Matthew 5:18

"“Don’t think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill."

Key Reflection

Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:18 challenges his hearers' expectations by affirming that he came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. In first-century Israel, many Jews anticipated a messianic figure who would radically alter or even reject existing religious traditions. By declaring his intention to fulfill these texts, Jesus asserts his role as the long-awaited Messiah who will bring ultimate fulfillment rather than disruption.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. Verily. Truly, certainly. A word of strong affirmation. Till heaven and earth pass. This expression denotes that the law never should be destroyed till it should be all fulfilled. It is the same as saying, everything else may change--the very earth and heaven may pass away--but the law of God shall not be destroyed, till its whole design shall be accomplished. One jot. The word jot, or yod--'--is the name of the Hebrew letter I, the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet. One tittle. The Hebrew letters were written with small points or apices, as in the letter Schin--*** or Sin ***-- which serve to distinguish one letter from another.

Related Verses

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