God-Breathed Jots and Tittles

Just as clothing and hair fashions come and go, certain questions get asked and then asked again. One such question is, “How do I know I can trust my Bible?” I am not going to lay out a comprehensive defense of the Bible as the Word of God this week. Rather, I want to look at a single statement from Jesus that delivers a profound impact regarding the believability of scripture.

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.
– Matthew 5:18, ESV

Inspired – God-Breathed

You may occasionally hear, or be involved in, discussions regarding the Bible’s inspiration. It is frequently referenced as, “the inspired Word of God.” Within the scope of this doctrine, we find a variety of expressions regarding what that phrase means. Inspired, yes, but how?

We read in 1 Timothy that all scripture is “God breathed,”¹ but what does that mean? One of the first Greek phases I learned as a young believer is pasa graphe theoneustos, “All scripture is God-breathed.” We know the biblical texts were originally penned by specific human hands, but being God-breathed suggests that God was guiding those hands. How did that happen?

Before we get too deeply into this, I want to emphasize that discussions of biblical inspiration are focused on the original texts in their original languages. Translations of those original texts are usually scholarly works borne out of years of study, resulting in numerous worthy translations of scripture, but these translations are not inspired works.

Plenary Verbal Inspiration

There are several theories regarding the style and extent of inspiration, but this week I want to look at plenary verbal inspiration. Plenary means complete or full. Verbal, of course is by words. So plenary verbal inspiration of scripture means that God breathed it to the authors fully by words.

Is there evidence or testimony to support this idea? Yes. There is.

Returning to the quote from Jesus above, I argue that Jesus is supporting the concept of plenary verbal inspiration of scripture. If we take Jesus seriously, he is saying not only are the words themselves inspired, but the very letters, the strokes of the quill are just as God wants them to be.

Let’s look at the same target verse in the King James Version.

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.
– Matthew 5:18, KJV

I believe the “jot” the KJV is referencing is “yod,” the tenth and smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It is written above the line and resembles a fancy apostrophe. The tittle, even smaller than the jot, is a rounded, half-moon shaped extension that distinguishes one Hebrew letter from another, similar letter. The letters resh and dalet look very similar except for this slight “bump” on top stroke of the quill.

Considering these jots and tittles, it is difficult to imagine a stronger testimony for plenary verbal inspiration than the one Jesus has given. The Apostle Peter holds the same view.

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
– 2 Peter 1:21, ESV

The Double Negative

Jesus’ statement is even stronger yet. He used a phrasing in making this statement that is common to Greek, but a challenge to translate into English. If you look at several translations of Jesus’ statement side by side, you’ll see how different translations attempt to deal with it, and you’ll also see some throw up their hands and ignore it altogether.

The phrase Jesus uses runs something like this: “…one iota or one stroke of a letter no not shall pass away.” The double negative is used to add the strongest possible emphasis to what is being said.

The KJV translates it “…shall in no wise pass…”
The NIV says, “…will by any means disappear…”

Some translators separate the double negative, placing one in front of the jot and the other in front of the tittle,

“…not a single jot, not a stroke of the pen…”

This is accurate, but it loses that punch I believe Jesus intended.

The Apostle Paul made a similar statement to the churches in Galatia.

Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
– Galatians 3:16, ESV

Paul is arguing a point based on the inspired singular versus plural of a noun!

What I see Jesus doing with his declaration is saying every word, even every stroke of the pen, is of God and must be fulfilled. Jesus made similar statements in other places. When defending himself against a charge of blasphemy, Jesus said, “The scripture cannot be broken.”²