Deuteronomy 6:8

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּקְשַׁרְתָּ֥ם
And thou shalt bind
to tie, physically (gird, confine, compact) or mentally (in love, league)
#2
לְא֖וֹת
them for a sign
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#3
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
יָדֶ֑ךָ
upon thine hand
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
וְהָי֥וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
לְטֹֽטָפֹ֖ת
and they shall be as frontlets
a fillet for the forehead
#7
בֵּ֥ין
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
#8
עֵינֶֽיךָ׃
between thine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Deuteronomy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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