“One Jot nor Tittle”

This verse is a companion to verse 17, promising that the law will not be destroyed. The promise covers not only the main points but also its smaller aspects—the “jots” and “tittles.” It emphasizes the “fulfillment” phrase of verse 17.

Vocabulary: The King James Version translation uses “jot” and “tittle.” The Greek text uses “iota” and “hook.” The iota is the smallest Greek letter, corresponding to the Hebrew yod (transliterated into “jot”). The hook was an ornamental touch added to some Hebrew consonants. (See commentary accompanying Alma 34:13 and 3 Nephi 1:25.)

Comparison: The changes in the 3 Nephi text reflect a difference between promise and fulfillment appropriate to their context—standing one on either side of Jesus’s atonement. In the Old World, fulfillment was yet to come in Christ’s perfect sacrifice. In the New World, it had already occurred.

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot noror one tittle hath not passed awayshall in no wise pass from the law, but in me it hath all beentill all be fulfilled. (Matt. 5:18).

The most interesting change is the removal of “till heaven and earth pass.” Although speculative, I hypothesize that Joseph was emphasizing the gospel’s permanence. “Till heaven and earth pass” suggests that an end might come; eliminating the phrase may emphasize the gospel’s eternal nature.