Bible Dictionaries
Dot

Holman Bible Dictionary

REB translation of Greek term “little horn” (Matthew 5:18; compare Luke 16:17 ), rendered in various ways in English translations (e.g. tittle, KJV; stroke of a letter or pen, NASV, NRSV, NIV). The dot is generally held to be a mark distinguishing similarly shaped letters, either the raised dot distinguishing sin from shin or else the hooks used to distinguish others (e.g., beth and kaph ). Others suggest the letter waw is intended. Iota , translated “jot” or “smallest letter” is the smallest Greek vowel and is generally taken to represent the smallest Hebrew letter, yodh . Jesus thus contended that is was easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest detail of the law to be set aside. Matthew's qualification “until all is accomplished” is perhaps a reference to the saving work of Christ as the fulfillment of all Scripture.