### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼîyshôwn**, represented by `{{H380}}`, is a diminutive term literally meaning "the little man of the eye," referring to the pupil. Its meaning extends to signify something precious and small, like the **apple** of the eye, or to denote the middle or darkest part of something, such as **black** or **obscure**. It appears **6 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H380}}` is used in two primary ways. First, it conveys the idea of something intensely precious and needing protection, translated as the "**apple** of the eye." This is seen in pleas for God's protection [[Psalms 17:8]] and in descriptions of God's tender care for His people [[Deuteronomy 32:10]]. The same phrase is used to command the reader to treasure God's **law** [[Proverbs 7:2]]. Secondly, it is used to describe the deepest part of the night, translated as **black** [[Proverbs 7:9]] or **obscure** [[Proverbs 20:20]], referring to a profound darkness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of value and darkness associated with `{{H380}}`:
* `{{H1323}}` **bath** (daughter): This word, commonly meaning daughter, is also used to refer to the "**apple** (of the eye)" [[Psalms 17:8]]. This highlights the precious, cherished nature associated with both a daughter and the pupil of the eye.
* `{{H8104}}` **shâmar** (to keep, guard): Often used alongside `{{H380}}`, this word emphasizes the action of guarding something valuable. The command to "**keep** my commandments" [[Proverbs 7:2]] is linked directly to valuing them as the "**apple** of thine eye."
* `{{H2822}}` **chôshek** (darkness): This word provides the context for the secondary meaning of `{{H380}}`. When describing judgment, a lamp is put out in "**obscure** darkness," with `{{H380}}` intensifying the totality of the **darkness** [[Proverbs 20:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H380}}` is significant despite its infrequent use.
* **A Metaphor for Value and Protection:** The phrase "apple of the eye" is a powerful biblical metaphor for something of supreme value that must be protected. It describes God's relationship with His people, whom He **kept** as the "**apple** of his eye" in the wilderness [[Deuteronomy 32:10]]. This sets a standard for the preciousness of God's covenant people.
* **The Standard for Cherishing God's Law:** The same metaphor is used to instruct believers on how to regard God's word. We are to **keep** his commandments and **law** as the "**apple** of thine eye," which leads to life [[Proverbs 7:2]], implying a diligent, protective, and cherishing attitude toward divine instruction.
* **Symbol of Profound Darkness and Judgment:** In its secondary meaning, `{{H380}}` symbolizes the most intense form of darkness. The consequence for one who curses their father or mother is that their lamp will be extinguished in "**obscure** darkness" [[Proverbs 20:20]]. This use points to a state of utter desolation and the absence of light as a form of judgment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H380}}` is a highly specific and evocative term. Its primary use as the "apple of the eye" establishes a powerful image of immense value and the need for careful protection, applied both to God's care for His people [[Deuteronomy 32:10]] and the believer's devotion to God's law [[Proverbs 7:2]]. Its secondary use, describing the **black** or **obscure** part of the night, serves as a stark metaphor for the totality of judgment and the absence of light [[Proverbs 20:20]]. Though appearing only a few times, **ʼîyshôwn** provides a rich picture of both what is most precious to God and the solemn consequences of turning away from Him.
TRV