Bible Dictionaries
Frontlets

Holman Bible Dictionary

Objects containing Scripture passages worn on the forehand and between the eyes, primarily at prayer times. Jews followed scriptural commands, literally, writing Exodus 13:1-10 ,Exodus 13:1-10,13:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21 on small scrolls, placing these in leather containers and placing these on their forehead and left arm. See Exodus 13:9 ,Exodus 13:9,13:16; Deuteronomy 6:8; Deuteronomy 11:18 .

By New Testament times, the frontlets were known as phylacteries ( Matthew 23:5 ). Jewish men wore phylacteries during prayer times, except on the sabbath and feast days.

Phylacteries were bound with thongs to the forehead, though some phylacteries were worn on the upper arm so that when a person crossed his arms the Scriptures contained in the phylactery would be close to the heart.

Jesus condemned individuals who called attention to themselves by wearing larger than usual phylacteries (Matthew 23:5 ).

Gary Hardin