And 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 13:9KJV
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Exodus 13:9 (KJV)

What does Exodus 13:9 mean?

Exodus 13:9 describes how the Israelites are to remember God’s deliverance from Egypt by keeping a visible sign on their hand and between their eyes, so that God’s law will always be on their lips. This sign serves as a reminder that it was by God’s powerful action that they were brought out of slavery.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the Israelites after their escape from Egypt, instructing them on how to keep the memory of God’s rescue alive for future generations. The “sign” and “memorial” are physical or symbolic reminders, emphasizing that God’s instructions (the law) should guide their actions (“hand”), thoughts (“between thine eyes”), and words (“in thy mouth”). The focus is on remembering God’s strength and faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 13:9

  • “sign” (אוֹת, ’ot): This word means a mark or signal, often used for something visible that points to a deeper reality. Here, it emphasizes the importance of a physical reminder of God’s deliverance.
  • “memorial” (זִכָּרוֹן, zikkaron): This means a remembrance or reminder. Placing it “between the eyes” suggests keeping God’s actions and laws always in mind.
  • “law” (תּוֹרָה, torah): This word refers to instruction or teaching, not just legal rules. The verse highlights that God’s teachings should be spoken and remembered.
  • “strong” (חָזָק, chazaq): This word means mighty or powerful. The phrase “with a strong hand” underscores the force and decisiveness of God’s intervention in freeing the Israelites.

Why Exodus 13:9 matters

  • Exodus 13:9 clarifies that the rituals and reminders God commands are meant to keep the story of deliverance alive, not as empty traditions but as living memories tied to God’s power.
  • The verse connects physical actions (signs on hand and forehead) with inner devotion, showing that faith is meant to shape both outward behavior and inward thought.
  • This instruction sets the stage for later Jewish practices, such as tefillin (phylacteries), and helps explain why remembrance is so central in Jewish worship and identity.

Where else these words appear

“memorial” Hebrew H2146 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
  • Numbers 5:15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
  • Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

“strong” Hebrew H2389 · used in 54 verses

  • Exodus 3:19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
  • Deuteronomy 34:12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel.
  • Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.

“sign” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Deuteronomy 4:34 Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?
  • Psalms 65:8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.