Proverbs 7:2

KJV

Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

KJV (with Strong's)

Keep {H8104} my commandments {H4687}, and live {H2421}; and my law {H8451} as the apple {H380} of thine eye {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Obey my commands, and live; guard my teaching like the pupil of your eye.

Berean Standard Bible

Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

American Standard Version

Keep my commandments and live; And my law as the apple of thine eye.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 7:2 encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical wisdom: the intimate connection between diligent adherence to divine instruction and the experience of true, flourishing life. It serves as a paternal admonition to the "son," urging him to safeguard God's commands and law with the same extreme care and vigilance one would protect the most vital and vulnerable part of the body—the pupil of the eye—thereby ensuring spiritual vision, moral integrity, and ultimate well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 7:2 is strategically placed within the opening "fatherly lectures" of the Book of Proverbs (chapters 1-9), which lay the theological and moral groundwork for the entire collection. These chapters are characterized by a recurring pedagogical framework, where a wisdom teacher (often personifying Wisdom itself) instructs a "son" in the paths of righteousness and warns against the allure of folly. Specifically, Proverbs 7 functions as a detailed, vivid exposé of the dangers of sexual immorality, personified as the "strange woman" or adulteress. Verse 2, therefore, is not an isolated maxim but a crucial preventative measure, offering the divine antidote to the seductive power of sin. It directly follows the urgent plea in [Proverbs 7:1](/proverbs/7-1 "Proverbs 7:1 - My Son, Keep My Words"), which calls the son to treasure the teacher's words, making verse 2 a direct continuation of this call to attentiveness, obedience, and diligent preservation of wisdom as the ultimate defense against moral ruin and spiritual death.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom was profoundly practical, encompassing not just intellectual knowledge but also the moral discernment and skill required to live righteously within God's covenant. The transmission of this wisdom was primarily a familial responsibility, with parents, particularly fathers, diligently instructing their children in the traditions, laws, and moral principles passed down through generations. The "father-son" dynamic prevalent throughout Proverbs reflects this vital pedagogical tradition. The emphasis on "commandments" (מִצְוָה, _mitsvâh_) and "law" (תּוֹרָה, _tôwrâh_) points directly to the Mosaic Law (Torah), which was understood not as a burdensome legal code but as God's benevolent instruction for human flourishing and covenant faithfulness. The idiom "apple of thine eye" was a common and powerful ancient Near Eastern expression, used to denote something supremely precious, vulnerable, and indispensable that one would guard with instinctive, utmost care, highlighting the profound value placed on divine instruction.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several foundational themes woven throughout Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **obedience as the pathway to life and flourishing**, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament where covenant faithfulness directly correlates with blessing and well-being, as seen in the foundational choices presented in [Deuteronomy 30:19-20](/deuteronomy/30-19-20 "Deuteronomy 30:19-20 - Choose Life"). Secondly, it highlights the **supreme value and indispensable nature of divine instruction**, equating God's law with the most precious and vulnerable part of the human body, thereby emphasizing its critical role in spiritual vision, moral discernment, and protection from harm. This theme resonates deeply with the psalmist's declaration that God's word is "a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" in [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp"). Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **personal responsibility and vigilant self-guarding** of one's heart and mind against the seductive power of folly and sin, a crucial aspect of wisdom that permeates the wisdom literature, particularly emphasized in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** This primitive root (H8104) properly means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard." More broadly, it signifies to protect, attend to, observe, preserve, or watch. In Proverbs 7:2, it implies an active, diligent, and vigilant safeguarding of God's commands—not merely passive retention, but an intentional, protective adherence. It conveys the idea of holding something securely within one's grasp and heart, preventing it from being lost, corrupted, or neglected.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** Derived from a primitive root (H2421) meaning "to live," this word encompasses both literal physical existence and, more profoundly, a full, flourishing, and prosperous life. It refers to vitality, well-being, and thriving in all dimensions—spiritual, moral, and often material—as a result of being in right relationship with God. It can also mean to revive or restore to life, indicating that adherence to God's ways leads to true vitality and deliverance from spiritual death.
* **Apple (Hebrew, _ʼîyshôwn'_):** This diminutive term (H380) literally means "the little man of the eye" or "pupil." It refers to the dark, central part of the eye, which is extremely delicate and vital for sight. The idiom "apple of thine eye" universally denotes something supremely precious, vulnerable, and indispensable that one guards with the utmost care and instinctive protection. It highlights the irreplaceable value and sensitivity of the object being described, in this case, God's law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Keep my commandments, and live;":** This clause presents a direct imperative ("Keep") followed by a promised outcome ("live"), forming a conditional statement. The "my" refers to the wisdom teacher's (and ultimately, God's) commandments (H4687, _mitsvâh_). To "keep" them implies active obedience, diligent study, and internalizing these precepts. The promised outcome is to "live" (H2421, _châyâh_), which, as discussed, signifies not mere existence but a life of flourishing, well-being, and spiritual vitality. This establishes a clear cause-and-effect relationship: diligent obedience to divine instruction is the pathway to true, abundant life.
* **"and my law as the apple of thine eye.":** This second clause functions as a parallel instruction, intensifying the meaning of the first through a powerful metaphor. "My law" (H8451, _tôwrâh_) refers to instruction or teaching, often specifically the Mosaic Law, but here broadly encompassing divine wisdom. The phrase "as the apple of thine eye" is a vivid idiom (H380, _ʼîyshôwn_ and H5869, _ʻayin_) that emphasizes the extreme value and vulnerability of this "law." Just as one instinctively protects the pupil of the eye—the most sensitive and vital part for vision—so too must one guard God's instruction with utmost vigilance, care, and priority, recognizing its indispensable role for spiritual sight, moral discernment, and overall well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 7:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with compelling force. The primary device is **Metaphor**, powerfully illustrated in the phrase "my law as the apple of thine eye." This vivid comparison equates the preciousness, vulnerability, and indispensable nature of God's instruction with the most sensitive and vital part of the human eye, compelling the reader to understand the absolute necessity of guarding divine wisdom with instinctive care. The verse also utilizes **Imperative** mood ("Keep," and implicitly "live" as a command to choose life through obedience), directly commanding the "son" to act, underscoring the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the instruction. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** between "my commandments" and "my law," and between "live" and "as the apple of thine eye" (in terms of the outcome and manner of safeguarding wisdom). While not strict synonymous parallelism, it functions as a reinforcing structure, where the second clause amplifies and illustrates the imperative of the first, emphasizing the profound value and protective nature of God's wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 7:2 deeply connects to the overarching biblical theology of wisdom and covenant. It articulates the fundamental truth that God's commands and law are not arbitrary rules but the very blueprint for human flourishing and true life. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament covenant, where obedience to God's instruction (Torah) was directly linked to blessing, prosperity, and the continuation of life in the promised land. The "life" promised is holistic, encompassing spiritual vitality, moral integrity, and often material well-being, reflecting God's desire for His people to thrive. To guard God's law as the "apple of one's eye" implies an internalizing and cherishing of divine truth so profound that it becomes intrinsic to one's very being, guiding perception and protecting against the deceptive allure of sin. This verse serves as a microcosm of the biblical principle that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and finds its expression in obedient living.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life Through Obedience")
* [Deuteronomy 32:10](/deuteronomy/32-10 "Deuteronomy 32:10 - God Guards Israel as the Apple of His Eye")
* [Psalm 119:97-105](/psalms/119-97-105 "Psalm 119:97-105 - Love for God's Law and Its Benefits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with competing voices, fleeting trends, and subtle temptations, Proverbs 7:2 offers a timeless and urgent call to prioritize and internalize divine wisdom. To "keep" God's commandments demands more than intellectual assent; it requires active engagement, diligent study, and a conscious commitment to integrate His truth into the fabric of our daily lives. Just as we instinctively shield our physical eyes from harm, recognizing their vital role in our perception of the world, so too are we called to guard our spiritual vision by cherishing God's Word as our most precious guide. This involves cultivating habits of regular Scripture reading, prayer for understanding and obedience, and a humble willingness to submit our thoughts and actions to its authority. When we hold God's law as the "apple of our eye," it becomes an inner compass, enabling us to discern truth from deception, resist the allure of sin, and walk in the path of true life and flourishing, experiencing the peace, purpose, and protection that only His wisdom can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "commandments" or "laws" of God do I find most challenging to "keep" in my daily life, and why?**
* **In what practical ways can I demonstrate that I value God's law "as the apple of my eye" in my current circumstances, particularly in areas of moral decision-making?**
* **How does my commitment to God's wisdom actively protect me from the "strange woman" (or any form of seductive temptation or folly) prevalent in today's society?**
* **What does "live" truly mean for me in the context of this verse, beyond mere physical existence, and how does my obedience contribute to that holistic life?**

### FAQ

**What does the phrase "apple of thine eye" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "apple of thine eye" (Hebrew: _ʼîyshôwn ʻayin_) is a vivid idiom meaning the pupil or the most sensitive and vital part of the eye. In Proverbs 7:2, it signifies something of supreme value, vulnerability, and indispensability that must be guarded with the utmost care and vigilance. Just as one instinctively protects their physical eyesight, this idiom commands that God's law and commandments should be cherished, safeguarded, and held as absolutely essential for one's spiritual vision, well-being, and ability to navigate life's moral landscape. This imagery is also used elsewhere in Scripture to describe God's tender care for His people, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:10](/deuteronomy/32-10 "Deuteronomy 32:10 - God Guards Israel as the Apple of His Eye") and [Psalm 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Psalm 17:8 - Keep Me as the Apple of Your Eye").

**Is the "life" promised in this verse solely physical, or does it have a deeper meaning?**

Answer: While physical well-being was often associated with obedience in ancient Israelite thought, the "life" (_châyâh_) promised in Proverbs 7:2 extends far beyond mere physical existence. It refers to a holistic, flourishing, and prosperous life in all senses—spiritual vitality, moral integrity, emotional well-being, and a thriving relationship with God. It encompasses the concept of _shalom_ (peace, wholeness, completeness), which is God's intended state for humanity. This "life" is the antithesis of the spiritual and moral death that results from succumbing to folly and sin, particularly the destructive path of the "strange woman" detailed later in the chapter. It implies a life lived in alignment with God's design, leading to true fulfillment and purpose, echoing the broader biblical promise of abundant life found in passages like [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 7:2, with its profound emphasis on diligently keeping commandments for life and guarding God's law as supremely precious, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine Wisdom, the eternal Word of God made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Unlike humanity's struggle to perfectly keep God's commands, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law, not to abolish it, but to bring it to its intended purpose and ultimate expression ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). In Him, the "commandments" and "law" are not merely external precepts but are personified in His sinless life, His authoritative teachings, and His atoning work on the cross. Furthermore, the "life" promised to those who keep the commands is fully realized in Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). Through faith in Him, believers are granted not just physical life, but eternal life and an abundant spiritual life that transcends earthly existence ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). To "guard His law as the apple of thine eye" now means to fix our gaze upon Christ, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")), and to follow His perfect example of obedience, which leads to true and everlasting life, empowered by the Spirit who writes God's law on our hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 17:8

¶ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Leviticus 18:5

Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I [am] the LORD.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

1 John 2:3

¶ And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

1 John 2:4

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Proverbs 4:4

He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

John 14:21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.