TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And it shalbe as a token vpon thine hand, and as frontlets betweene thine eyes, that the Lord brought vs out of Egypt by a mightie hande.
Young's Literal Translation
and it hath been for a token on thy hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes, for by strength of hand hath Jehovah brought us out of Egypt.'
See also
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In the KJVVerse 1,884 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Exodus 13 verses 11–16
11 ¶ And it shall be when the LORD shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites, as he sware unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it thee,
12 That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males shall be the LORD'S.
13 And every firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem it, then thou shalt break his neck: and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
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:
15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that openeth the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.
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.
Here we have,
I. Further directions concerning the dedicating of their firstborn to God. 1. The firstlings of their cattle were to be dedicated to God, as part of their possessions. Those of clean beasts - calves, lambs, and kids - if males, were to be sacrificed, Exo 22:30; Num 18:17, Num 18:18. Those of unclean beasts, as colts, were to be redeemed with a lamb, or knocked on the head. For whatsoever is unclean (as we all are by nature), if it be not redeemed, will be destroyed, Exo 13:11, Exo 13:13. 2. The firstborn of their children were to be redeemed, and by no means sacrificed, as the Gentiles sacrificed their children to Moloch. The price of the redemption of the firstborn was fixed by the law (Num 18:16) at five sheckles. We were all obnoxious to the wrath and curse of God; by the blood of Christ we are redeemed, that we may be joined to the church of the firstborn. They were to redeem their children, as well as the firstlings of the unclean beasts, for our children are by nature polluted. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?
II. Further directions concerning the catechising of their children, and all those of the rising generation, from time to time, in this matter. It is supposed that, when they saw all the firstlings thus devoted, they would ask the meaning of it, and their parents and teachers must tell them (Exo 13:14-16) that God's special propriety in their firstborn, and all their firstlings, was founded in his special preservation of them from the sword of the destroying angel. Being thus delivered, they must serve him. Note, 1. Children should be directed and encouraged to ask their parents questions concerning the things of God, a practice which would be perhaps of all others the most profitable way of catechising; and parents must furnish themselves with useful knowledge, that they may be ready always to give an answer to their enquiries. If ever the knowledge of God cover the earth, as the waters do the sea, the fountains of family-instruction must first be broken up. 2. We should all be able to show cause for what we do in religion. As sacraments are sanctified by the word, so they must be explained and understood by it. God's service is reasonable, and it is then acceptable when we perform it intelligently, knowing what we do and why we do it. 3. It must be observed how often it is said in this chapter that by strength of hand (Exo 13:3, Exo 13:14, Exo 13:16), with a strong hand (Exo 13:9), the Lord brought them out of Egypt. The more opposition is given to the accomplishment of God's purposes the more is his power magnified therein. It is a strong hand that conquers hard hearts. Sometimes God is said to work deliverance not by might nor power (Zac 4:6), not by such visible displays of his power as that recorded here. 4. Their posterity that should be born in Canaan are directed to say, The Lord brought us out of Egypt, Exo 13:14, Exo 13:16. Mercies to our fathers are mercies to us; we reap the benefit of them, and therefore must keep up a grateful remembrance of them. We stand upon the bottom of former deliverances, and were in the loins of our ancestors when they were delivered. Much more reason have we to say that in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we were redeemed.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–16. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
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.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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:
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), and to bind His words as signs and frontlets (Deuteronomy 6:8) and (Deuteronomy 11:18). The theme of remembering God's works and teaching them to future generations is echoed throughout the Psalms, particularly in Psalm 78:1-7, 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.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Were these commands meant to be literal or purely symbolic?
Answer: The commands in Exodus 13:16, as well as Exodus 13:9, Deuteronomy 6:8, and Deuteronomy 11:18, 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 and Exodus 13:11-16, along with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Deuteronomy 11:13-21). 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)—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). 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). 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 and Hebrews 8:10). 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.