"iota; in NT used like the Hebrew/Aramaic yod, the smallest letter in the Hebrew/Aramaic alphabet, as an expression for the least or minutest part; a jot, Mt. 5:18*"
Definition and meaning
iota; in NT used like the Hebrew/Aramaic yod, the smallest letter in the Hebrew/Aramaic alphabet, as an expression for the least or minutest part; a jot, Mt. 5:18*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἰῶτα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of iota (G2503) across the King James Bible.
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.
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Common questions
Strong's G2503 (iota) is a Greek word that means: iota; in NT used like the Hebrew/Aramaic yod, the smallest letter in the Hebrew/Aramaic alphabet, as an expression for the least or minutest part; a jot, Mt. 5:18* It appears 1 times in the King James Bible.
The word iota (G2503) appears 1 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2503 is iota, a Greek word defined as: iota; in NT used like the Hebrew/Aramaic yod, the smallest letter in the Hebrew/Aramaic alphabet, as an expression for the least or minutest part; a j. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
iota is a Greek word found in the New Testament.