How to Pronounce Phylacteries

What does Phylacteries mean?

Phylacteries means “things to be especially observed”.

Hitchcock’s Bible Names (1869), public domain.

What is Phylacteries?

(Gr. phulakteria; i.e., “defences” or “protections”), called by modern Jews tephillin (i.e., “prayers”) are mentioned only in Matt. 23:5. They consisted of strips of parchment on which were inscribed these four texts: (1.) Ex. 13:1-10; (2.) 11-16; (3.) Deut. 6:4-9; (4.) 11:18-21, and which were enclosed in a square leather case, on one side of which was inscribed the Hebrew letter shin, to which the rabbis attached some significance. This case was fastened by certain straps to the forehead just between the eyes. The “making broad the phylacteries” refers to the enlarging of the case so as to make it conspicuous.

Adapted from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897), public domain.

Found in Scripture

Other names from Matthew