Matthew 5:18

Webster's Bible (1833)

For most assuredly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter{literally, iota} or one tiny pen stroke{or, serif} shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.

📖 Grammatical Analysis

Original Text

Ἀμὴν γὰρ λέγω ὑμῖν, Ἕως ἂν παρέλθῃ ὁ οὐρανὸς καὶ ἡ γῆ, ἰῶτα ἓν ἢ μία κεραία οὐ μὴ παρέλθῃ ἀπὸ τοῦ νόμου, ἕως ἂν πάντα γένηται.

Transliteration

Amēn gar legō to-you, Until an parelthē the ouranos and the gē, iōta one or one keraia not not parelthē from the nomou, until an all genētai.

Grammar Details

• *Amēn*: Hebrew transliteration - truly/verily
• *gar*: postpositive conjunction - for/because
• *legō*: present active indicative, 1st person singular - I say/tell
• *an*: modal particle with subjunctive - ever/possibly
• *parelthē*: aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person singular - might pass away
• *ouranos*: nominative masculine singular - heaven/sky
• *gē*: nominative feminine singular - earth/land
• *iōta*: nominative neuter singular - iota (smallest Greek letter)
• *keraia*: nominative feminine singular - stroke/serif (part of a letter)
• *nomou*: genitive masculine singular - of law
• *genētai*: aorist middle subjunctive, 3rd person singular - might happen/be fulfilled

Word Meanings

• *Amēn*: truly/verily/certainly
• *legō*: say/tell/speak
• *parelthē*: pass away/pass by/come to an end
• *ouranos*: heaven/sky
• *gē*: earth/land/ground
• *iōta*: iota/smallest letter (like Hebrew yod)
• *keraia*: stroke/serif/small mark on a letter
• *genētai*: happen/be fulfilled/come to pass

Referenced Verses

• Luke 16:17 : 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.
• Ps 119:89-90 : 89 Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever. 90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.
• 1 Pet 1:25 : 25 But the Lord's word endures forever." This is the word of good news which was preached to you.
• Isa 40:8 : 8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever.
• Isa 51:6 : 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and those who dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.
• Ps 119:152 : 152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, That you have founded them forever.
• Ps 102:26 : 26 They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed.
• John 5:19 : 19 Jesus therefore answered them, "Most assuredly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.
• John 3:11 : 11 Most assuredly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness.
• 2 Pet 3:10-13 : 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore since all these things are thus to be destroyed, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy living and godliness, 12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which dwells righteousness.
• Rev 20:11 : 11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.
• Matt 5:26 : 26 Most assuredly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.{Literally, kodrantes. A kodrantes was a small copper coin worth about 2 lepta (widow's mites)--not enough to buy very much of anything.}
• Matt 6:2 : 2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most assuredly I tell you, they have received their reward.
• Matt 6:16 : 16 "Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most assuredly I tell you, they have received their reward.
• Matt 8:10 : 10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to those who followed, "Most assuredly I tell you, I haven't found so great a faith, not even in Israel.
• Matt 10:15 : 15 Most assuredly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
• Matt 10:23 : 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most assuredly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man has come.
• Matt 10:42 : 42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most assuredly I tell you he will in no way lose his reward."
• Matt 11:11 : 11 Most assuredly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.
• Matt 13:17 : 17 For most assuredly I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them.
• Matt 16:28 : 28 Most assuredly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom."
• Matt 17:20 : 20 He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most assuredly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
• Matt 18:3 : 3 and said, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Matt 18:18 : 18 Most assuredly I tell you, whatever things you will bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever things you will release on earth will be released in heaven.
• Matt 19:23 : 23 Jesus said to his disciples, "Most assuredly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.
• Matt 19:28 : 28 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Matt 21:21 : 21 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what is done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done.
• Matt 21:31 : 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you.
• Matt 23:36 : 36 Most assuredly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.
• Matt 24:2 : 2 But he answered them, "Don't you see all of these things? Most assuredly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down."
• Matt 24:34-35 : 34 Most assuredly I tell you, this generation{The word for "generation" (genea) can also be translated as "race."} will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
• Matt 24:47 : 47 Most assuredly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has.
• Matt 25:12 : 12 But he answered, 'Most assuredly I tell you, I don't know you.'
• Matt 25:40 : 40 "The King will answer them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers{The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."}, you did it to me.'
• Matt 25:45 : 45 "Then he will answer them, saying, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me.'
• Matt 26:13-14 : 13 Most assuredly I tell you, wherever this Gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of her." 14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,
• Mark 3:28 : 28 Most assuredly I tell you, all of the children of men's sins will be forgiven them, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme;
• Mark 6:11 : 11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"
• Mark 8:12 : 12 He sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation{The word translated "generation" here (genea) could also be translated "people," "race," or "family."} seek a sign? Most assuredly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation."
• Mark 9:1 : 1 He said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power."
• Mark 9:41 : 41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most assuredly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.
• Mark 10:15 : 15 Most assuredly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."
• Mark 10:29 : 29 Jesus said, "Most assuredly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the Gospel's sake,
• Mark 11:23 : 23 For most assuredly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says.
• Mark 12:43 : 43 He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
• Mark 13:30 : 30 Most assuredly I say to you, this generation{The word translated "generation" (genea) could also be translated "race," "family," or "people."} will not pass away until all these things happen.
• Mark 14:9 : 9 Most assuredly I tell you, wherever this Gospel may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her."
• Mark 14:18 : 18 As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, "Most assuredly I tell you, one of you will betray me -- he who eats with me."
• Mark 14:25 : 25 Most assuredly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God."
• Mark 14:30 : 30 Jesus said to him, "Most assuredly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."
• Luke 4:24 : 24 He said, "Most assuredly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.
• Luke 11:51 : 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.' Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.
• Luke 12:37 : 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most assuredly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them.
• Luke 13:35 : 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"
• Luke 18:17 : 17 Most assuredly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, he will in no way enter into it."
• Luke 18:29 : 29 He said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God's sake,
• Luke 21:32-33 : 32 Most assuredly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.
• Luke 23:43 : 43 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
• John 1:51 : 51 He said to him, "Most assuredly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."
• John 3:3 : 3 Jesus answered him, "Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew,{The word translated "anew" here and in John 3:7 (anothen) also means "again" and "from above".} he can't see the Kingdom of God."
• John 3:5 : 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God!
• John 5:24-25 : 24 "Most assuredly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God's voice; and those who hear will live.
• John 6:26 : 26 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.
• John 6:32 : 32 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most assuredly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.
• John 6:47 : 47 Most assuredly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.
• John 6:53 : 53 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don't have life in yourselves.
• John 8:34 : 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.
• John 8:51 : 51 Most assuredly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, he will never see death."
• John 8:58 : 58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I tell you, before Abraham came into existence, I AM."
• John 10:1 : 1 "Most assuredly, I tell you, one who doesn't enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
• John 10:7 : 7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Most assuredly, I tell you, I am the sheep's door.
• John 12:24 : 24 Most assuredly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.
• John 13:16 : 16 Most assuredly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him.
• John 13:20-21 : 20 Most assuredly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me." 21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most assuredly I tell you that one of you will betray me."
• John 13:38 : 38 Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most assuredly I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times.
• John 14:12 : 12 Most assuredly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these will he do; because I am going to my Father.
• John 16:20 : 20 Most assuredly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
• John 16:23 : 23 "In that day you will ask me no questions. Most assuredly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
• John 21:18 : 18 Most assuredly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."
• Heb 1:11-12 : 11 They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. 12 As a mantle you will roll them up, And they will be changed; But you are the same. Your years will not fail."