Deuteronomy 6:8
What does Deuteronomy 6:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Deuteronomy 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Deuteronomy 6:8 means
The instruction to bind God's words as a sign on the hand and as frontlets between the eyes emphasizes their constant presence and influence. This practice, later interpreted literally by some Jews through phylacteries, metaphorically signifies that God's commands should guide their actions (hand) and inform their thoughts and perceptions (eyes). It reinforces the idea that devotion to God must be evident in both their deeds and their worldview, continually reminding them of His authority.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let them be fixed as a sign on your hand, and marked on your brow;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and hast bound them for a sign upon thy hand, and they have been for frontlets between thine eyes,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And thou shalt bind them as a sign on thy hand, and they shall be and shall move between thy eyes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And thou shalt bind them for a sign on thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.
Context
After outlining the spoken transmission of God's word to children (verse 7), this verse describes physical, symbolic ways to keep the commands ever-present. Binding them on the hand and between the eyes focuses on personal remembrance and public testimony. Verse 9 continues this thought, extending the physical inscription of God's words to their homes, ensuring a pervasive influence in their entire environment.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 23:5
But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
- Exodus 13:16
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.
- Proverbs 7:3
Bind them upon thy fingers; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart.
- Numbers 15:38
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of each border a cord of blue:
- Deuteronomy 11:18
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul; and ye shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes.
- Proverbs 3:3
Let not kindness and truth forsake thee: Bind them about thy neck; Write them upon the tablet of thy heart:
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Deuteronomy 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Deuteronomy 6.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Children
God’s Word provides profound insights into the rearing, value, and blessing of children, as well as the responsibilities of both parents and children.
Topic
Bible Verses About Idolatry
Idolatry is the worship of anything other than the one true God, a pervasive theme throughout the Bible.
What the Bible says about…