The Eye: The Jews: Wore Their Phylacteries Between
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of Jewish religious practices, the eye holds significant symbolic and practical importance, particularly in relation to the wearing of phylacteries, also known as tefillin. These are small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with specific verses from the Torah. The practice of wearing phylacteries is rooted in several biblical commandments, most notably found in the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith.

The commandment to wear phylacteries is derived from passages such as Deuteronomy 6:8, which states, "Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." This directive is understood to mean that the words of God should be kept close to one's mind and actions, symbolized by the physical act of wearing the phylacteries. The placement of the phylacteries "between the eyes" is a figurative expression, as they are traditionally worn on the forehead, slightly above the hairline, aligning with the area between the eyes.

The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of these instructions, emphasizing the importance of keeping God's commandments at the forefront of one's thoughts and actions. The practice of wearing phylacteries serves as a daily reminder of the covenant between God and His people, reinforcing the commitment to live according to His laws.

In Jewish tradition, the eye is often seen as a gateway to the soul, and by extension, a means of perceiving and understanding divine truth. The placement of the phylacteries near the eyes symbolizes the desire to see the world through the lens of God's commandments, ensuring that one's vision and perspective are aligned with His will.

The wearing of phylacteries is a deeply ingrained ritual within Jewish life, observed by devout Jewish men during weekday morning prayers. This practice underscores the importance of maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence and commandments, integrating them into daily life. The symbolic act of binding the phylacteries serves as a physical manifestation of the spiritual commitment to uphold the teachings of the Torah.

In summary, the eye, in relation to the wearing of phylacteries, represents a focal point for spiritual reflection and adherence to divine law. The practice is a testament to the enduring significance of the commandments given to the Israelites, serving as a perpetual reminder of their covenant with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 13:16
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus at the Well of Sychar
... Far as the eye could sweep, the fields' were already white ... and dress, if, as seems
likely, He wore the fringes ... 42 b). But neither did many of the Jews of old ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii jesus at the.htm

Resources
Is there such a thing as the evil eye? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get into heaven? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said, “the eye is the lamp of the body” (Matthew 6:22)? | GotQuestions.org

Eye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Eye

Eye for an Eye

Eye of Evil Desire, Never Satisfied

Eye: Anthropomorphic Uses of

Eye: The offending

The Eye of the Mind

The Eye: (Anointing With Eyesalve) of Healing by the Spirit

The Eye: (Open) Spiritual Illumination

The Eye: A Guard to be Set On

The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Directing

The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Seeing

The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Weeping

The Eye: Actions of, Mentioned in Scripture: Winking

The Eye: Consumed by Grief

The Eye: Consumed by Sickness

The Eye: Frequently Fair

The Eye: God: Enlightens

The Eye: God: Formed

The Eye: God: Made

The Eye: God: Opens

The Eye: Grows Dim by Age

The Eye: Grows Dim by Sorrow

The Eye: Made Red by Wine

The Eye: Not Evil Thing to be Set Before

The Eye: Not Satisfied With Riches

The Eye: Not Satisfied With Seeing

The Eye: Often Put out As a Punishment

The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Apple or Ball

The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Brow

The Eye: Parts of Mentioned in Scripture: The Lid

The Eye: Punishment for Injuring

The Eye: Sometimes Blemished

The Eye: Sometimes Tender

The Eye: The Jewish Women often Painted

The Eye: The Jews: Cast, on the Ground in Humiliation

The Eye: The Jews: Not to Make Baldness Between

The Eye: The Jews: Raised Up, in Prayer

The Eye: The Jews: Wore Their Phylacteries Between

The Eye: The Light of the Body

The Eye: The Light of, Rejoices the Heart

Related Terms

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Eye: The Jews: Raised Up, in Prayer
Top of Page
Top of Page