And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

LUKE 16:17KJV
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Luke 16:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 16:17 mean?

In Luke 16:17, Jesus says that even the smallest detail of God’s law has lasting weight. He makes the point with a striking comparison: heaven and earth would sooner pass away than a single detail of the law fail.

A “tittle” was a tiny mark used in writing. Jesus is speaking within a conversation in which the Pharisees, a Jewish religious group, have been listening and mocking him.

The Greek behind Luke 16:17

  • “tittle” — κεραία (keraia): This word can mean a small stroke or projection in a written letter. Jesus uses the image of a tiny pen stroke to point to the smallest detail of the law.
  • “fail” — πίπτω (piptō): This word can mean “fall.” Paired with “tittle,” the image suggests a written mark falling away.

Why Luke 16:17 matters

  • Jesus’ announcement of God’s kingdom does not make the law insignificant. Verse 17 follows his statement in verse 16 about the law, the prophets, and the good news of God’s kingdom.
  • Jesus makes a claim about the smallest detail, not merely the law’s broad outlines. The phrase “one tittle” draws attention to something a reader might easily overlook.
  • The image of heaven and earth sets the scale of the comparison. Jesus chooses what people know as the whole visible world to make the force of his statement clear.

Where else these words appear

“tittle” Greek G2762 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 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.

“easier” Greek G2123 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 9:5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
  • Mark 2:9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?
  • Luke 5:23 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

“pass” Greek G3928 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 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.
  • Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
  • Luke 21:33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 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.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;