Deuteronomy 11:18 - Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.
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What does "Deuteronomy 11:18" mean?
Deuteronomy 11:18, as you've quoted, is a powerful and metaphorical verse emphasizing the importance of remembering and internalizing God's commandments. Let's break down the meaning:
"Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul...": This is the core of the verse. It means to deeply memorize, understand, and cherish God's laws (specifically, the commands laid out in Deuteronomy). It's not just about intellectual knowledge; it's about making these words a part of your innermost being, influencing your thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
"You shall bind them for a sign on your hand...": This is a symbolic action. The hand represents action and deeds. Binding the words "on your hand" signifies that your actions should be guided and influenced by God's commandments. You should do what the word says.
"...and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.": Frontlets, or phylacteries, are small boxes containing scripture worn on the forehead by some Jewish people during prayer. Symbolically, the forehead, being between the eyes, represents the mind and intellect. Having the words as "frontlets between your eyes" means that your thoughts, decisions, and perspective should be filtered through the lens of God's teachings. Your thinking should align with His word.
Overall Meaning and Interpretation
The verse is a call to:
Internalize God's word: Make it a part of who you are.
Act according to God's word: Let it guide your actions.
Think according to God's word: Let it shape your worldview.
Literal vs. Figurative Interpretation
Historically, Jewish tradition has understood the latter two commands (binding on the hand and forehead) both literally and figuratively:
Literal: This has led to the practice of wearing tefillin (phylacteries), small leather boxes containing scrolls of scripture, strapped to the arm and forehead during morning prayer.
Figurative: Many understand the verse primarily as a powerful metaphor for constantly remembering and applying God's word in all aspects of life. Even those who practice the literal observance of tefillin also recognize the importance of the figurative meaning.
In Summary
Deuteronomy 11:18 is a vivid and memorable instruction to make God's word the foundation of your life – in your heart, in your actions, and in your thoughts. It is a call to live a life fully devoted to following God's commandments.
Deuteronomy 11:18 - Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.
What does "Deuteronomy 11:18" mean?
Deuteronomy 11:18, as you've quoted, is a powerful and metaphorical verse emphasizing the importance of remembering and internalizing God's commandments. Let's break down the meaning:
"Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul...": This is the core of the verse. It means to deeply memorize, understand, and cherish God's laws (specifically, the commands laid out in Deuteronomy). It's not just about intellectual knowledge; it's about making these words a part of your innermost being, influencing your thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
"You shall bind them for a sign on your hand...": This is a symbolic action. The hand represents action and deeds. Binding the words "on your hand" signifies that your actions should be guided and influenced by God's commandments. You should do what the word says.
"...and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.": Frontlets, or phylacteries, are small boxes containing scripture worn on the forehead by some Jewish people during prayer. Symbolically, the forehead, being between the eyes, represents the mind and intellect. Having the words as "frontlets between your eyes" means that your thoughts, decisions, and perspective should be filtered through the lens of God's teachings. Your thinking should align with His word.
Overall Meaning and Interpretation
The verse is a call to:
Internalize God's word: Make it a part of who you are.
Act according to God's word: Let it guide your actions.
Think according to God's word: Let it shape your worldview.
Literal vs. Figurative Interpretation
Historically, Jewish tradition has understood the latter two commands (binding on the hand and forehead) both literally and figuratively:
Literal: This has led to the practice of wearing tefillin (phylacteries), small leather boxes containing scrolls of scripture, strapped to the arm and forehead during morning prayer.
Figurative: Many understand the verse primarily as a powerful metaphor for constantly remembering and applying God's word in all aspects of life. Even those who practice the literal observance of tefillin also recognize the importance of the figurative meaning.
In Summary
Deuteronomy 11:18 is a vivid and memorable instruction to make God's word the foundation of your life – in your heart, in your actions, and in your thoughts. It is a call to live a life fully devoted to following God's commandments.