Psalms 17:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Keep {H8104} me as the apple {H380} of the eye {H1323}{H5869}, hide {H5641} me under the shadow {H6738} of thy wings {H3671},

Complete Jewish Bible

Protect me like the pupil of your eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings

Berean Standard Bible

Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings

American Standard Version

Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 17:8 is a fervent and intimate plea from David, seeking God's comprehensive and meticulous protection amidst intense personal danger and opposition from his adversaries. David appeals to the Lord to guard him with the same precise and vigilant care reserved for something supremely precious, likening himself to the "apple of the eye." He further implores God to shelter him under the protective "shadow of thy wings," evoking a powerful image of secure refuge and comforting presence, thereby underscoring his complete reliance on God as his ultimate defender and sovereign haven.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 17 is a deeply personal individual lament, a heartfelt prayer of David for deliverance from his enemies and for divine vindication. The psalm opens with a confident appeal to God's justice and a declaration of David's own integrity, sharply contrasting his blameless conduct with the malicious intentions of his foes (e.g., David's plea for justice and integrity in [Psalms 17:1-5](/psalms/17-1-5 "Psalms 17:1-5 - David's Plea for Justice and Integrity")). He asserts his unwavering commitment to God's commandments, distinguishing himself from those who relentlessly pursue him. Verse 8, "Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings," marks a pivotal shift from general appeals for justice to an intensely personal and intimate request for divine safeguarding. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's profound vulnerability and his absolute trust in God as his sole refuge, forming the emotional and theological core of his plea for protection that continues into the subsequent verses describing his determined adversaries (e.g., David's description of his enemies in [Psalms 17:9-12](/psalms/17-9-12 "Psalms 17:9-12 - David's Description of His Enemies")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As king and warrior, David frequently faced existential threats, both from external enemies and internal conspiracies, making appeals for divine protection a recurring and vital theme throughout his psalms. The vivid imagery employed in Psalms 17:8 draws upon common ancient Near Eastern experiences and universally understood metaphors. The "apple of the eye" (the pupil) was, and remains, instinctively recognized as the most delicate, vital, and fiercely guarded part of the human body, protected by rapid, involuntary reflexes. Similarly, the "shadow of thy wings" evokes the familiar and comforting sight of a mother bird diligently shielding her vulnerable chicks from predators, harsh weather, or the scorching sun. This powerful symbol of nurture and security would have resonated profoundly with an agrarian society intimately familiar with both human anatomy and the protective instincts observed in the natural world, providing vivid and relatable illustrations of God's meticulous, tender, and comprehensive care for His people in a world perpetually fraught with danger and instability.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 17:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes central to the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Protection and Refuge**, portraying God as the ultimate and unfailing guardian against all threats, whether seen or unseen. It powerfully highlights the **Preciousness of the Believer to God**, asserting that those who seek Him are held in the highest regard, cherished with an intimate, fierce, and unwavering love. The verse also underscores the theme of **Absolute Dependence on God**, as David, despite his royal status and military prowess, acknowledges his own helplessness and places his entire hope for deliverance and preservation in the Lord alone. These themes collectively reinforce the biblical understanding of God's unwavering faithfulness and His active, sovereign involvement in the lives of His covenant people, offering profound solace and enduring strength to all who trust in Him, much like the comprehensive message of divine security found in [Psalm 91](/psalms/91 "Psalm 91 - God Our Refuge and Fortress").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apple (Hebrew, _ʼîyshôwn'_):** This word, a diminutive from the root meaning "man," literally refers to "the little man of the eye" or the pupil. It is the tiny reflection one sees of oneself when looking into another's eye. As the most delicate and vital part of the eye, it is instinctively protected by rapid reflexes. The use of _ʼîyshôwn_ here powerfully conveys the idea of something supremely precious, guarded with the utmost vigilance and care, signifying God's meticulous and fierce protection over His beloved.
* **shadow (Hebrew, _tsêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be shady," _tsêl_ refers to literal shade or shadow, but often carries the figurative meaning of protection, defense, or refuge. In the context of divine protection, it speaks of a covering that provides relief from heat, danger, or exposure, symbolizing God's comforting and encompassing presence that shields His people from harm.
* **wings (Hebrew, _kânâph'_):** This term denotes an edge or extremity, specifically the wing of a bird. In biblical imagery, wings often symbolize protection, shelter, and swift action. When associated with God, as in the phrase "shadow of thy wings," it evokes the powerful and tender image of a mother bird gathering her young under her wings, providing comprehensive security, warmth, and refuge from all external threats and adversities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Keep me as the apple of the eye":** This opening imperative is a profound and urgent plea for God's most intimate and vigilant protection. David asks God to guard him with the same instinctive, meticulous, and fierce care that one would extend to the most vital and vulnerable part of their own body – the pupil. It speaks to the extraordinary value and preciousness David believes he holds in God's sight, implying that his well-being is of paramount importance to the Divine Protector, who cherishes His own with unparalleled devotion.
* **"hide me under the shadow of thy wings":** This second clause expands upon the theme of divine refuge, employing a vivid and comforting avian metaphor. David seeks not merely protection, but a complete envelopment within God's protective presence, much like a chick nestled securely under its mother's wings. This imagery conveys a sense of absolute security, warmth, comfort, and shelter from all external dangers, adversities, and threats, emphasizing God's comprehensive, tender, and all-encompassing care.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 17:8 is profoundly enriched by its masterful use of **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, which are central to its powerful communication. The phrase "apple of the eye" is a striking **Metaphor** for something supremely precious and meticulously guarded, drawing on the universal human experience of instinctively protecting one's sight. This specific type of metaphor also functions as an **Idiom**, conveying a meaning that transcends the literal interpretation of its individual words. The subsequent phrase, "under the shadow of thy wings," employs another potent **Metaphor**, likening God's protective care to that of a mother bird sheltering her vulnerable young. This evokes profound feelings of warmth, safety, comfort, and security, creating a strong emotional resonance. The entire verse functions as a **Supplication**, a humble and earnest prayer, characterized by its direct address to God and its urgent, dependent plea for divine intervention. The skillful deployment of these literary devices transforms abstract theological concepts into tangible, comforting, and deeply relatable images, making David's appeal intensely personal and emotionally compelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 17:8 profoundly articulates the biblical truth of God's intimate, unwavering, and personal care for His people. It reveals a God who is neither distant nor indifferent, but actively involved in the lives of those who trust Him, valuing them as His most precious possession. This verse underscores the covenantal relationship, where God commits to meticulously protecting and preserving His chosen ones, providing a secure and inviolable refuge amidst life's most formidable trials. It speaks to the believer's deep reliance on divine sovereignty and boundless love, recognizing that true security, peace, and deliverance are found exclusively in God's protective embrace. This foundational theological truth resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, affirming God's tender guardianship over His children in every generation.

* [Deuteronomy 32:10](/deuteronomy/32-10 "Deuteronomy 32:10 - God Guards Israel as the Apple of His Eye")
* [Psalm 36:7](/psalms/36-7 "Psalm 36:7 - The Preciousness of God's Steadfast Love and Refuge")
* [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - Finding Refuge Under God's Wings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 17:8 offers profound encouragement and a timeless model for prayer in our own lives. In a world often filled with uncertainty, danger, and pervasive fear, this verse assures us that we are never alone and that we are, in fact, incredibly precious to the Creator of the universe. It invites us to approach God with the same confident vulnerability as David, trusting implicitly that He sees our struggles, hears our cries, and is both willing and supremely able to extend His meticulous and comprehensive protection over us. When we feel exposed, overwhelmed, or threatened by the adversities of life, we can find profound solace in the imagery of being the "apple of His eye" and finding refuge "under the shadow of His wings." This powerful reminder calls us to draw near to Him, seeking His comforting and omnipotent presence as our ultimate safe haven for both physical and spiritual well-being. This verse compels us to cultivate a deep, abiding reliance on God's sovereign care and unfailing love, knowing with certainty that He is our impregnable stronghold and faithful deliverer in every conceivable circumstance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel most vulnerable and in dire need of God's meticulous protection?**
* **How does the imagery of being the "apple of God's eye" deepen your understanding of your inherent personal value and immeasurable worth to Him?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can you take to more consistently seek refuge "under the shadow of God's wings" when facing fear, distress, or overwhelming challenges?**
* **How might a deeper, unwavering trust in God's protective care fundamentally transform your perspective on life's inevitable challenges and uncertainties?**

### FAQ

**What does "apple of the eye" mean in a biblical context?**

Answer: In a biblical context, "apple of the eye" (Hebrew: _ʼîyshôwn bat ‘ayin'_) refers to the pupil, the most delicate and vital part of the eye. It signifies something supremely precious, meticulously guarded, and instinctively protected. When God is described as guarding someone as the "apple of His eye," as in [Deuteronomy 32:10](/deuteronomy/32-10 "Deuteronomy 32:10 - God's Care for Israel") or [Zechariah 2:8](/zechariah/2-8 "Zechariah 2:8 - Those Who Touch You Touch the Apple of His Eye"), it conveys His meticulous, vigilant, and fierce protection over His beloved people, treating them as His most cherished possession. Any harm inflicted upon them is seen as a direct affront to God Himself, touching Him at His most sensitive point.

**How does "shadow of thy wings" convey God's protection?**

Answer: The phrase "shadow of thy wings" is a beautiful and pervasive biblical metaphor that vividly portrays God's protective care. It evokes the tender and powerful image of a mother bird spreading her wings to shelter her vulnerable chicks from predators, harsh weather, or the scorching sun. This imagery, found in passages like [Psalm 36:7](/psalms/36-7 "Psalm 36:7 - Refuge in God's Wings") and [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - Under His Feathers"), signifies a place of absolute security, profound comfort, warmth, and ultimate refuge. It speaks to God's omnipotent and comforting presence, providing complete safety and rest to those who seek shelter in Him, covering them entirely with His divine power and boundless love.

**Is Psalms 17:8 only about physical protection?**

Answer: While Psalms 17:8 certainly encompasses a plea for physical protection from enemies and tangible dangers, its meaning extends far beyond the purely physical realm. The "apple of the eye" and "shadow of thy wings" metaphors also imply comprehensive protection for one's spiritual well-being, moral integrity, and divine destiny. David's adversaries often sought to undermine his faith, his character, and his covenantal relationship with God, not merely his physical life. Therefore, the verse can be understood as a holistic prayer for God's safeguarding against all forms of harm—physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual—preserving the believer's entire being and purpose in perfect alignment with God's sovereign will. It speaks to God's all-encompassing care for His children, protecting their very essence and divine calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 17:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's meticulous care and protective presence, the very "apple of God's eye" through whom all believers are now cherished and held in divine esteem. In His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated God's protective love by healing the sick, casting out demons, and offering refuge to the marginalized and downtrodden, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find profound rest in Him, as He promised in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"). The imagery of the "shadow of thy wings" is powerfully realized in Christ's atoning work on the cross, where He became our ultimate and eternal shelter from the righteous wrath of God and the destructive power of sin and death. Through His perfect sacrifice, we are hidden in Him, covered by His righteousness, and granted everlasting security (e.g., [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God")). Just as a hen longs to gather her chicks under her wings, Jesus lamented Jerusalem's unwillingness to be gathered under His protective care (e.g., [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem")). He is our Good Shepherd, who willingly lays down His life for His sheep, ensuring that none can snatch them out of His hand or the Father's hand (e.g., [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). Thus, in Christ, we experience the perfect, complete, and eternal fulfillment of God's promise to "keep us as the apple of His eye" and "hide us under the shadow of His wings," providing comprehensive and everlasting salvation and security.

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

Deuteronomy 32:10

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.

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

Psalms 91:1

¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Proverbs 7:2

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

Psalms 36:7

How excellent [is] thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

Zechariah 2:8

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.

Luke 13:34

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!