's Word. It encourages believers to study Scripture diligently, recognizing that every part has purpose and meaning. 4. Divine Sovereignty: The assurance that not a single jot will pass away until all is accomplished reflects God's sovereign control over history and His faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition. Cultural and Historical Context: In the Jewish tradition, the Hebrew equivalent of the "jot" is the "yodh," the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The meticulous care with which scribes copied the Scriptures underscores the reverence for every letter and word, reflecting the belief that each part of the text is sacred and significant. Application for Believers: For Christians, the concept of the "jot" serves as a call to uphold the authority of Scripture in their lives. It challenges believers to trust in the reliability of God's Word and to live in obedience to His commands, knowing that every aspect of His revelation is purposeful and true. Easton's Bible Dictionary Or Iota, the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet, used metaphorically or proverbially for the smallest thing (Matthew 5:18); or it may be = yod, which is the smallest of the Hebrew letters. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An iota; a point; a tittle; the smallest particle. Cf. Bit, n.2. (v. t.) To set down; to make a brief note of; -- usually followed by down. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOTjot: "Jot" (Revised Version, later editions of the King James Version) is a corruption of iote (early editions of the King James Version, Geneva, Rheims, Bishops'-pronounced i-o'te), an English transliteration of iota, the 9th letter of the Greek alphabet (Matthew 5:18 parallel). "Iota," in turn, is the nearest Greek equivalent for the Hebrew yodh ("y"), the smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet, in New Testament times being little larger than an English accent ('). The tittle (which see) is the smallest part of a letter (not part of a y, however). Consequently, thinking of the law as written out, the sense of Matthew 5:17, is: "From this code, so written, not the smallest letter nor part of a letter-not an `i' nor the crossing of a `t'-shall be erased until all things come to pass." (For the meaning, see LAW.) The reference is to the synagogue rolls, which were written in Hebrew, so that the passage has no bearing on the language used by Christ. For the form of the "jot," compare the tables in HDB, article "Alphabet," more fully in Chwolson,. Corp. Inscr. Hebrew. (1882). Greek 2503. iota -- iota ... 2503 ("jot" in the ) -- ", the smallest Hebrew (Aramaic) letter" (Souter). ... letter, yod Definition iota NASB Word Usage letter (1). jot, iota. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2503.htm - 7k Library Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Sermon on the Mount. The Positive Side The Evil and Its Remedy The Sluggard in Harvest Of the First Covenant. Faustus Rejects Christ's Declaration that He came not to Destroy ... The New Form of the Old Law The Righteousness of Faith God's Law Immutable. Thesaurus Jot (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JOT. ... For the form of the "jot," compare the tables in HDB, article "Alphabet," more fully in Chwolson,. Corp. Inscr. Hebrew. ... /j/jot.htm - 8k Jot'bathah (3 Occurrences) Tittle (2 Occurrences) Jotbathah (3 Occurrences) Minute (19 Occurrences) Verily (146 Occurrences) Jostled (1 Occurrence) Jotbah (4 Occurrences) Jotapata Whit (5 Occurrences) Resources What is a jot? What is a tittle? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Matthew | GotQuestions.org What is Verbal Plenary Preservation? | GotQuestions.org Jot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jot (1 Occurrence)Matthew 5:18 Subtopics Jot: The Smallest Character in Written Hebrew (A Yodh) Related Terms |
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