Deuteronomy 6:8 - 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 6:8" mean?
Deuteronomy 6:8, "You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes," is part of the Shema, a central Jewish prayer affirming monotheism. Understanding its meaning requires considering both the literal and figurative interpretations:
Literal Interpretation:
Historically, this verse is the basis for the practice of wearing tefillin (phylacteries). These are small leather boxes containing scrolls with verses from the Torah, including the Shema.
"You shall bind them for a sign on your hand": One box is bound to the upper arm, facing the heart, and straps are wrapped around the hand and fingers.
"They shall be for frontlets between your eyes": The other box is placed on the forehead, between the eyes.
Wearing tefillin is a commandment traditionally observed by Jewish men (and sometimes women in more liberal denominations) during morning prayer.
Figurative Interpretation:
Beyond the literal practice, the verse has a deeper, symbolic meaning:
The hand: Represents actions and deeds. Binding the words of God to the hand signifies that our actions should be guided by God's commandments and teachings. We should strive to live according to divine principles in our daily lives.
The forehead/between the eyes: Represents the mind and thoughts. Placing the words of God between the eyes signifies that our thoughts, intentions, and intellectual pursuits should be focused on and influenced by God's wisdom and law. It is a call for constant mindfulness of God in our thinking.
Sign and Frontlets: These terms emphasize the visibility and importance of keeping God's commandments. They serve as a constant reminder of our commitment to God and should be apparent in our behavior and thought processes.
In essence, the verse calls for a complete and integrated commitment to God, encompassing our actions and our thoughts. It is a reminder to internalize God's teachings and to live a life guided by His principles. This commitment should be so ingrained that it is as visible and constant as something bound to the hand and placed before the eyes.
Deuteronomy 6:8 - You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.
What does "Deuteronomy 6:8" mean?
Deuteronomy 6:8, "You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes," is part of the Shema, a central Jewish prayer affirming monotheism. Understanding its meaning requires considering both the literal and figurative interpretations:
Literal Interpretation:
Historically, this verse is the basis for the practice of wearing tefillin (phylacteries). These are small leather boxes containing scrolls with verses from the Torah, including the Shema.
"You shall bind them for a sign on your hand": One box is bound to the upper arm, facing the heart, and straps are wrapped around the hand and fingers.
"They shall be for frontlets between your eyes": The other box is placed on the forehead, between the eyes.
Wearing tefillin is a commandment traditionally observed by Jewish men (and sometimes women in more liberal denominations) during morning prayer.
Figurative Interpretation:
Beyond the literal practice, the verse has a deeper, symbolic meaning:
The hand: Represents actions and deeds. Binding the words of God to the hand signifies that our actions should be guided by God's commandments and teachings. We should strive to live according to divine principles in our daily lives.
The forehead/between the eyes: Represents the mind and thoughts. Placing the words of God between the eyes signifies that our thoughts, intentions, and intellectual pursuits should be focused on and influenced by God's wisdom and law. It is a call for constant mindfulness of God in our thinking.
Sign and Frontlets: These terms emphasize the visibility and importance of keeping God's commandments. They serve as a constant reminder of our commitment to God and should be apparent in our behavior and thought processes.
In essence, the verse calls for a complete and integrated commitment to God, encompassing our actions and our thoughts. It is a reminder to internalize God's teachings and to live a life guided by His principles. This commitment should be so ingrained that it is as visible and constant as something bound to the hand and placed before the eyes.