Scripture Reference for Apple of God's Eye
The phrase "apple of God's eye" is rooted in biblical imagery, specifically in the Hebrew expression "apple of the eye" or "pupil of the eye," which signifies something precious and vulnerable. The biblical reference for this concept is found in Deuteronomy 32:10, where Moses describes God's care for Israel, saying, "He kept him as the apple of His eye" [1].
This metaphor is further explored in Psalms 17:8, where David prays to God, "Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me" [2]. The "apple of the eye" is understood to be the pupil, a vital and sensitive part of the human eye. In ancient Hebrew thought, the pupil was considered a delicate and essential component, much like the apple or center of the eye.
The biblical imagery is interpreted in various traditions. In Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical) thought, Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that the expression "apple of His eye" alludes to watchfulness, suggesting that God shields His people as one would protect their own eye [5]. Similarly, in Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, Matthew Henry interprets David's prayer in Psalms 17:8 as a request for preservation and safety, highlighting God's tender care for His people [6].
The concept is also linked to the idea of God's omniscience and care. In Proverbs 15:3, it is written, "The eyes of the Lord in every place behold the evil and the good" [3]. This verse underscores God's watchfulness over all creation. The Psalmist also expresses trust in God's guidance, saying, "Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord: for he will bring my feet out of the net" [4].
In Baptist/Reformed tradition, John Gill interprets the "apple of the eye" as a symbol of God's tender care and affection for His people, emphasizing their vulnerability and God's protective care [7]. The phrase is also used to convey the importance of preserving divine teachings. In Proverbs 7:2, the wisdom teacher advises, "Keep my commandments and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye," highlighting the value of cherishing and safeguarding God's word [8].
The "apple of God's eye" thus represents a profound biblical theme: God's intimate care and watchfulness over His people. This concept is woven throughout various biblical passages and is interpreted across different Christian and Jewish traditions as a testament to God's loving protection and guidance.
The historical and cultural context of the "apple of the eye" metaphor adds depth to its meaning. In ancient cultures, the eye was considered a vital organ, and the pupil was seen as its most sensitive part. This understanding is reflected in the biblical text and its interpretations, underscoring the preciousness and vulnerability of God's people in His sight.
The imagery associated with the "apple of the eye" is also linked to the broader biblical theme of God's presence and protection. In Psalms and Proverbs, the eye is often used as a metaphor for God's watchfulness and care. This theme is echoed in various traditions, highlighting the enduring significance of the "apple of God's eye" as a symbol of divine love and protection.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Eye, The — The light of the body -- Mt 6:22; Lu 11:34. God Made. -- Pr 20:12. Formed. -- Ps 94:9. Opens. -- 2Ki 6:17; Ps 146:8. Enlightens. -- Ezr 9:8; Ps 13:3. Frequently fair -- 1Sa 16:12. Sometimes tender -- Ge 29:17. Sometimes blemished -- Le 21:20. Parts of mentioned in scripture The apple or ball. -- De 32:10. The lid. -- Job 16:16. The brow. -- Le 14:9. Actions of, mentioned in scripture Seeing. -- Job 7:8; 28:10. Winking. -- Pr 10:1. Weeping. -- Job 16:20; Ps 88:9; La 1:16. Directing. -- Nu 10:31; Ps 32:8. The light of, rejoices the heart -- Pr 15:30. Not sat”
- Psalms “Psalms 17:8 (YLT) — Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 15:3 (Geneva1599) — The eyes of the Lord in euery place beholde the euill and the good.”
- Psalms “Psalms 25:15 (Geneva1599) — Mine eyes are euer towarde the Lord: for he will bring my feete out of the net.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Deuteronomy 32:10: The expression [ He kept him ] as the apple of His eye 44 Verse 10. alludes to watchfulness, the verse stating that G-d watched over him as He would shield “His own eye.” Or it may be that the word “man” is missing here: He watched over him as a man shields the apple of his eye, for generally [where there is no specific reference to the contrary, it is assumed that] Scripture speaks of man. There are many similar verses.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 17:8: We may observe, in these verses, I. What David prays for. Being compassed about with enemies that sought his life, he prays to God to preserve him safely through all their attempts against him, to the crown to which he was anointed. This prayer is both a prediction of the preservation of Christ through all the hardships and difficulties of his humiliation, to the glories and joys of his exalted state, and a pattern to Christians to commit the keeping of their souls to God, trusting him to preserve them to his heavenly kingdom. He prays, 1. That he himself might be”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 17:8: Keep me as the apple of the eye,.... Which is weak and tender, and is hurt and put to pain, and made uneasy by every little thing that annoys it, and than which nothing is more dear to a man, or he is more careful of preserving from being hurt; and fitly represents the weak estate and condition of God's people, his affection for them, and tender care of them; who as he has provided tunics for the eye, and guarded it with eyebrows, so he has taken care for the safety of his dear children, Deu 32:10; hide me under the shadow of thy wings; alluding either to the wings ”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 7:2: Keep my commandments and live,.... Not the commandments of the law only, but the commandments of Christ; and even the doctrines of Christ are so called, as faith in him, and love to the saints, Jo1 3:23; which is the way to live comfortably, peaceably, pleasantly, and honourably; and my law as the apple of thine eye; the doctrine of Christ, the law of the Lord, that goes out of Zion; which should be as dear to men as the apple of their eye, and as carefully preserved, that the least injury is not done to it; it should be kept inviolate.”