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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאוֹת֙
And it shall be for a token
H226
לְאוֹת֙
And it shall be for a token
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
2 of 13
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָ֔ד
of hand
H3027
יָ֔ד
of hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 13
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
בֵּ֣ין
H996
בֵּ֣ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
6 of 13
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
עֵינֶ֑יךָ
between thine eyes
H5869
עֵינֶ֑יךָ
between thine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
7 of 13
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָ֔ד
of hand
H3027
יָ֔ד
of hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 13
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
הֽוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ
brought us forth
H3318
הֽוֹצִיאָ֥נוּ
brought us forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
11 of 13
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Cross References
Exodus 13:9And 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.Exodus 13:14And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:Deuteronomy 11:18Therefore 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.
Historical Context
This verse reinforced verse 9's imagery. Later literalization in phylacteries attempted visible obedience, though the primary intent was comprehensive life-orientation around redemption.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you keep redemption truth constantly governing both thoughts and actions?
- What does crediting God's 'strength of hand' rather than human contribution protect against?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The return to 'sign upon thine hand' and 'frontlets between thine eyes' emphasizes total life orientation around redemption. Physical imagery pictures spiritual reality—redemption should govern action (hand) and thought (forehead/eyes). The rationale 'by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth' credits God's power alone. Constant remembrance prevents pride ('we delivered ourselves') and maintains humble dependence.