Deuteronomy commands Israel to bind God's words as a sign on hand and forehead, while Numbers commands tassels or fringes on garments. By the Second Temple period, phylacteries containing biblical texts are archaeologically attested, and fringes remained visible features of Jewish dress.
Customs & Culture
Phylacteries and Garment Fringes
Jewish men could wear Scripture-containing phylacteries and commanded garment fringes as visible reminders of God's law. Jesus criticized ostentatious use of these practices, not the biblical commands themselves.
Primary Scripture
Historical and Cultural Background
Biblical Examples
Jesus criticizes religious leaders who broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their fringes to be noticed. A woman seeking healing touches the fringe of Jesus' garment.
Biblical Significance
Matthew 23 is a criticism of public display and status-seeking, not a statement that phylacteries or fringes were inherently wrong. The practices themselves arose from commands intended to keep God's law in remembrance.
Common Misconceptions
Jesus' criticism should not be turned into a blanket condemnation of Jewish religious dress. His stated target is ostentation and the desire to be seen by others.
Historical Setting and Evidence
Culture: Israelite, Judean/Jewish
Period: Persian Period, Hellenistic Period, Hasmonean Period, Roman / Second Temple Period
Evidence: Well Attested
Interpretive Importance: Major
The biblical commands are explicit, and phylacteries from the Second Temple period have been recovered archaeologically in the Judean Desert.
Scripture References
Related Information
Sources
Numbers 15:37-41; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 23:5; Second Temple phylacteries from the Judean Desert.