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Exodus 13:9 - Tefillin: Divine sign, Torah remembrance

Exodus 13:9 - שמות 13:9

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה לְךָ לְאוֹת עַל־יָדְךָ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן בֵּין עֵינֶיךָ לְמַעַן תִּהְיֶה תּוֹרַת יְהוָה בְּפִיךָ כִּי בְּיָד חֲזָקָה הוֹצִאֲךָ יְהֹוָה מִמִּצְרָיִם׃

English Translation

And it shall be for a sign to thee upon thy hand, and for a memorial between thy eyes, that the Lord’s Tora may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand did the Lord bring thee out of Miżrayim.

Transliteration

Vehaya lecha le'ot al-yadcha ulezikaron bein einecha lemaan tihyeh torat Adonai beficha ki beyad chazakah hotzi'cha Adonai miMitzrayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃
וְהָיָה֩ לְךָ֨ לְא֜וֹת עַל־יָדְךָ֗ וּלְזִכָּרוֹן֙ בֵּ֣ין עֵינֶ֔יךָ לְמַ֗עַן תִּהְיֶ֛ה תּוֹרַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה בְּפִ֑יךָ כִּ֚י בְּיָ֣ד חֲזָקָ֔ה הוֹצִֽאֲךָ֥ יְהֹוָ֖ה מִמִּצְרָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Tefillin

The verse (Shemot 13:9) describes the mitzvah of tefillin, which serve as a physical reminder of Hashem's Torah and the Exodus from Egypt. Rashi explains that "a sign upon your hand" refers to the tefillin shel yad (worn on the arm), and "a memorial between your eyes" refers to the tefillin shel rosh (worn on the head). These are not merely symbolic but actual commandments to bind the words of Torah on one's body as a constant connection to divine service.

The Purpose of Tefillin

Rambam (Hilchot Tefillin 4:25) teaches that tefillin serve to awaken one's mind to remember the miracles of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus), reinforcing belief in Hashem's unity and providence. The placement on the arm (near the heart) and head signifies subjugation of one's emotions and intellect to divine will. The Talmud (Menachot 36b) elaborates that the verse links tefillin to Torah study ("that the Lord’s Torah may be in your mouth")—indicating that wearing tefillin inspires proper speech and devotion to Torah.

The Connection to Yetziat Mitzrayim

The concluding phrase—"for with a strong hand did the Lord bring thee out of Egypt"—ties the mitzvah directly to the Exodus. The Mechilta (Bo 17) explains that tefillin testify to Hashem's miraculous intervention in history. By wearing them, a Jew publicly affirms faith in divine redemption. The "strong hand" (יד חזקה) alludes to both physical liberation and the spiritual purpose of receiving Torah at Har Sinai, as tefillin contain verses referencing both events.

Halachic Details from Traditional Sources

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 25:5) rules that tefillin must be worn during weekday morning prayers, excluding Shabbat and Yom Tov, as these holy days themselves serve as "signs" (see Rashi on Shemot 13:16).
  • The Mishna Berurah (25:19) emphasizes that the "memorial between your eyes" must be placed precisely above the hairline, reflecting the precision required in fulfilling mitzvot.
  • The Zohar (Shemot 265a) teaches that tefillin channel divine protection, as their holiness creates a spiritual shield for the wearer.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 34b
The verse is discussed in the context of the mitzvah of tefillin, specifically regarding the placement of the tefillin on the hand and between the eyes as a sign and memorial.
📖 Kiddushin 35a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the obligation of women in the mitzvah of tefillin, linking the commandment to the Exodus from Egypt.
📖 Berakhot 20b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of Torah study and the connection between the mitzvah of tefillin and the Exodus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'a sign upon thy hand' and 'a memorial between thy eyes' mean in Exodus 13:9?
A: This verse refers to the mitzvah of Tefillin (phylacteries). Orthodox Judaism understands this as a commandment to bind Tefillin boxes containing Torah verses on the arm ('upon thy hand') and head ('between thy eyes'). Rashi explains that these serve as physical reminders of G-d's commandments and the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: Why is the Exodus mentioned in connection with Tefillin in this verse?
A: The Exodus is mentioned because it demonstrates G-d's power and our special relationship with Him. The Rambam teaches that remembering the Exodus is fundamental to Jewish faith. Wearing Tefillin reminds us daily of this event and our obligation to serve G-d who redeemed us.
Q: How does 'that the Lord's Torah may be in thy mouth' relate to Tefillin?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) explains that Tefillin help focus our thoughts on Torah study and mitzvot. By wearing them, we internalize Torah values, making it easier to speak words of Torah. The physical act reminds us to fill our mouths with Torah learning and discussion.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Exodus 13:9 today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of physical reminders in spiritual growth. Just as Tefillin serve as tangible connections to Torah, we should create reminders in our daily lives to focus on mitzvot. The Sforno notes that constant visual and tactile reminders help maintain proper awareness of our spiritual goals.
Q: Why does the verse mention G-d's 'strong hand' in relation to Tefillin?
A: The 'strong hand' refers to G-d's miraculous intervention during the Exodus. The Midrash explains that wearing Tefillin demonstrates our belief in G-d's ongoing providence - just as He acted with power in Egypt, He continues to guide our lives today. The physical Tefillin represent this spiritual reality.