Luke 16:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it is {G2076} easier {G2123} for heaven {G3772} and {G2532} earth {G1093} to pass {G3928}, than {G2228} one {G3391} tittle {G2762} of the law {G3551} to fail {G4098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the Torah to become void.

Berean Standard Bible

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for a single stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

American Standard Version

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 16:17 presents a profound declaration from Jesus, asserting the absolute and enduring authority of God's Law. It posits that the physical universe, in all its vastness and apparent permanence, is more likely to vanish than the smallest detail of God's divine revelation to lose its validity or force. This statement underscores the Law's divine origin, its meticulous precision, and its unwavering immutability, even in the dawning era of the Kingdom of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of challenging teachings from Jesus, beginning with the [Parable of the Unjust Steward](/luke/16-1-13 "Luke 16:1-13 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward") and His stark declaration that "Ye cannot serve God and mammon" ([Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - Serving God or Mammon")). The Pharisees, who were characterized as "lovers of money," heard these words and "derided him" ([Luke 16:14](/luke/16-14 "Luke 16:14 - The Pharisees' Derision")). Jesus then rebukes their self-justification and human esteem, contrasting it with God's true assessment ([Luke 16:15](/luke/16-15 "Luke 16:15 - God Knows the Heart")). He then states, "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it" ([Luke 16:16](/luke/16-16 "Luke 16:16 - The Law, the Prophets, and the Kingdom")). To prevent any misinterpretation that the Law was now obsolete or abolished due to the advent of the Kingdom, Jesus immediately follows with Luke 16:17, emphasizing its absolute and eternal permanence. This ensures His audience understands that the new era does not negate the foundational truth of God's revealed will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the Law (Torah) was the cornerstone of religious, social, and national identity. The Pharisees, in particular, were meticulous in their study and application of the Law, often extending its requirements through oral traditions. Jesus' teachings, while affirming the Law's divine origin, frequently challenged the Pharisees' interpretations and their emphasis on external observance over internal righteousness. The concept of the "tittle" (Greek: _keraía_) would have resonated deeply with Jewish scribes and scholars, who understood the immense effort and reverence involved in copying and preserving the sacred texts. Every letter, every stroke, was considered divinely inspired and significant. The idea that "heaven and earth" could pass away was a common Jewish idiom for something utterly impossible or for the end of the current age, making Jesus' comparison incredibly potent.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key theological themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Immutability of God's Law**, asserting that divine principles are eternal and unchangeable, transcending the temporal existence of the physical cosmos. Secondly, it underscores the **Divine Precision and Authority** of God's revelation, emphasizing that every minute detail of the Law carries divine weight and cannot be disregarded. This theme resonates with Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 5:17-18](/matthew/5-17-18 "Matthew 5:17-18 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), where He explicitly states He came "not to destroy, but to fulfill" the Law and the Prophets, and that not "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Thirdly, the verse subtly points towards the **Fulfillment, Not Abolition, of the Law**. While the ceremonial and sacrificial aspects of the Old Covenant Law found their ultimate fulfillment and culmination in Christ, its underlying moral principles, reflecting God's unchanging character, remain eternally valid and are upheld in the New Covenant through the Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tittle (Greek, _keraía'_):** From G2762, this word refers to something "horn-like," specifically the apex or smallest projection of a Hebrew letter. In ancient Hebrew script, tiny distinctions in strokes or serifs could differentiate one letter from another (e.g., a 'resh' from a 'daleth') or indicate vowel points. Jesus' use of "tittle" emphasizes the absolute minuteness and precision of the Law, implying that not even the most insignificant mark of the written Torah can be annulled or lose its force. It speaks to the meticulous detail and divine inspiration of the entire scriptural text.
* **earth (Greek, _gē'_):** From G1093, this term denotes the "soil," "region," or the "solid part or the whole of the terrene globe." In this context, "heaven and earth" (G3772 _ouranós_ and G1093 _gē_) represent the entire created cosmos, the physical universe. By contrasting the passing of this immense, seemingly permanent creation with the enduring nature of a "tittle" of the Law, Jesus uses hyperbole to emphasize the Law's unparalleled stability and eternal validity.
* **fail (Greek, _píptō'_):** From G4098, this word means "to fall (literally or figuratively)," "to lose its force," or "to be annulled." In the context of the Law, it signifies that the Law cannot "fall" or "perish" in the sense of being invalidated, abolished, or losing its inherent authority. This term reinforces the Law's immutability; it will not cease to exist or be rendered ineffective, even as the old order gives way to the new Kingdom era.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass":** Jesus begins with a statement of extreme comparison. "Heaven and earth" symbolize the entire physical creation, the cosmos, which to human perception appears utterly stable and eternal. The idea of them "passing" (Greek: _parérchomai_, G3928, meaning "to go by or away," "perish") signifies their complete dissolution or destruction. By stating that this monumental event is "easier" (Greek: _eukopṓteros_, G2123, "more facile") than what follows, Jesus employs hyperbole to set up a dramatic contrast, highlighting the profound permanence of the Law.
* **"than one tittle of the law to fail":** This clause presents the seemingly impossible alternative. A "tittle" (Greek: _keraía_, G2762) refers to the smallest, most insignificant stroke or mark in Hebrew writing. "The law" (Greek: _nómos_, G3551) refers to the Mosaic Law, the divine revelation given through Moses. To say that even this minute "tittle" cannot "fail" (Greek: _píptō_, G4098, meaning to fall, lose force, or be annulled) emphasizes the absolute integrity, precision, and enduring authority of God's Word. It means that not even the minutest part of the Law can be abrogated, rendered void, or lose its divine force.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 16:17 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Jesus uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis. By stating that the dissolution of the entire cosmos is "easier" than the failure of a single "tittle" of the Law, He underscores the Law's absolute and unshakeable permanence in the most dramatic way possible. This hyperbole also creates a powerful **Contrast** between the vastness and apparent stability of the physical universe and the infinitesimal detail of a "tittle," yet it is the latter that possesses greater, eternal stability. Furthermore, the "tittle" functions as a **Synecdoche** (or **Metonymy**), where a small part (the tittle) stands for the whole (the entire Law). By emphasizing the integrity of the smallest stroke, Jesus implicitly affirms the integrity and divine authority of the Law in its entirety, down to its most meticulous detail. This rhetorical strategy ensures that the audience grasps the profound and inviolable nature of God's revealed will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 16:17 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the enduring nature of God's revealed will. It affirms that the principles and precepts of the Law are not arbitrary human constructs but are rooted in the unchanging character of God Himself. While the Old Covenant, with its specific ceremonial and judicial laws, has been superseded by the New Covenant in Christ, the underlying moral and spiritual principles of the Law remain eternally valid. This verse teaches us that God's truth is not subject to the whims of human opinion or the passage of time; it stands firm as a testament to His faithfulness and righteousness. It calls believers to a profound reverence for all of Scripture, recognizing its divine authority and timeless relevance.

* [Matthew 5:18](/matthew/5-18 "Matthew 5:18 - Not a Jot or Tittle Shall Pass"): A parallel statement from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, reinforcing the Law's enduring nature until all is fulfilled.
* [Psalm 119:89](/psalms/119-89 "Psalm 119:89 - God's Word Settled in Heaven"): "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." This Old Testament declaration beautifully echoes the eternal permanence of God's commands and decrees.
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "Isaiah 40:8 - The Word of Our God Stands Forever"): "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." This prophetic assurance further emphasizes the eternal and unyielding nature of divine truth in contrast to the transient world.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 16:17 challenges us to consider our own posture towards God's Word. In a world constantly shifting its values and redefining truth, this verse stands as an anchor, reminding us that God's standards are immutable. It calls us to a deep reverence for the Scriptures, not as a collection of outdated rules, but as the living, active, and eternally relevant revelation of God's character and will. For the believer, this means diligently studying, meditating on, and striving to obey God's commands, understanding that they reflect His perfect wisdom and His desire for our good. It encourages us to trust in the unwavering faithfulness of God, whose promises and principles are more enduring than the very fabric of the cosmos. Our lives should reflect this conviction, demonstrating a commitment to righteousness that is rooted in God's unchanging truth, rather than the fleeting trends of culture.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the immutability of God's Law, as stated in Luke 16:17, impact your view of the Bible's authority in your life today?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, attempt to "fail" or diminish the force of God's commands in our own lives or in the church?**
* **Considering that "heaven and earth" are temporary, what does this verse teach us about what truly holds eternal value and significance?**

### FAQ
**Does Luke 16:17 mean that Christians are still bound by every single law and regulation found in the Old Testament, including ceremonial and dietary laws?**

Answer: No, Luke 16:17 does not mean Christians are bound by every Old Testament law in the same way. Jesus' statement emphasizes the *enduring validity and divine authority* of the Law, particularly its moral and spiritual principles, rather than the perpetuation of every specific covenantal regulation. The New Testament teaches that Christ came to [fulfill the Law](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), not abolish it. His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection brought about the New Covenant, which supersedes the Old Covenant's ceremonial and sacrificial systems. For example, the need for animal sacrifices ended with Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice")), and dietary laws were declared obsolete ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Mark 7:19 - Jesus Declares All Foods Clean") and [Acts 10:15](/acts/10-15 "Acts 10:15 - Peter's Vision")). However, the underlying moral principles of the Law, such as the Ten Commandments, remain eternally binding because they reflect God's unchanging character and righteous nature. Christians are called to live by these moral principles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as they are now written on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). Therefore, Luke 16:17 affirms the Law's divine origin and enduring truth, while the New Covenant clarifies its fulfillment and application in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 16:17, with its emphatic declaration of the Law's permanence, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely a teacher who upholds the Law, but the very embodiment and culmination of it. As He Himself declared in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), He "came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it." Jesus perfectly obeyed every precept of the Law, living a sinless life that no other human could achieve ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). His death on the cross served as the once-for-all sacrifice that fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant, taking away the sin of the world and establishing a new covenant based on grace, not works of the Law ([Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1-18 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through Christ, the Law is not abolished but transformed in its application; its moral demands are now written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters on Hearts")). Thus, the "tittle" of the Law does not fail because Christ perfectly upholds its righteousness, provides the means for its demands to be met, and empowers His followers to walk in its spirit, reflecting God's unchanging character through Him ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

1 Peter 1:25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Romans 3:31

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Isaiah 51:6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

Psalms 102:25

Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands.