φυλακτήριον

a phylactery, an amulet

Definition

φυλακτήριον (phylaktērion) refers to a small leather case or capsule containing scripture passages, worn by devout Jewish men during prayer. In its primary biblical sense, it denotes a 'phylactery' (tefillin), specifically the small boxes containing verses from Exodus and Deuteronomy (e.g., Exodus 13:9, 16; Deuteronomy 6:8; 11:18) that were bound on the forehead and left arm. The term literally means 'a safeguard' or 'means of protection,' and by extension, it could also refer to any protective amulet or charm in broader Greek usage. In the New Testament, it appears only in Matthew 23:5, where Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for enlarging their phylacteries to appear more pious.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 23:5. In this context, Jesus condemns the religious leaders for their ostentatious display of piety, specifically mentioning that they 'broaden their phylacteries' to be seen by others. The usage is entirely negative, highlighting hypocrisy and the misuse of a religious object intended for personal devotion as a public symbol of self-righteousness.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442), meaning 'to guard' or 'to keep.' The suffix -τήριον indicates an instrument or means, so φυλακτήριον literally means 'a safeguard,' 'a means of protection,' or 'a guard-post.' This etymology reflects the belief that wearing these scripture capsules served as a spiritual protection, which later extended to the general sense of an amulet.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights Jesus' critique of external religiosity versus internal faithfulness. In Matthew 23:5, phylacteries, meant to remind the wearer of God's law (Deuteronomy 6:8), become symbols of pride and hypocrisy. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the contrast between ritual observance and genuine heart obedience, a key theme in Jesus' teaching against legalism and for authentic worship.

In first-century Judaism, phylacteries (tefillin) were worn by adult Jewish males during weekday morning prayers as a literal observance of commands in Torah (Exodus 13:9, 16; Deuteronomy 6:8; 11:18) to bind God's words as a sign on the hand and forehead. They were small leather boxes containing handwritten scripture passages. Jesus' criticism in Matthew 23:5 targets the practice of making them conspicuously large to garner public admiration, turning a personal devotional act into a display of self-righteousness. This differs from a modern understanding of mere religious jewelry, as they held deep ritual and symbolic significance.

περιβόλαιον (peribolaion, G4018) — a covering or veil, differs as general garment, not a ritual object; ἱμάτιον (himation, G2440) — a cloak or outer garment, general clothing item, not a specific religious article.

Word Details

Scripture References