Exodus 13:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall be for a sign {H226} unto thee upon thine hand {H3027}, and for a memorial {H2146} between thine eyes {H5869}, that the LORD'S {H3068} law {H8451} may be in thy mouth {H6310}: for with a strong {H2389} hand {H3027} hath the LORD {H3068} brought thee out {H3318} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Moreover, it will serve you as a sign on your hand and as a reminder between your eyes, so that ADONAI's Torah may be on your lips; because with a strong hand ADONAI brought you out of Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 13:9 is a divine command for the Israelites to perpetually remember God's powerful deliverance from Egyptian bondage. This remembrance is to be symbolized by tangible signs on their hand and between their eyes, ensuring that the LORD's law remains central to their thoughts, actions, and speech. The verse underscores that their past redemption by God's sovereign might is the foundational motivation for present and future obedience and the transmission of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of foundational instructions given by God immediately after the momentous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "The Exodus and Passover institution") and the institution of the [Passover](/exodus/12 "The Passover ordinance"). Following the consecration of the firstborn (Exodus 13:1-2) and the detailed regulations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:3-8), God emphasizes the vital importance of remembering these pivotal acts of redemption. The command in [Exodus 13:9](/exodus/13-9 "Exodus 13:9 - Command for Remembrance") serves as a summary and reinforcement of the preceding instructions, linking the historical event of deliverance to the ongoing obligation of remembrance and obedience. A similar, reinforcing instruction appears later in [Exodus 13:16](/exodus/13-16 "Similar command for remembrance"), highlighting the thematic continuity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, symbolic actions, mnemonic devices, and visible reminders were common and powerful ways to convey and reinforce significant truths, covenants, and historical events. The phrases "upon thine hand" and "between thine eyes" are idiomatic expressions signifying that something should be constantly before one's actions (hand) and thoughts (eyes/forehead). At this initial stage, it was likely a powerful metaphor for total immersion and constant awareness, rather than a literal command for physical binding. However, this verse, along with similar commands in [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "The Shema's command to bind words") and [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Command to bind God's words as a sign"), later became the scriptural basis for the Jewish practice of wearing *tefillin* (phylacteries) during prayer, physically embodying the command to keep God's law ever-present. The culture placed a high value on oral tradition and tangible signs to transmit heritage and covenant obligations across generations.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 13:9 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, emphasizing God's sovereign power to save His people from bondage, as seen throughout the narrative of the [plagues](/exodus/7-12 "The Ten Plagues of Egypt") and the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea"). Closely related is the theme of **Remembrance and Covenant Loyalty**, where Israel is repeatedly called to remember God's faithfulness as the basis for their ongoing obedience and identity as His chosen people. The verse also highlights the theme of **The Centrality of God's Law**, positing that the memory of His saving acts should directly lead to the internalization and proclamation of His divine commands. This interconnectedness between historical redemption, ongoing remembrance, and present obedience is a foundational principle of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sign (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** This term (H226) denotes a distinguishing mark, a token, or a miraculous indication. In this context, it refers to something that serves as a constant, visible reminder of a significant event or covenant. It is not merely a symbol but a tangible representation designed to prompt memory, understanding, and a proper response to God's mighty acts.
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _zikrôwn'_):** Derived from the root *zakhar* (to remember), *zikrôwn* (H2146) refers to something that causes remembrance or brings to mind. It emphasizes the active process of recalling, internalizing, and perpetuating past events, ensuring they are not forgotten but remain alive and influential in the collective consciousness of the community.
* **Strong (Hebrew, _châzâq'_):** This word (H2389), used in the phrase "strong hand," signifies overwhelming power, authority, and irresistible force. It consistently attributes Israel's deliverance not to human might or chance, but to God's direct, sovereign, and unchallengeable intervention. It conveys the idea of a firm, unyielding grasp and an undeniable demonstration of divine strength.

#### Verse Breakdown
Exodus 13:9 can be broken down into three interconnected clauses, each building on the last:

* **"And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes":** This opening clause establishes the dual, pervasive nature of the required remembrance. The "hand" represents action, work, and outward conduct, suggesting that God's deliverance should influence and guide every deed. The "eyes" or "forehead" symbolize thought, intellect, perception, and worldview, indicating that the Exodus event should shape one's entire mental and spiritual outlook. Together, these phrases convey a holistic, pervasive remembrance that permeates both one's internal life and external behavior, making the Exodus the lens through which all of life is viewed and lived.
* **"that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth":** This clause reveals the ultimate *purpose* and desired outcome of the sign and memorial. The goal of this deep, pervasive remembrance is not merely cognitive recall, but the active proclamation, teaching, and embodiment of God's law. "In thy mouth" implies speaking, confessing, and living out the divine commands. Remembering God's mighty acts of salvation should naturally lead to a life characterized by obedience and the sharing of His truth with others, particularly future generations, ensuring the continuity of the covenant.
* **"for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt":** This final clause provides the compelling *motivation* and unshakeable *foundation* for the entire command. The imperative to remember and obey is rooted in the undeniable reality of God's powerful, sovereign act of deliverance. It underscores that Israel's very existence as a free people is solely due to the LORD's irresistible might, not their own strength, wisdom, or merit. This powerful reminder of divine intervention serves as the ultimate impetus for their covenant fidelity and a constant source of trust.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **metaphorical language** and **idiomatic expressions**. The "sign upon thine hand" and "memorial between thine eyes" are not meant to be understood literally as physical adornments at this point (though they later became the basis for such practices), but as vivid metaphors for constant, pervasive remembrance that influences both actions and thoughts. This use of concrete imagery to convey abstract concepts makes the command memorable and impactful. The phrase "strong hand" is a powerful **idiom** emphasizing God's overwhelming power and authority, a recurring **motif** throughout the Exodus narrative and indeed the entire Old Testament, serving as a theological shorthand for divine omnipotence and decisive intervention. The verse also exhibits a clear **cause-and-effect structure**, linking God's past action ("brought thee out of Egypt") to Israel's present obligation ("it shall be for a sign... that the LORD's law may be in thy mouth").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 13:9 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's character, humanity's responsibility, and the nature of salvation. It reveals God as a powerful, faithful, and covenant-keeping Redeemer who acts decisively in history to liberate His people. His "strong hand" demonstrates His absolute sovereignty and irresistible ability to deliver against all odds. For humanity, the verse underscores the vital importance of **remembrance** as the bedrock of faith and obedience. Forgetting God's past acts of salvation invariably leads to spiritual decline, disobedience, and a loss of identity. The theme of God's mighty deliverance is central to Israel's identity and is echoed throughout the biblical narrative, from the Psalms praising His works to the prophetic calls for remembrance and renewed covenant fidelity. This verse establishes a fundamental pattern: God acts in saving power, and His people are called to remember, internalize, and respond in faithful obedience, allowing His truth to shape their entire existence.

* [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "The Shema's command to bind words")
* [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "God's promise of deliverance with a strong hand")
* [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Teach God's commands diligently to your children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Exodus 13:9 serves as a timeless and profound call to remember God's ultimate act of deliverance through Jesus Christ. Just as ancient Israel was redeemed from physical bondage in Egypt, we are redeemed from the spiritual bondage of sin and death through Christ's atoning work. This verse challenges us to internalize the truth of our salvation and allow it to shape every facet of our lives. We are called to: **Cultivate Intentional Remembrance** by actively recalling and meditating on God's redemptive work in our lives and in salvation history. This means regularly engaging with Scripture, remembering His faithfulness in prayer, participating in corporate worship that recounts His goodness, and recounting His mighty acts to others. Our thoughts, perceptions, and worldview should constantly reflect the reality of His saving power and grace. We are also called to **Live Out Our Faith with Integrity**. The command for God's "law in thy mouth" translates for believers into living a life that speaks of God's truth and character. This involves not only confessing our faith with our lips but also demonstrating it through our words, our ethical choices, our service to others, and our pursuit of righteousness. Our very lives become a "sign" and "memorial" to the world of God's transforming power and the reality of His kingdom. Finally, we are called to **Acknowledge Divine Sovereignty and Grace**, recognizing that our salvation is entirely by God's "strong hand"—His sovereign grace and power, not our own merit, effort, or wisdom. This fosters profound humility, overflowing gratitude, and a deep, unwavering reliance on Him in all circumstances, empowering us to live a life of joyful obedience and trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "strong hand" acts of God, both in your personal journey and in the grand narrative of salvation history, do you need to remember more intentionally today?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can you ensure God's "law" (His truth, character, and commands) is truly "in your mouth," influencing your daily speech, decisions, and witness to the world?**
* **How might a deeper, more consistent remembrance of God's past faithfulness empower you to face current challenges, temptations, or uncertainties with greater trust, hope, and obedient reliance on Him?**

### FAQ
**Were the commands in Exodus 13:9 meant to be taken literally as physical objects?**

Answer: While the language is highly metaphorical, emphasizing the pervasive and constant nature of remembrance, these commands, along with similar ones in [Deuteronomy 6:8](/deuteronomy/6-8 "The Shema's command to bind words") and [Deuteronomy 11:18](/deuteronomy/11-18 "Command to bind God's words as a sign"), later became the scriptural basis for the Jewish practice of wearing *tefillin* (phylacteries). The original intent was likely to convey a holistic, internal commitment to remembering God's acts in both thought and deed, which then found a literal, ritualistic expression in later Jewish tradition.

**What is the significance of the "hand" and "eyes" in this verse?**

Answer: The "hand" typically symbolizes action, work, and outward conduct, representing all that one does. The "eyes" or "between thine eyes" (referring to the forehead) represent thought, intellect, perception, and worldview, signifying one's internal contemplation and understanding. Together, they convey that the remembrance of God's powerful deliverance should permeate every aspect of one's being—both internal cognition and external behavior—ensuring a comprehensive, constant, and active awareness.

**How does remembering God's past acts relate to present obedience?**

Answer: The verse explicitly links remembrance ("sign... memorial") to the outcome of God's "law in thy mouth." Remembering God's powerful and faithful deliverance in the past serves as a profound motivation for present obedience. It reminds us of His character, His covenant, and the great cost of our salvation, fostering deep gratitude, trust, and a desire to live according to His will. It grounds our present actions in the historical reality of His saving power, preventing forgetfulness and spiritual drift.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 13:9, with its emphasis on remembering God's "strong hand" in deliverance and keeping His law ever-present, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Exodus from Egypt was a physical redemption from slavery, serving as a powerful type and foreshadowing of the spiritual redemption from sin and death accomplished by Jesus. While God delivered Israel from Egypt with a "strong hand," the New Testament reveals God's ultimate and decisive "strong hand" in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This act demonstrates God's supreme power over sin, death, and the grave, fulfilling the promise of a greater, spiritual redemption (e.g., [Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual forces")). Jesus's life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the definitive acts of God's saving power, making the Exodus a magnificent type of the far greater spiritual liberation He provides for all who believe. The Passover, which this verse directly relates to, is transformed and consummated in the New Covenant through the institution of the Lord's Supper. Jesus commands His followers, "Do this in remembrance of me" ([Luke 22:19](/luke/22-19 "The institution of the Lord's Supper")), shifting the focus from remembering a physical exodus to remembering His atoning sacrifice on the cross. This new "memorial" is not a physical sign on the hand or between the eyes, but an internal transformation by the Holy Spirit, where God's law is written not on tablets of stone, but on the heart of believers ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "The New Covenant promise")). The desire for God's law to be "in thy mouth" is perfectly realized in Christ. He perfectly embodied and fulfilled the law, and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to live according to God's will, not by external compulsion but by internal desire and renewed nature. Our lives, transformed by the gospel, become a living "sign" and "memorial" of Christ's transforming power, as we speak of His goodness, obey His commands, and testify to the ultimate deliverance He has secured, living out the reality of His kingdom.

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

Deuteronomy 6:8

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

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.

Deuteronomy 11:19

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

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 15:39

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

Exodus 12:14

And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Proverbs 6:20

¶ My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: