Lexical Summary totaphoth: Frontlets, phylacteries Original Word: טוֹפָפָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance frontlet From an unusued root meaning to go around or bind; a fillet for the forehead -- frontlet. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition bands NASB Translation frontals (2), phylacteries (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs טוֺטָפוֺת noun feminine plural bands (Late Hebrew טוֺטֶפֶת Aramaic טוֺטֶפְתָּא and especially plural טוטפין id.) — always bands, frontlet-bands, between the eyes ("" אוֺת על יד; compare זִכָּרוֺן בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ Exodus 13:9 "" id.); figurative of dedication of firstborn וְהָיָה ֗֗֗ לְטוֺטָפֹת בין עיניך Exodus 13:16 (JE); of commandments of ׳י, ׳וְהָיוּ לְטו Deuteronomy 11:18 and וְהָיוּ לְטֹטָפת Deuteronomy 6:8. — This injunction, originally figurative for perpetual remembrance (otherwise Kn, and Kleinl.c. 666 ff., see above, BenzArchaeology 111 NowArchaeology i. 134), was taken literally by later Jews, and hence the custom of wearing phylacteries; see Di (on Exodus 13:16) WinerRE RiHWB (article Denkzettel) SmithDict. Bib. (article Frontlets) StaZAW 1894, 312 f., 317. טִיחַ see below טוּחַ. טִיט see below טוּט. טִירָה see below טוּר. טַל see below I. טלל. below Topical Lexicon Overview of Biblical UsageThe noun טוֹטָפֹת (totaphoth) appears three times in the Old Testament: Exodus 13:16, Deuteronomy 6:8, and Deuteronomy 11:18. In each context it is rendered “frontlets” or “reminders on your foreheads,” forming part of the divine instruction that the words of the LORD be physically displayed as a perpetual testimony. The passages are embedded in covenantal settings: the Exodus deliverance, the Shema, and Moses’ renewal of covenant exhortations. Historical and Cultural Background In ancient Israel, “frontlets” were small strips or cases affixed between the eyes, later developed into the phylacteries (tefillin) known from Second Temple Judaism. By the first century these contained parchment scrolls with portions of Torah, worn by devout Jews during prayer. While the Mosaic text does not prescribe their exact construction, the principle of visibly bearing God’s word was unmistakable. Rabbinic tradition eventually codified dimensions, straps, and the four passages enclosed (Exodus 13:1-10; 13:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21). Theological Significance 1. Covenant Memory The frontlets functioned as tangible cues of redemption: “It shall serve as a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the LORD brought us out of Egypt by the strength of His hand” (Exodus 13:16). Deliverance history and personal identity were fused in a visible emblem. 2. Total-Life Obedience Placement “between your eyes” symbolizes the mind’s gaze and moral vision, while binding on the hand points to action. The dual location underscores comprehensive submission—thought and deed alike governed by divine revelation. 3. Generational Transmission In both Deuteronomy references, the command is embedded in parental teaching (Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19). The frontlets were didactic tools, provoking questions from children and opening avenues to recount God’s mighty acts. 4. Contrast with Hypocrisy By New Testament times some enlarged their phylacteries “for show” (Matthew 23:5). The external token, meant to mirror internal devotion, could be hollowed by pride. Scripture thus warns that symbols must never substitute for sincere obedience (Isaiah 29:13; James 1:22-25). Ministry Applications • Family Catechesis: Christian homes can adopt visible Scripture (wall plaques, memory cards) as modern “frontlets” that spark conversation and shape worldview. Christological Insights Jesus Christ embodies the perfect internalization of God’s word (John 1:14). Whereas totaphoth externalize law on the forehead, the New Covenant writes it on the heart through the Spirit (Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3). Revelation 14:1 presents the Lamb’s followers with His name “on their foreheads,” echoing Exodus language and pointing to a consummated identity shaped entirely by Him. Cross-References for Further Study Exodus 12–13; Deuteronomy 4–11; Proverbs 3:3; Isaiah 49:16; Ezekiel 9:4; Revelation 7:3. Summary Totaphoth serve as God-ordained reminders that liberated people live by remembered truth. Rooted in historical redemption and aimed at holistic obedience, these frontlets challenge every generation to keep Scripture before the eyes, work of hands, and hearts of families—until the day when faith becomes sight and His name is indelibly written upon His redeemed. Forms and Transliterations וּלְטוֹטָפֹ֖ת ולטוטפת לְטֹטָפֹ֖ת לְטוֹטָפֹ֖ת לטוטפת לטטפת lə·ṭō·ṭā·p̄ōṯ lə·ṭō·w·ṭā·p̄ōṯ letotaFot ləṭōṭāp̄ōṯ ləṭōwṭāp̄ōṯ ū·lə·ṭō·w·ṭā·p̄ōṯ uletotaFot ūləṭōwṭāp̄ōṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 13:16 HEB: עַל־ יָ֣דְכָ֔ה וּלְטוֹטָפֹ֖ת בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֑יךָ NAS: on your hand and as phylacteries on your forehead, KJV: upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: INT: on your hand phylacteries among eyes Deuteronomy 6:8 Deuteronomy 11:18 3 Occurrences |
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