The Greek word phylaktḗrion, represented by G5440, refers to a guard-case or phylactery, a small case used for wearing slips of Scripture. According to usage statistics, it appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its single appearance highly significant.
The sole use of G5440 is found in a direct critique of performative righteousness. In Matthew 23:5, it is stated that religious leaders "make broad their phylacteries" for the specific purpose of being "seen of men" Matthew 23:5. The context presents this action not as an act of piety, but as one part of a broader effort to display religious devotion outwardly, alongside enlarging the borders of their garments.
Several words from its only context in Matthew 23:5 help clarify its usage:
- G4115 platýnō (make broad, enlarge): This verb is directly applied to the phylacteries, indicating a deliberate act of widening them to make them more conspicuous.
- G3170 megalýnō (enlarge, magnify, shew great): Used in parallel with making phylacteries broad, this term describes the enlarging of garment borders, reinforcing the theme of ostentatious display.
- G2300 theáomai (behold, look upon, see): This word reveals the motivation behind the action. The works are performed specifically "to be seen of men" Matthew 23:5, highlighting the desire for an audience.
- G2041 érgon (deed, doing, labour, work): This term establishes that wearing an enlarged phylactery is classified as one of the "works" done for public approval, rather than as a sincere act of faith.
The theological weight of G5440 is derived entirely from its critical context in Matthew 23:5.
- External vs. Internal Piety: The use of phylacteries in this verse serves as a primary example of outward religious display that lacks corresponding inner devotion. The focus is on acts done to be "seen of men" Matthew 23:5.
- Corruption of a Religious Symbol: A phylactery, intended to be a personal "guard-case" for remembering scripture, is transformed into a tool for self-aggrandizement. The act of making it broad signifies the corruption of its purpose.
- A Warning Against Hypocrisy: The verse uses the visible act of enlarging phylacteries as a tangible illustration of religious hypocrisy, where the symbols of faith are leveraged for personal honor rather than for honoring God.
In summary, while G5440 phylaktḗrion appears only once, its meaning is powerful and specific. It is not just a neutral term for a religious artifact but is used exclusively to illustrate the problem of performative righteousness. It serves as a stark biblical warning against performing religious "works" for the sake of human praise rather than as an expression of genuine faith.
TRV