Bible Dictionary
Frontlets, Or Phylacteries
Phylacteries, or frontlets, were small leather cases containing passages from the Law and worn on the arm or forehead. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for enlarging these displays as part of their outward religious pretension.
Biblical Usage
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for making their phylacteries broad and conspicuous. The criticism concerned their outward religious display and pretentious customs rather than merely the prescribed existence of the phylacteries.
Scripture References