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a guard-case, i.e. "phylactery" for wearing slips of Scripture texts
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Strong 1890 a guard-case, i.e. "phylactery" for wearing slips of Scripture texts
neuter of a derivative of G5442 (φυλάσσω);
Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
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
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
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:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
These features affect how the word changes form:
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.
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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
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?
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