Phylactery: meaning, definitions and examples
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phylactery
[ fษชหlรฆk.tษr.i ]
religious artifact
A phylactery is a small leather box containing Hebrew texts on parchment, worn by Jewish men during weekday morning prayers as a sign of faith and obedience to God's commandments. The purpose of the phylactery is to serve as a physical reminder of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It is traditionally worn on the arm and forehead. The practice originates from biblical commandments and has been observed for centuries, particularly in Orthodox Jewish communities.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He carefully placed the phylactery on his head.
- During the morning service, many members donned their phylacteries.
- The rabbi explained the significance of the phylactery.
- He removed his phylactery after completing the prayer.
Translations
Translations of the word "phylactery" in other languages:
๐ต๐น filactรฉrio
๐ฎ๐ณ เคซเคฟเคฒเฅเคเฅเคเคฐเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Amulett
๐ฎ๐ฉ phylactery
๐บ๐ฆ ััะปะฐะบัะตััะน
๐ต๐ฑ filakterium
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฃใฉใฏใใชใผ
๐ซ๐ท phylactรจre
๐ช๐ธ filacterio
๐น๐ท filaktรถr
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ฝํ ๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููููุชุฑู
๐จ๐ฟ filakterium
๐ธ๐ฐ filakterium
๐จ๐ณ ๆค่บซ็ฌฆ
๐ธ๐ฎ filakterij
๐ฎ๐ธ filaktera
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธะปะฐะบัะตัะธะน
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแแแฅแขแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ filakter
๐ฒ๐ฝ filacterio
Word origin
The word 'phylactery' comes from the Greek word 'phylaktฤrion', which means 'a safeguard' or 'protection'. This term is derived from 'phylaktฤs', meaning 'to guard' or 'to protect'. The use of phylacteries has its roots in Jewish scriptural texts, specifically in the Torah, which instructs the faithful to bind certain words and commandments on their bodies and doorposts. Historically, this practice has become a significant ritual element in Judaism, symbolizing devotion and adherence to God's laws. Phylacteries consist of two black boxes made of leather, each containing scrolls with specific biblical passages. The tradition of wearing them is linked to the historical experiences and spiritual identity of the Jewish people, and it has been passed down through generations as a means of maintaining faith and religious observance.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,766, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.