Exodus 13:16 So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."

◄ Exodus 13:16 ►

New International Version
And it will be like a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead that the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his mighty hand.”

New Living Translation
This ceremony will be like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead. It is a reminder that the power of the LORD’s mighty hand brought us out of Egypt.”

English Standard Version
It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Berean Standard Bible
So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

King James Bible
And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

New King James Version
It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

New American Standard Bible
So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

NASB 1995
“So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

NASB 1977
“So it shall serve as a sign on your hand, and as phylacteries on your forehead, for with a powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Legacy Standard Bible
So it will be as a sign on your hand and as phylacteries between your eyes, for with a strong hand Yahweh brought us out of Egypt.”

Amplified Bible
So it shall serve as a sign and a reminder on your [left] hand (arm) and as frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong and powerful hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Christian Standard Bible
So let it be a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for the LORD brought us out of Egypt by the strength of his hand.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So let it be a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for the LORD brought us out of Egypt by the strength of His hand.”

American Standard Version
And it shall be for a sign upon thy hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand Jehovah brought us forth out of Egypt.

Contemporary English Version
This ceremony will serve the same purpose as a sign on your hand or on your forehead to tell how the LORD's mighty power rescued us from Egypt.

English Revised Version
And it shall be for a sign upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So this [festival] will be [like] a mark on your hand and [like] a band on your forehead, because the LORD used his mighty hand to bring us out of Egypt."

Good News Translation
This observance will be a reminder, like something tied on our hands or on our foreheads; it will remind us that the LORD brought us out of Egypt by his great power.'"

International Standard Version
It is to be a sign on your hand and an emblem on your forehead, because the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong show of force.'"

Majority Standard Bible
So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

NET Bible
It will be for a sign on your hand and for frontlets on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt."

New Heart English Bible
It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt."

Webster's Bible Translation
And it shall be for a token upon thy hand, and for frontlets between thy eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

World English Bible
It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us out of Egypt.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and it has been for a token on your hand, and for frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand YHWH has brought us out of Egypt.”

Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been for a token on thy hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes, for by strength of hand hath Jehovah brought us out of Egypt.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it was for a sign upon thy hand, and for bands between thine eyes: for with a strong hand Jehovah brought us forth from Egypt.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And it shall be as a sign in thy hand, and as a thing hung between thy eyes, for a remembrance: because the Lord hath brought us forth out of Egypt by a strong hand.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, it will be like a sign in your hand and like something hanging between your eyes as a remembrance, because with a strong hand the Lord has led us away from Egypt.”

New American Bible
It will be like a sign on your hand and a band on your forehead that with a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

New Revised Standard Version
It shall serve as a sign on your hand and as an emblem on your forehead that by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And it shall be as a token on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes; for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it will be a sign to you on your hand and a remembrance between your eyes, because by a mighty hand LORD JEHOVAH brought you out from Egypt.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And it shall be for a sign upon thy hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes; for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it shall be for a sign upon thy hand, and immovable before thine eyes, for with a strong hand the Lord brought thee out of Egypt.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Dedication of the Firstborn
…15And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ 16So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Deuteronomy 6:8
Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Deuteronomy 11:18
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

Exodus 12:14
And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come.

Exodus 12:26-27
When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ / you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped.

Exodus 12:42
Because the LORD kept a vigil that night to bring them out of the land of Egypt, this same night is to be a vigil to the LORD, to be observed by all the Israelites for the generations to come.

Exodus 13:9
It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.

Numbers 15:38-39
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. / These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own heart and your own eyes.

Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren.

Deuteronomy 6:20-25
In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” / then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. / Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. ...

Joshua 4:6-7
to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ / you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”

Psalm 78:4-7
We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children ...

Psalm 105:5
Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced,

Proverbs 3:3
Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Proverbs 6:20-21
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. / Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.

Isaiah 44:5
One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD,’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob, and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel.”

Treasury of Scripture

And it shall be for a token on your hand, and for frontlets between your eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

a token

Exodus 13:9
And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

frontlets

Deuteronomy 6:7-9
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up…

Deuteronomy 11:18
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

Matthew 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

for by

Exodus 13:9,14
And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt…

Deuteronomy 26:8
And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

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Exodus 13

1. The firstborn are sanctified to God
3. The memorial of the Passover is commanded
11. The firstborn of man and beast are set apart
17. The Israelites go out of Egypt, and carry Joseph's bones with them.
20. They come to Etham
21. God guides them by a pillar of a cloud, and a pillar of fire

Berean Study Bible

So it shall serve
This phrase indicates a future action or purpose, suggesting continuity and remembrance. The Hebrew word for "serve" here is often associated with the idea of a perpetual ordinance or practice. It implies that the act of remembrance is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment. This serves as a reminder of God's enduring covenant with His people, emphasizing the importance of continual faithfulness and obedience.

as a sign
The term "sign" in Hebrew is "אוֹת" (oth), which can mean a mark, token, or miracle. In the biblical context, signs often serve as tangible reminders of God's promises and actions. Here, it signifies a visible and constant reminder of God's deliverance. This concept of a sign is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where physical symbols often represent spiritual truths.

on your hand
The hand symbolizes action and power in biblical literature. By placing a sign on the hand, it suggests that the remembrance of God's deliverance should influence one's actions and daily life. The hand is a metaphor for work and deeds, indicating that all actions should be guided by the memory of God's mighty works.

and a symbol
The word "symbol" is translated from the Hebrew "זִכָּרוֹן" (zikaron), meaning a memorial or remembrance. This emphasizes the importance of keeping God's deliverance at the forefront of one's mind. Symbols in the Bible often serve as reminders of spiritual truths and divine interventions, reinforcing the need for constant mindfulness of God's presence and power.

on your forehead
The forehead represents thought and identity. In ancient cultures, the forehead was often associated with one's character and intentions. By placing a symbol on the forehead, it signifies that the remembrance of God's deliverance should shape one's thoughts and identity. This aligns with the biblical theme of internalizing God's laws and commands, making them an integral part of one's being.

for with a mighty hand
This phrase underscores the power and sovereignty of God. The "mighty hand" is a metaphor for God's strength and intervention in human history. It highlights the miraculous nature of the Exodus, where God demonstrated His power over the natural and political realms. This serves as a reminder of God's ability to deliver and protect His people, reinforcing trust and reliance on His strength.

the LORD brought us out of Egypt
This statement is a declaration of God's redemptive action. The Exodus from Egypt is a central event in Israel's history, symbolizing liberation and salvation. It is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to fulfill them. This phrase calls believers to remember and celebrate God's past deliverances as a foundation for faith and hope in His future promises.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) It shall be for a token.--See the comment on Exodus 13:9. The "frontlets" (totaphoth) of this passage, and of Deuteronomy 6:8, were called tephillin in Chaldee, both words signifying properly "bands" or "circlets." The injunctions on the subject which are here given might undoubtedly be explained as metaphorical; but those in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 seem to have been intended, and were certainly understood, literally.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - A sign... frontlets. See the comment on verse 9. It is the custom among the Jews to write this entire passage - Exodus 13:1-16 - on two of the four strips of parchment contained in the tephillin. The others have inscribed on them Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and Deuteronomy 11:13-21.

CHAPTER 13:17-20

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So it shall serve as
וְהָיָ֤ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a sign
לְאוֹת֙ (lə·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular
Strong's 226: A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

your hand
יָ֣דְכָ֔ה (yā·ḏə·ḵāh)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

and a symbol
וּלְטוֹטָפֹ֖ת (ū·lə·ṭō·w·ṭā·p̄ōṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2903: A fillet for, the forehead

on your forehead,
בֵּ֣ין (bên)
Preposition
Strong's 996: An interval, space between

for
כִּ֚י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

with a mighty
בְּחֹ֣זֶק (bə·ḥō·zeq)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2392: Strength

hand
יָ֔ד (yāḏ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

brought us out
הוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ (hō·w·ṣî·’ā·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of Egypt.”
מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃ (mim·miṣ·rā·yim)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714: Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africa

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OT Law: Exodus 13:16 It shall be for a sign (Exo. Ex)