Exodus 13:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be for a token {H226} upon thine hand {H3027}, and for frontlets {H2903} between thine eyes {H5869}: for by strength {H2392} of hand {H3027} the LORD {H3068} brought us forth {H3318} out of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This will serve as a sign on your hand and at the front of a headband around your forehead that with a strong hand ADONAI brought us out of Egypt."

Berean Standard Bible

So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:16 serves as a culminating command, deeply embedding the memory of Israel's miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage into their national consciousness. It mandates the perpetual remembrance of this defining event through symbolic actions—wearing a "token" on the hand and "frontlets" between the eyes. This verse powerfully underscores that their freedom was not achieved by human might, but solely by the LORD's overwhelming strength, thereby serving as a constant, visible reminder and an educational imperative for all generations to acknowledge God's sovereign and irresistible deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a pivotal section (beginning in [Exodus 13:1](/exodus/13-1 "Exodus 13:1 - Consecration of the Firstborn")) that immediately follows the climactic tenth plague—the death of the firstborn—and Pharaoh's desperate release of Israel ([Exodus 12:29-33](/exodus/12-29-33 "Exodus 12:29-33 - The Tenth Plague and Israel's Departure")). Chapters 12 and 13 are foundational, establishing core Israelite practices: the institution of the Passover ([Exodus 12:1-28](/exodus/12-1-28 "Exodus 12:1-28 - Institution of the Passover")), the Feast of Unleavened Bread ([Exodus 12:14-20](/exodus/12-14-20 "Exodus 12:14-20 - Feast of Unleavened Bread")), and the consecration of the firstborn to the LORD ([Exodus 13:1-2](/exodus/13-1-2 "Exodus 13:1-2 - Consecration of the Firstborn")). The commands in [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Similar command to remember") and [Exodus 13:16](/exodus/13-16 "Exodus 13:16 - The token and frontlets") are part of a broader divine strategy to embed the memory of the Exodus deep within the national identity, ensuring that this pivotal event shapes Israel's future and their understanding of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, visible signs, memorials, and symbolic gestures were common ways to signify allegiance, ownership, or to commemorate significant events. Treaties, for instance, often involved physical tokens or monuments to seal agreements. The command to wear signs "upon thine hand" and "between thine eyes" was likely understood by the Israelites as a call for a holistic, pervasive remembrance. The "hand" symbolized action, labor, and deeds, representing outward conduct and practical life. "Between the eyes" (the forehead) represented thought, perception, and inner reflection, pointing to the mind and intellect. This was not merely about external display but about internalizing the truth of God's deliverance so deeply that it influenced both their conduct and their cognition. The Exodus was the defining moment of Israel's birth as a nation, establishing their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, their deliverer and covenant partner. Therefore, its remembrance was paramount for their survival, identity, and ongoing faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 13:16 contributes significantly to several major themes present throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, highlighting God's absolute power and initiative in rescuing His people from bondage. This verse reinforces the idea that Israel's freedom is a direct result of God's "strength of hand," not human effort. Closely related is the theme of **Remembrance and Memorial**, emphasizing the imperative for Israel to perpetually recall God's mighty acts. This remembrance is not passive nostalgia but an active, shaping force for their identity and obedience, serving as a basis for the **Covenant Relationship** between God and Israel. The verse also underscores the **Educational Imperative**, as these visible signs were meant to prompt questions from future generations, providing crucial opportunities for parents to recount God's faithfulness ([Exodus 13:8](/exodus/13-8 "Exodus 13:8 - Tell your son")). Finally, it touches on **Holistic Devotion**, implying that the memory of the Exodus should permeate every aspect of life, influencing both actions and thoughts, as seen in the later commands to bind God's words on their hearts and minds ([Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Bind them as signs") and [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Deuteronomy 11:18 - Bind my words on your heart")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 13:16 serves as a powerful concluding statement to the divine instructions concerning the perpetual remembrance of the Exodus, reinforcing the command given earlier in [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - The sign on the hand and forehead").

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Token (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This Hebrew word (H226) signifies a "sign," "mark," "pledge," or "omen." It refers to a visible symbol that points to a deeper reality or a divine act. Throughout the Old Testament, _ʼôwth_ is used for signs of covenants (e.g., the rainbow as a sign of God's covenant with Noah in [Genesis 9:12](/genesis/9-12 "Genesis 9:12 - The rainbow as a sign")), miracles (e.g., signs performed by Moses in [Exodus 4:8](/exodus/4-8 "Exodus 4:8 - Moses's signs")), or a visible reminder of God's presence and power. Here, the "token" is a constant, tangible reminder of God's deliverance, intended to provoke recollection and instruction.
* **Frontlets (Hebrew, _ṭôwphâphâh'_):** This rare Hebrew word (H2903) appears only in [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Similar command"), [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Shema command"), and [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Deuteronomy 11:18 - Command to bind words"). While its precise etymology is debated, it generally refers to something bound or worn on the forehead. Its rarity emphasizes its specific, symbolic function in this context, pointing to the mind and intellect as the seat of memory, understanding, and personal conviction, ensuring that the Exodus narrative is always before their eyes.
* **Strength of Hand (Hebrew, _chôzeq yâd'_):** This vivid Hebrew idiom, combining _chôzeq_ (H2392, "power; strength") and _yâd_ (H3027, "hand"), powerfully conveys irresistible, overwhelming might and authority. It is a common biblical metaphor for divine intervention, emphasizing that Israel's liberation was not achieved through human effort or military prowess, but solely through God's absolute, decisive power. This phrase underscores the LORD's sovereignty and His active, forceful role in their salvation, leaving no room for human boasting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall be for a token upon thine hand,"**: This clause emphasizes that the memory of the Exodus should influence and be evident in all of Israel's actions, work, and deeds. The "hand" represents practical activity, labor, and outward conduct. The "token" here suggests a visible sign, perhaps a physical object, but more profoundly, a way of living that constantly bears witness to God's saving act, ensuring that their daily lives are shaped by this foundational truth.
* **"and for frontlets between thine eyes:"**: This complements the previous clause by focusing on the internal realm. The "frontlets" on the forehead symbolize the mind, thoughts, perceptions, and intentions. The command implies that the Exodus event should not only dictate their actions but also permeate their innermost thoughts and worldview. It's about a constant, conscious awareness of God's deliverance, ensuring that their intellectual and spiritual understanding is always centered on this historical reality.
* **"for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt."**: This final clause provides the foundational reason and motivation for these commands. The "strength of hand" of the LORD is the ultimate cause of their freedom. It's a declaration of divine sovereignty and power, reminding Israel that their existence as a free people is entirely due to God's mighty, irresistible intervention, not their own merit or strength. This phrase serves as a theological anchor, grounding the commands in God's saving history and His unparalleled might.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 13:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The verse utilizes **metaphor** by using "hand" and "eyes" to represent the totality of human experience—actions, labor, thoughts, and perceptions, encompassing both external conduct and internal reflection. The phrase "strength of hand" is a powerful **anthropomorphic metaphor** for God's irresistible power, attributing a human characteristic (a strong hand) to God to make His omnipotence comprehensible and relatable. The **parallelism** between "upon thine hand" and "between thine eyes" highlights the comprehensive nature of the command, demanding both practical and intellectual remembrance. Furthermore, the repetition of the theme of remembrance and the "strength of hand" throughout Exodus 13 serves as a **rhetorical emphasis**, underscoring the vital importance of never forgetting God's decisive deliverance and the source of their freedom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 13:16 articulates several profound theological truths that resonate throughout biblical theology:

1. **God's Sovereign Power in Salvation:** The declaration "for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth" is a foundational statement of God's absolute sovereignty and irresistible power in delivering His people. Israel's freedom was not earned or achieved by human might, but was a direct, forceful act of divine intervention. This truth establishes God as the sole source of salvation and liberation, a pattern that recurs throughout redemptive history.
2. **The Imperative of Remembrance and Education:** The command to wear "tokens" and "frontlets" underscores the critical importance of remembering God's mighty acts. This remembrance is not merely nostalgic recollection but an active, shaping force for identity and obedience. It also carries an **educational imperative**, as these visible signs were meant to prompt questions from future generations, providing opportunities for parents to recount God's faithfulness ([Exodus 13:8](/exodus/13-8 "Exodus 13:8 - Tell your son")).
3. **Holistic Devotion:** The "hand" (representing actions) and "eyes" (representing thoughts/perceptions) signify that remembrance of God's deliverance must permeate every aspect of life—both outward conduct and inner consciousness. It calls for an integrated faith where one's deeds and one's mind are wholly devoted to God and shaped by His saving history, reflecting a comprehensive commitment.

This verse connects to the broader biblical narrative by establishing the Exodus as the defining redemptive event of the Old Testament, setting the pattern for God's future interventions. It foreshadows the call for Israel to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")), and to bind His words as signs and frontlets ([Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Bind them as signs")) and ([Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Deuteronomy 11:18 - Bind my words on your heart")). The theme of remembering God's works and teaching them to future generations is echoed throughout the Psalms, particularly in [Psalm 78:1-7](/psalm/78-1-7 "Psalm 78:1-7 - Teaching the next generation"), and remains central to the covenant relationship.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 13:16 serves as a profound call to intentional, holistic remembrance of God's saving acts in our own lives and in the grand narrative of redemptive history. While we do not literally wear physical tokens, the underlying spiritual principle remains: our entire being—our thoughts, intentions, actions, and daily lives—should be permeated by the reality of God's deliverance. This verse challenges us to live a life that constantly bears witness to God's power and faithfulness, both inwardly and outwardly.

* **Cultivate a Life of Conscious Remembrance:** How do we intentionally remember God's past faithfulness and His ongoing work in our lives? This might involve journaling, regular prayer, sharing testimonies, meditating on Scripture, or participating in corporate worship that recounts God's story. Just as Israel was to never forget their liberation, we are called to constantly recall the ultimate deliverance from sin and death through Christ. This active remembrance guards against spiritual amnesia and fosters gratitude and trust.
* **Integrate Faith into All of Life:** The "hand" and "eyes" represent the totality of our existence—our doing and our thinking. Does our faith truly shape both what we do (our work, relationships, habits, choices) and what we think (our worldview, values, inner dialogue, priorities)? This verse challenges us to live a life where our actions are a "token" of God's grace and our thoughts are "frontlets" focused on His truth, ensuring that our faith is not compartmentalized but holistic.
* **Embrace the Educational Imperative:** We have a sacred responsibility to pass on the story of God's faithfulness to the next generation. How are we actively teaching children, youth, and new believers about God's mighty acts, both in biblical history and in our personal experience? Our lives, our words, and our intentional discipleship should prompt questions, providing opportunities to declare, "By strength of hand the LORD brought us forth!"

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I ensure that God's past acts of deliverance in my life are not forgotten, but actively shape my present thoughts and actions?**
* **What "tokens" or visible manifestations of my faith am I presenting to the world through my daily life and work, bearing witness to God's grace?**
* **How am I intentionally contributing to the spiritual formation of the next generation, sharing the story of God's faithfulness and His powerful work?**

### FAQ

**Were these commands meant to be literal or purely symbolic?**

Answer: The commands in Exodus 13:16, as well as [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Similar command"), [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "Deuteronomy 6:8 - Shema command"), and [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Deuteronomy 11:18 - Command to bind words"), were understood by later Jewish tradition to be literal, leading to the practice of wearing *tefillin* (phylacteries). However, the underlying intent is deeply symbolic: to ensure that God's word and His mighty acts are always present in one's thoughts (between the eyes) and actions (on the hand). While the literal practice developed, the primary theological emphasis is on a constant, internalized remembrance that impacts every aspect of life, fostering a pervasive awareness of God's deliverance.

**How did this command lead to the Jewish practice of wearing phylacteries (*tefillin*)?**

Answer: Over time, the interpretation of these verses by Jewish sages led to the development of *tefillin*. These are small leather boxes containing scrolls with specific biblical passages (including [Exodus 13:1-10](/exodus/13-1-10 "Exodus 13:1-10 - Consecration of the Firstborn") and [Exodus 13:11-16](/exodus/13-11-16 "Exodus 13:11-16 - Firstborn of animals and humans"), along with [Deuteronomy 6:4-9](/deuteronomy/6-4-9 "Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - The Shema") and [Deuteronomy 11:13-21](/deuteronomy/11-13-21 "Deuteronomy 11:13-21 - Love and obey God")). These boxes are traditionally bound with leather straps onto the arm (representing the hand) and the head (representing "between the eyes") during weekday morning prayers. This practice serves as a tangible fulfillment of the command to keep God's word and His deliverance constantly before one's mind and in one's actions, ensuring that the Exodus narrative remains central to their daily devotion.

**What does "strength of hand" really mean in this context?**

Answer: "Strength of hand" is a powerful Hebrew idiom signifying overwhelming, irresistible power and authority. It emphasizes that Israel's liberation from Egypt was not a result of their own efforts, military might, or negotiation, but solely a direct, forceful, and decisive act of God. It highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes against all opposition, demonstrating that His will cannot be thwarted. It's a profound declaration that their freedom was a divine gift, a testament to God's unparalleled might, rather than a human achievement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:16, with its profound emphasis on remembering God's mighty act of deliverance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Exodus served as a powerful type, foreshadowing the greater spiritual liberation accomplished through the Messiah. The **Greater Exodus** refers to Jesus's life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, which constitute a "greater Exodus" ([Luke 9:31](/luke/9-31 "Luke 9:31 - Jesus's exodus discussed on the Mount of Transfiguration"))—a deliverance from the far more pervasive bondage of sin and death. Just as God's "strength of hand" brought Israel out of Egypt, it was God's mighty power, supremely demonstrated through Christ's resurrection, that secured salvation and new life for all who believe ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The power of God for salvation")). This leads to **New Covenant Remembrance**: the Old Covenant commands for physical tokens and frontlets pointed to the need for constant, tangible remembrance. In the New Covenant, this remembrance is internalized and spiritualized, centered on Christ. Jesus Himself instituted the Lord's Supper (Communion) as the new "token" for His followers, commanding them to "do this in remembrance of me" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "Luke 22:19 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). This sacred act of remembrance focuses on His body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, the ultimate act of divine deliverance that inaugurated the new covenant. Finally, there is **The Spirit Writing on Hearts**: while the Old Testament command involved external signs and visible reminders, the New Covenant promises a deeper, internal transformation. God's law and His saving acts are no longer primarily bound to external symbols, but are written on the hearts and minds of believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant")). This signifies a profound, internal reality where the remembrance of Christ's saving work permeates one's very being, influencing both thoughts and actions from within, fulfilling the spirit of the command in Exodus 13:16 in a profound, personal, and transformative way.

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

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.

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deuteronomy 6:9

And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

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.

Exodus 13:14

And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What [is] this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Deuteronomy 26:8

And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:

Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,