φυλακτήριον (phulaktērion)
phulaktērion
phylactery
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phulaktērion refers originally to a fortified outpost or a protective amulet, but in the New Testament it takes on a specific Jewish meaning: a phylactery. These were small leather cases containing parchment scrolls inscribed with four passages from the Law of Moses (Exodus 13 and Deuteronomy 6 and 11). Jews wore them on their foreheads and arms during prayer as a physical reminder to keep God’s commands close, viewing them as a safeguard against evil.
The word appears only once in Scripture, in Matthew 23:5, where Jesus critiques the Pharisees for wearing these cases. He notes that they make their phylacteries broad to display their piety publicly. The term highlights a tension between internal faithfulness and external performance; while the objects were meant to help believers remember God’s word, some used them as badges of status rather than instruments of devotion.
Etymologically, the word relates to guarding or keeping safe (from phulassō). Its use in Matthew underscores Jesus’ concern for sincerity over spectacle. The phylactery itself was not condemned, but the pride attached to its visible display was. This single occurrence serves as a concrete example of how religious symbols can be misused for self-glorification rather than humble obedience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phulaktērion appears only once in the New Testament, found in Matthew 23:5. Jesus mentions it while observing how some religious leaders dressed to attract attention. They made their phylacteries broad to show off their piety to others. These small leather cases held Scripture passages and were worn as reminders of God’s commands.
This story invites us to examine our own hearts. It is easy to let external practices become tools for self-promotion rather than genuine devotion. The issue was not the phylactery itself, but the pride behind its display. True faithfulness seeks to honor God quietly, without needing an audience.
May we keep God’s word close in our hearts and lives, letting our actions flow from sincere love rather than a desire for human approval. Your quiet obedience is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- phylacteries1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φυλακτήρια1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 23:5
But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their garments,
This verse highlights the misuse of religious symbols when they are worn to gain public admiration rather than to remember God's commands.