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Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/17-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/19_Psa_017_008.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 17:8 - Hear My Righteous Plea" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/17-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/17-8.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/17.htm">Chapter 17</a> > Verse 8</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/17-7.htm" title="Psalm 17:7">◄</a> Psalm 17:8 <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm" title="Psalm 17:9">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Guard me as you would guard your own eyes. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Keep me [in Your affectionate care, protect me] as the apple of Your eye; Hide me in the [protective] shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Protect me as the pupil of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Protect me as the pupil of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Protect me as you would your very own eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Guard me as if I were the pupil in your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Protect me as you would your very eyes; hide me in the shadow of your wings <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Protect me as the most precious part of the eye; hide me under the shadow of your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Protect me as you would protect the pupil of your eye! Hide me in the shadow of your wings! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shade of thy wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Watch me as the pupil of the daughter of the eye: thou wilt hide me in the shadow of thy wings.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />From them that resist thy right hand keep me, as the apple of thy eye. Protect me under the shadow of thy wings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 16:8>From those who resist your right hand, preserve me like the pupil of your eye. Protect me under the shadow of your wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye; protect me under the shadow of thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Keep me like the pupil of the eye and in the shadow of your wings, hide me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye, Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand: thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/17-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=1415" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Hear My Righteous Plea</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: mə·rê·nî (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 1cs) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">Keep me</a> <a href="/hebrew/380.htm" title="380: kə·’î·šō·wn (Prep-k:: N-msc) -- The pupil (of the eye). Diminutive from 'iysh; the little man of the eye; the pupil or ball; hence, the middle.">as the apple</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: baṯ- (N-fsc) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ā·yin (N-cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">Your eye;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5641.htm" title="5641: tas·tî·rê·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms:: 1cs) -- To hide, conceal. A primitive root; to hide, literally or figuratively.">hide me</a> <a href="/hebrew/6738.htm" title="6738: bə·ṣêl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A shadow. From tsalal; shade, whether literal or figurative.">in the shadow</a> <a href="/hebrew/3671.htm" title="3671: kə·nā·p̄e·ḵā (N-fpc:: 2ms) -- Wing, extremity. From kanaph; an edge or extremity; specifically a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle.">of Your wings</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a></span><br />He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a></span><br />O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Psalm 36:7</a></span><br />How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a></span><br />He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-16.htm">Isaiah 49:16</a></span><br />Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a></span><br />Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-7.htm">Psalm 63:7</a></span><br />For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/61-4.htm">Psalm 61:4</a></span><br />Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Psalm 27:5</a></span><br />For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-20.htm">Psalm 31:20</a></span><br />You hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the schemes of men. You conceal them in Your shelter from accusing tongues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/32-7.htm">Psalm 32:7</a></span><br />You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/121-5.htm">Psalm 121:5</a></span><br />The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is the shade on your right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/91-1.htm">Psalm 91:1</a></span><br />He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of your wings,</p><p class="hdg">apple</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a></b></br> He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Proverbs 7:2</a></b></br> Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a></b></br> For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.</p><p class="hdg">hide</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Psalm 36:7</a></b></br> How excellent <i>is</i> thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until <i>these</i> calamities be overpast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/61-4.htm">Psalm 61:4</a></b></br> I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Apple</a> <a href="/job/36-30.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/psalms/9-14.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/psalms/17-2.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/13-1.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/psalms/13-3.htm">Light</a> <a href="/job/40-22.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/job/40-22.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/job/39-26.htm">Wings</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/7-2.htm">Apple</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Eye</a> <a href="/psalms/17-11.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Hide</a> <a href="/psalms/18-28.htm">Light</a> <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/psalms/23-4.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/psalms/18-10.htm">Wings</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">He prays against them in confidence of his hope</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Keep me as the apple of Your eye;</b><br>The phrase "apple of Your eye" refers to something precious and highly valued. In ancient Hebrew culture, the "apple" of the eye was considered the pupil, a vital and sensitive part of the body, indicating protection and care. This imagery is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/deuteronomy/32-10.htm">Deuteronomy 32:10</a> and <a href="/zechariah/2-8.htm">Zechariah 2:8</a>, to describe God's protective love for His people. The request for God to "keep" suggests a desire for ongoing protection and favor, reflecting the psalmist's trust in God's intimate care and attention. This phrase also foreshadows the protective nature of Christ, who is the Good Shepherd, caring for His flock with vigilance and love.<p><b>hide me in the shadow of Your wings</b><br>The imagery of being hidden "in the shadow of Your wings" evokes the picture of a bird sheltering its young under its wings, a common metaphor in the Bible for divine protection and refuge. This metaphor is seen in passages like <a href="/ruth/2-12.htm">Ruth 2:12</a> and <a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a>, emphasizing God's role as a refuge and fortress. The cultural context of ancient Israel, where birds were often seen as symbols of care and protection, enhances the understanding of this phrase. Historically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where He promises to be their protector. This imagery also points to Christ, who lamented over Jerusalem, desiring to gather its children as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (<a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37</a>), highlighting His protective and nurturing nature.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of this Psalm, David is seeking God's protection and favor. He is often seen as a man after God's own heart, despite his imperfections.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure to whom David is praying. God is portrayed as a protector and a loving guardian.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_apple_of_your_eye.htm">The Apple of Your Eye</a></b><br>This phrase is a metaphor for something precious and highly valued. It reflects the intimate care and attention God provides to His people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_shadow_of_your_wings.htm">The Shadow of Your Wings</a></b><br>Another metaphor, this one depicting God's protection and shelter, similar to a bird protecting its young under its wings.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_context_of_persecution.htm">The Context of Persecution</a></b><br>David often faced enemies and sought refuge in God. This Psalm is a plea for divine protection amidst adversity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_intimate_care.htm">God's Intimate Care</a></b><br>Just as the "apple of the eye" is sensitive and protected, God values and guards His people with great care.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_protection.htm">Divine Protection</a></b><br>The imagery of being hidden "in the shadow of Your wings" assures believers of God's shelter and safety in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Like David, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereign protection, even when facing adversities or enemies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_in_god's_eyes.htm">Value in God's Eyes</a></b><br>Understanding that we are precious to God can transform how we view ourselves and our worth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_refuge_in_god.htm">Seeking Refuge in God</a></b><br>In times of fear or uncertainty, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God, trusting in His protection and care.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ask_god_for_favor_if_he's_impartial.htm">Why does Psalm 17:8 ask God to treat the psalmist as “the apple of Your eye” if God is supposed to be impartial (Deuteronomy 10:17)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'apple_of_god's_eye'_mean.htm">What does "Apple of God's Eye" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_find_refuge_under_his_wings.htm">How can one find refuge under His wings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_57_depict_god_with_wings.htm">Why does Psalm 57 portray God with “wings” (Psalm 57:1) if much of Christian doctrine teaches that God is spirit and without physical form? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Apple of the eye.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">little man, daughter of the eye. </span>The <span class= "ital">mannikin </span>is, of course, the reflection seen in the pupil. <span class= "ital">Daughter </span>is either a contraction of a word meaning cavity, or is the common Hebrew idiom which by <span class= "ital">son </span>or <span class= "ital">daughter of </span>expresses relation, as <span class= "ital">sons of the bow = arrows. </span>In fact, the curious Hebrew phrase is substantially like the Greek <span class= "greekheb">????</span> and Latin <span class= "ital">pupa, </span>or <span class= "ital">pupilla, </span>even to the gender.<p><span class= "bld">Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.</span>--The figure of the sheltering wings of the parent bird, so common in Hebrew literature, generally refers to the eagle or vulture, as in <a href="/context/deuteronomy/32-10.htm" title="He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.">Deuteronomy 32:10-11</a>, the source of both the beautiful images of the text. Our Lord's use of the figure is made more tender by the English rendering, "hen" (<a href="/matthew/23-37.htm" title="O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not!">Matthew 23:37</a>). (See Note <span class= "ital">New Testament Commentary.</span>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Keep me as the apple of</span> <span class="cmt_word">the eye</span> (comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/32.htm">Deuteronomy 32</a>. ]0, where the same simile is used). Here, however, the expression employed is still more tender and more practical: "Keep me," says David," as the apple, <span class="accented">daughter of the eye."</span> <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Hide me under the shadow of thy wings</span>. This seems also to be a reminiscence of Deuteronomy, where, after the mention of the "apple of the eye," the water continues, As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him" (<a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Deuteronomy 32:11, 12</a>; comp. further <a href="/psalms/36-7.htm">Psalm 36:7</a>; <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Psalm 57:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/63-8.htm">Psalm 63:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/91-4.htm">Psalm 91:4</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/17-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Keep me</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֭מְרֵנִי</span> <span class="translit">(mə·rê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the apple</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאִישׁ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’î·šō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_380.htm">Strong's 380: </a> </span><span class="str2">The little man of the eye, the pupil, ball, the middle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Your eye;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֑יִן</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hide</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּסְתִּירֵֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(tas·tî·rê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5641.htm">Strong's 5641: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hide, conceal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me in the shadow</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּצֵ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6738.htm">Strong's 6738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shadow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Your wings</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֝נָפֶ֗יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·nā·p̄e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3671.htm">Strong's 3671: </a> </span><span class="str2">An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacle</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/17-8.htm">Psalm 17:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/17-8.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of your (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/17-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 17:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/17-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 17:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>