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Phylactery

Phylacteries were small boxes containing Scripture passages worn by Jewish men on the forehead and arm as a literal observance of God's command to remember His Word. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for wearing them ostentatiously while neglecting the law's true intent.

Overview

Phylacteries (Hebrew: tefillin) were leather boxes containing written portions of Scripture, worn during prayer as a physical reminder to keep God's commands always before the mind and heart. They developed from the literal interpretation of Deuteronomy 6:8 and Exodus 13:16, though the practice evolved beyond the original intent. Jesus confronted the religious leaders who enlarged their phylacteries to draw attention to themselves rather than genuine devotion to God's law.

Key Scriptures

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart" (Deuteronomy 6:6, ESV). "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes" (Deuteronomy 6:8, ESV). "They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long" (Matthew 23:5, ESV).

Application

Guard against religious externalism; ensure your outward expressions of faith reflect genuine inward devotion to God's Word and commandments.

Scripture References 10
Deuteronomy 6:4 Deuteronomy 6:5 Deuteronomy 6:6 Deuteronomy 6:7 Deuteronomy 6:8 Deuteronomy 6:9 Exodus 13:9 Exodus 13:16 Deuteronomy 11:18 Matthew 23:5
Full Topical Reference List 10 total — Nave's Topical Bible

A small box containing slips of parchment on which were written portions of the law

Deuteronomy 6:4 Deuteronomy 6:5 Deuteronomy 6:6 Deuteronomy 6:7 Deuteronomy 6:8 Deuteronomy 6:9 Deuteronomy 11:18 Exodus 13:9 Exodus 13:16

Worn ostentatiously by the Jews, on the head and left arm

Matthew 23:5
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