What does it mean to be the apple of God’s eye?

Answer

Several verses in the Bible mention “the apple of the eye.” This ancient metaphor refers to the “pupil” of the eye, as some Bible translations render it. Here are three Old Testament uses of the phrase the apple of the eye:

The wise father advises his son, “Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye” «Keep my commandments, and live; And my law as the apple of thine eye. », (Proverbs 7:2).

The psalmist prays, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” «Keep me as the apple of the eye, Hide me under the shadow of thy wings, », (Psalm 17:8).

And in Deuteronomy 32:10, Moses relates a poetic description of God’s care for Israel: “In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye.”

At the risk of getting a little word-nerdy, let’s explore some of the Hebrew behind the phrase. The “apple” in the apple of the eye is a translation of the Hebrew word for “apple,” ishon, which is related to the word ish, meaning “man.” Etymologically, the ishon of the eye is “the little man of the eye.” Have you ever looked someone in the eye and seen your own reflection in their pupil? That’s the “little man,” right in the center of the eye.

The apple of one’s eye is a very sensitive place and therefore well-protected. Consider your own eye for a moment. What happens if something flies in it or toward it? Your eyelids reflexively close, your head turns, and your hands position themselves to ward off the threat. Our eyesight is valuable, and our body naturally protects that vulnerable spot to prevent injury.

So, the instruction in Prov

Proverbs 7:2 teaches us to esteem godly wisdom highly as a valuable asset. The supplication found in Psalm 17:8 asks God to watch over us as carefully as He would guard the apple of His eye. The depiction of God’s concern for His people in Deuteronomy 32:10 underscores Israel’s vulnerability and God’s gentle, affectionate care. God ensured complete protection; His people were His top priority. In the wilderness, God supplied them with manna to eat, water from a rock, and shielded them from their adversaries. His protection was as automatic as safeguarding the very center of His eye from harm. What a compassionate God we worship.

God regarded the Israelites as the apple of His eye, despite their rebellious and stubborn nature in the wilderness. As the apple of His eye, they were deeply cherished. God’s watchful care for His people remains unwavering. He holds His children close, and He can shield us as effortlessly as our eyelids guard our pupils. He does this out of His love for us in Christ. His love for us is akin to a parental, protective love, and the biblical portrayals of His love are truly enlightening.