Phylacteries
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Phylacteries are small leather boxes containing parchment scrolls of biblical verses worn by practitioners of Judaism. In modern Hebrew, these ritual items are known as tephillin.
What is the meaning of Phylacteries in the Bible?
Phylacteries are small leather boxes containing parchment scrolls of biblical verses worn by practitioners of Judaism. In modern Hebrew, these ritual items are known as tephillin.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding these physical objects clarifies the historical context of Jesus' critique in Matthew 23:5, where he contrasts the external display of piety through such items with the internal requirements of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Phylacteries in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Phylacteries clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.