Deuteronomy 6:8

KJV

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt bind {H7194} them for a sign {H226} upon thine hand {H3027}, and they shall be as frontlets {H2903} between thine eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Tie them on your hand as a sign, put them at the front of a headband around your forehead,

Berean Standard Bible

Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 6:8, immediately following the foundational declaration of God's unity and the command to love Him with all one's being, provides a tangible, practical means for God's people to keep His commandments ever before them. This verse instructs the Israelites to bind God's words as a visible sign upon their hands and as frontlets between their eyes, serving as a powerful metaphorical injunction for the deep internalization of divine truth, ensuring that every action and thought is perpetually governed by His covenantal commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Moses' second major discourse to the Israelites, delivered on the plains of Moab as they stood poised to enter the Promised Land. It directly follows the pivotal Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"), which declares the singularity of Yahweh and commands absolute love for Him. The preceding verses, [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Commands to Be on Your Heart"), emphasize that these words are to be "on your heart" and diligently taught to future generations. Deuteronomy 6:8 then extends this internal and familial instruction by prescribing a concrete, albeit symbolic, method for perpetual remembrance, ensuring the commands remain at the forefront of individual consciousness and action. It is part of a broader call to covenant fidelity as Israel prepares for life in Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses addresses a new generation of Israelites, many of whom did not personally experience the Exodus or the initial covenant at Sinai. They are about to enter a land inhabited by pagan nations with diverse religious practices and moral codes. In the ancient Near East, it was common for people to wear amulets, charms, or symbols representing their deities or for protection. While superficially similar, the command in Deuteronomy 6:8 transcends mere superstition or external ritual. It is a unique instruction from Yahweh, designed to distinguish His people and constantly remind them of His unique covenant and laws. Historically, this verse, along with similar commands in [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Sign on Hand, Memorial Between Eyes") and [Exodus 13:16](/exodus/13-16 "Exodus 13:16 - Sign on Hand, Frontlet Between Eyes"), later led to the literal practice of wearing *tefillin* (phylacteries) by some Jewish traditions, particularly from the Second Temple period onwards.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 6:8 powerfully reinforces several key themes central to the book of Deuteronomy and Israel's covenant relationship with God. The most prominent is **Constant Remembrance**, underscoring the necessity of perpetually recalling God's laws and His covenant. The prescribed actions are symbolic of internalizing His Word so profoundly that it influences every thought and action, preventing spiritual forgetfulness as warned against in [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do Not Forget the Things You Have Seen"). This leads to **Holistic Obedience**, where God's commands are not confined to specific rituals but permeate one's entire being—one's work (represented by the hand) and one's thoughts and intentions (represented by the eyes/forehead). The verse also highlights **Covenant Fidelity** and **Distinctive Identity**, serving as a means for Israel to remain faithful to Yahweh and to visibly distinguish themselves as His chosen people who live by His statutes, contrasting with the practices of surrounding nations as described in [Deuteronomy 12](/deuteronomy/12 "Deuteronomy 12 - Places of Worship"). Ultimately, it emphasizes the **Centrality of God's Word** as the guiding principle for all Israelite life, ensuring they do not stray from His ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bind (Hebrew, קָשַׁר, _qashar'_):** This verb means "to tie," "to fasten," "to bind," or "to conspire." In this context, it implies a secure and deliberate attachment, not merely a casual placement. It suggests a commitment to keep God's words intimately connected to one's person, symbolizing a deep integration of divine instruction into one's life. The act of binding signifies a purposeful effort to keep something close and influential.
* **sign (Hebrew, אוֹת, _'ot'_):** This noun refers to a "sign," "mark," "token," or "omen." It is frequently used in the Old Testament for miraculous signs (e.g., the plagues in Egypt), covenant signs (e.g., the rainbow in [Genesis 9:12](/genesis/9-12 "Genesis 9:12 - The Rainbow as a Covenant Sign"), circumcision in [Genesis 17:11](/genesis/17-11 "Genesis 17:11 - Circumcision as a Covenant Sign")), or as a memorial. Here, the "sign" is a constant visual and tactile reminder, a public declaration of allegiance and a personal prompt for obedience to God's commandments.
* **frontlets (Hebrew, טוֹטָפֹת, _totafot'_):** This is a unique and somewhat obscure Hebrew term, appearing only in [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Bind Them as Signs"), [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Deuteronomy 11:18 - Bind My Words as Frontlets"), [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Sign on Hand, Memorial Between Eyes"), and [Exodus 13:16](/exodus/13-16 "Exodus 13:16 - Sign on Hand, Frontlet Between Eyes"). While its precise etymology is debated, it clearly refers to something worn on the forehead, specifically "between thine eyes." It denotes a prominent, visible emblem or band, signifying that one's thoughts, perceptions, and intellectual life are to be constantly informed and guided by God's truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand,":** "Them" refers to "these words" (God's commandments) previously mentioned in [Deuteronomy 6:6](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6 - God's Words in the Heart"). The instruction to "bind them... upon thine hand" signifies that God's commands should direct all one's actions, labor, and practical decisions. The hand is the primary instrument of work, deed, and interaction with the world. By making God's words a "sign" on the hand, the verse implies that one's conduct should be a visible testament to divine principles, serving as a constant reminder to act in accordance with God's will.
* **"and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.":** Placing God's words "as frontlets between thine eyes" (on the forehead) symbolizes that God's commands should govern one's thoughts, perceptions, and worldview. The forehead is associated with the mind, intellect, and conscious awareness. This ensures that every mental process, every decision, and every way of seeing the world is filtered through and guided by divine truth. It speaks to the internalization of God's law, shaping one's inner being and cognitive processes.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:8 primarily employs **Symbolism** and **Metaphor** to convey its profound spiritual message. The physical acts of "binding" God's words to the "hand" and wearing them as "frontlets between thine eyes" are not merely literal commands but powerful symbolic representations of internalizing God's law. The "hand" serves as a metaphor for actions, deeds, and practical life, while "between thine eyes" (the forehead) is a metaphor for thoughts, intentions, and intellectual life. Through this concrete imagery, the text conveys an abstract spiritual truth: that God's Word should permeate every aspect of one's being—both outward conduct and inner disposition. This comprehensive scope, covering both action and thought, also exhibits a form of **Merism**, where two extremes (hand and eyes/forehead) are used to represent the totality of human experience and obedience to God's commands. The imperative form of the verbs ("shalt bind," "shall be") also highlights the nature of this passage as a direct **Command** or instruction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement on the pervasive nature of God's law in the life of His people. It moves beyond mere intellectual assent or occasional ritual, demanding that God's words become the very fabric of one's existence. The command to bind and wear these words underscores the covenantal expectation of holistic obedience, where every action and thought is aligned with divine will. It emphasizes that true piety is not just about outward show, but about an internal saturation with God's truth that naturally manifests externally. This constant remembrance is crucial for maintaining covenant fidelity and preserving Israel's distinct identity amidst pagan influences, ensuring that the foundational declaration of the Shema – loving God with all heart, soul, and might – translates into tangible, daily living.

* [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Sign on Hand, Memorial Between Eyes")
* [Exodus 13:16](/exodus/13-16 "Exodus 13:16 - Sign on Hand, Frontlet Between Eyes")
* [Proverbs 3:3](/proverbs/3-3 "Proverbs 3:3 - Bind Steadfast Love and Faithfulness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Deuteronomy 6:8 serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual discipline and the internalization of God's Word. While we are not commanded to literally bind scriptures to our bodies, the underlying principle remains vitally important: we are to internalize God's Word so deeply that it directs our every action and thought. This means moving beyond passive reading to active engagement, allowing God's truth to shape our decisions, our work, and our interactions with others. Our lives, then, become a "sign" to the world, visibly demonstrating the transformative power of God's presence and principles. This verse challenges us to cultivate a vibrant, all-encompassing devotion where God's commandments are the very fabric of our existence, influencing our hands in labor and our minds in thought, ensuring that our faith is not merely intellectual but lived out holistically.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply have I internalized God's Word so that it truly guides my actions and thoughts?**
* **In what practical ways can I ensure God's commands are "bound" to my daily work and decision-making?**
* **What "frontlets" (mental filters or guiding principles) do I allow to shape my worldview, and how can I align them more fully with God's truth?**

### FAQ
**Was this command meant to be taken literally, leading to practices like wearing phylacteries?**

Answer: While later Jewish tradition, particularly among the Pharisees, interpreted this command literally, leading to the practice of wearing *tefillin* (phylacteries), the primary intent of Deuteronomy 6:8 is metaphorical and spiritual. The emphasis is on the pervasive internalization of God's Word, ensuring it governs one's actions (hand) and thoughts (eyes/forehead). Jesus, in [Matthew 23:5](/matthew/23-5 "Matthew 23:5 - Pharisees' Broad Phylacteries"), critiques the Pharisees not for the practice itself, but for their hypocritical motive of making their phylacteries "broad" to be seen by others, highlighting external show over internal devotion. The command in [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Bind Them as Signs") is best understood as a call to holistic, pervasive obedience, where God's truth is woven into the very fabric of one's being.

**How does Deuteronomy 6:8 relate to the "Shema" and the broader context of Deuteronomy?**

Answer: [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Bind Them as Signs") is a direct and practical extension of the Shema, the foundational declaration of God's unity and the command to love Him with all one's heart, soul, and might, found in [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). After commanding that these words be "on your heart" and diligently taught to children ([Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Diligent Teaching")), [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Bind Them as Signs") provides concrete, albeit symbolic, methods for achieving this constant remembrance and internalization. It ensures that the principles of the Shema are not merely intellectual concepts but are tangibly integrated into daily life, guiding every action and thought, thereby reinforcing Israel's covenant fidelity and distinct identity as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 6:8, with its emphasis on the pervasive internalization of God's Word, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the New Covenant. Jesus, as the living Word made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), perfectly embodied God's law, not merely by external adherence but by perfect internal obedience. He declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating a life where God's will perfectly governed every thought and action. Under the New Covenant, the external binding of words to hand and forehead is superseded by the internal transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit. As prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and echoed in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law on Hearts"), God's law is now written "on their minds and on their hearts." Believers are no longer bound by outward symbols but are inwardly renewed, becoming "letters from Christ" written not with ink but "with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts" ([2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters Written on Hearts")). Our transformed lives, guided by the indwelling Spirit, become the ultimate "sign" and "frontlet," visibly demonstrating the reality of Christ's work in us to a watching world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 6:21

Bind them continually upon thine heart, [and] tie them about thy neck.

Proverbs 3:3

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:

Deuteronomy 11:18

¶ Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

Proverbs 7:3

Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

Exodus 13:9

And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:16

And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

Numbers 15:38

Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: