Ancient Amulets: φυλακτήριον (Strong’s G5440: phylaktērion) Reveals Jewish Traditions

Strong’s G5440: A noun derived from φυλάσσω (to guard), referring to a phylactery – a small leather box containing Scripture passages worn by Jews during prayer. These amulet-like objects served as literal interpretations of divine commands to keep God’s words as “frontlets between the eyes.”

U- Unveiling the Word

The φυλακτήριον (phylaktērion) represents a significant physical manifestation of Jewish devotional practice, primarily serving as a reminder of God’s commandments. These small leather cases contained four specific Torah passages written on parchment: Exodus 13:1-10, 13:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21. The practice stems from a literal interpretation of the biblical command to bind God’s words as signs on hands and foreheads. While originally intended as metaphorical reminders of devotion, they evolved into literal objects during the intertestamental period. Their relevance today extends beyond their physical form, symbolizing the importance of keeping God’s Word close to our thoughts and actions.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φυλακτήριον, phylaktērion, fü-lak-tā’-rē-on
• Detailed pronunciation: foo-lahk-TAY-ree-on
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φυλάσσω (phylassō) – root meaning “to guard/protect”
• -τήριον (-tērion) – suffix denoting a place or instrument for an action

D – Defining Meanings

• A safeguard or means of protection
• A prayer band or religious amulet
• A leather case containing Scripture passages

For compound words:
The root φυλάσσω provides the core meaning of guarding or protecting, while the -τήριον suffix indicates an instrument used for that purpose.

Translation Options:

• Phylactery – Most precise, preserves historical/cultural context
• Prayer band – Describes physical appearance and use
• Scripture case – Emphasizes functional purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φυλακή (phylakē, foo-lah-KAY) – prison, watch – See G5438
• φύλαξ (phylax, FOO-laks) – guard, keeper – See G5441
• τηρέω (tēreō, tay-REH-oh) – to guard, keep – See G5083

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 2nd

These features affect how the word changes form:

• Singular: φυλακτήριον
• Plural: φυλακτήρια
• Genitive: φυλακτηρίου

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines φυλακτήριον primarily as a safeguard or means of protection, while specifically noting its Jewish religious context as prayer bands. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to fortified places and security measures in classical usage before its specialized religious meaning. LSJ traces its evolution from secular protective amulets to specifically Jewish religious items. Vine’s notes the irony in Matthew 23:5, where their enlarged size contradicted their intended purpose of humble reminder. Strong’s connects it to the verb φυλάσσω, highlighting its protective function. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use for protective charms in Hellenistic culture.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 23:5 “But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries [φυλακτήρια] broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.”

Additional References:
As φυλακτήριον appears only once in the New Testament, there are no additional references. However, related concepts appear in Exodus 13:9, Exodus 13:16, Deuteronomy 6:8, Deuteronomy 11:18.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Plutarch: Moralia	“They carried protective charms [φυλακτήρια] against evil omens.”
Diodorus Siculus: Library	“The soldiers wore defensive amulets [φυλακτήρια] into battle.”
Josephus: Antiquities	“The Jews bind these words as safeguards [φυλακτήρια] upon their foreheads.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The φυλακτήριον represents a fascinating intersection of literal and symbolic religious practice in Judaism. While Jesus criticized their misuse for ostentation, their original purpose as reminders of God’s Word remains spiritually significant. The good news of King Jesus fulfills what these physical objects represented – He is the living Word, not confined to leather boxes but written on believers’ hearts through the Holy Spirit. This transformation from external religious symbols to internal spiritual reality exemplifies the new covenant’s superiority.

D – Did You Know?

1. Archaeological discoveries have found phylacteries at Qumran dating to the 1st century BCE
2. The leather boxes were precisely cubic in shape, symbolizing perfection
3. Modern tefillin (phylacteries) are still made according to ancient specifications

Strong’s G5440: A noun derived from φυλάσσω (to guard), referring to a phylactery – a small leather box containing Scripture passages worn by Jews during prayer. These amulet-like objects served as literal interpretations of divine commands to keep God’s words as “frontlets between the eyes.”

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: prayer, Jewish customs, religious objects, amulets, Torah, commandments, protective items, religious symbols, Jewish worship, biblical artifacts