King James Version
What Does Psalms 17:8 Mean?
“Keep me as the apple of the eye , hide me under the shadow of thy wings,”
Context
6
I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.
7
Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. by thy: or, them which trust in thee from those that rise up against thy right hand
8
Keep me as the apple of the eye , hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
9
From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. oppress: Heb. waste my: Heb. my enemies against the soul
10
They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **Apple of the eye.**—Literally, *little man, daughter of the eye. *The *mannikin *is, of course, the reflection seen in the pupil. *Daughter *is either a contraction of a word meaning cavity, or is the common Hebrew idiom which by *son *or *daughter of *expresses relation, as *sons of the bow = arrows. *In fact, the curious Hebrew phrase is substantially like the Greek κόρη and Latin *pupa, *or *pupilla, *even to the gender.
**Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.**—The figure of the sheltering wings of the parent bird, so common in Hebrew literature, generally refers to the eagle or vulture, as in Deuteronomy 32:10-11, 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” (Matthew 23:37). (See Note *New Testament Commentary.*)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 17:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 17:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge