Psalms 17:8
Psalms 17:8 in Multiple Translations
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me under the shadow of thy wings,
Keep me as the light of your eyes, covering me with the shade of your wings,
Keep me safe as someone you love; hide me underneath your wings.
Keepe me as the apple of the eye: hide me vnder the shadowe of thy wings,
Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me.
Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shade of thy wings.
The earth shook and trembled: the foundations of the mountains were troubled and were moved, because he was angry with them.
Protect me as people carefully protect their own eyes; protect me like birds protect their babies under their wings [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 17:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 17:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁ֭מְרֵ/נִי
כְּ/אִישׁ֣וֹן
בַּת
עָ֑יִן
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
כְּ֝נָפֶ֗י/ךָ
תַּסְתִּירֵֽ/נִי
שָׁ֭מְרֵ/נִי
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
כְּ/אִישׁ֣וֹן
ʼîyshôwn
H380
pupil
Prep | N-ms
בַּת
bath
H1323
Bath (Shua)
N-fs
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms
כְּ֝נָפֶ֗י/ךָ
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd | Suff
תַּסְתִּירֵֽ/נִי
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 17:8
שָׁ֭מְרֵ/נִי
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
כְּ/אִישׁ֣וֹן
ʼîyshôwn
H380
"pupil"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for the pupil of the eye, also meaning the middle of the night, is used in the Bible to describe something cherished, like the apple of God's eye in Deuteronomy 32:10.
Definition: 1) pupil of the eye 2) middle of the night (that is the deepest blackness)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), black, obscure. See also: Deuteronomy 32:10; Proverbs 7:2; Psalms 17:8.
בַּת
bath
H1323
"Bath (Shua)"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for daughter is used to describe a female child or a woman, and can also be used figuratively. In the Bible, it is used to describe women like Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah and later of King David.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.38.2; daughter of: Shua (H7770); married to Judah (H3063); mother of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209) and Shelah (H7956) the wife of Uriah whom David had murdered, having had adulterous relations with her; subsequently wife of David and mother of Solomon, Shimea, Shobab, and Nathan (alternate spelling to 'Bathsheba')
Usage: Occurs in 498 OT verses. KJV: apple (of the eye), branch, company, daughter, [idiom] first, [idiom] old, [phrase] owl, town, village. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 2:21; Ruth 1:13.
עָ֑יִן
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְּ/צֵ֥ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
כְּ֝נָפֶ֗י/ךָ
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
תַּסְתִּירֵֽ/נִי
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 17:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 17:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
- Sermons on Psalms 17:8
Context — Hear My Righteous Plea
6I call on You, O God, for You will answer me. Incline Your ear to me; hear my words.
7Show the wonders of Your loving devotion, You who save by Your right hand those who seek refuge from their foes.
8Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings
9from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. 10They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:10 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 91:4 | He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart. |
| 3 | Psalms 91:1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. |
| 4 | Proverbs 7:2 | Keep my commandments and live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. |
| 5 | Zechariah 2:8 | 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— |
| 6 | Psalms 61:4 | Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah |
| 7 | Luke 13:34 | 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! |
| 8 | Ruth 2:12 | May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a rich reward from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have taken refuge.” |
| 9 | Psalms 36:7 | How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! |
| 10 | Psalms 57:1 | 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. |
Psalms 17:8 Summary
This verse means that God loves and protects us like a parent loves and protects their child. He keeps us safe and sound, like a bird hiding under its mother's wings (see Psalm 91:4). When we feel scared or alone, we can remember that God is always with us, watching over us, and keeping us close to His heart (see Jeremiah 31:3). By trusting in God's love and protection, we can feel safe and secure, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be kept as the apple of God's eye?
Being kept as the apple of God's eye means to be cherished, protected, and loved by God, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:10, where God is described as keeping Israel as the apple of His eye.
How does God hide us in the shadow of His wings?
God hides us in the shadow of His wings by providing spiritual protection and comfort, as described in Psalm 91:4, where God's wings are a refuge from the snares of the wicked.
Is this verse only for Israel or can all believers claim this promise?
While the context of Psalm 17 is King David's prayer, the principle of God's protection and love applies to all believers, as seen in Romans 8:35-39, where Paul writes that nothing can separate us from God's love.
How can I experience the reality of this verse in my life?
To experience the reality of this verse, we must come to God in prayer, like King David, and ask for His protection and love, as seen in Psalm 17:6, where David calls on God to answer him and hear his words.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you to be kept as the apple of God's eye, and how does this truth impact your daily life?
- In what ways do you feel like you are being assailed by the wicked, and how can you apply the promise of God's protection in this verse to your situation?
- How can you practically hide in the shadow of God's wings, and what does this look like in your daily life?
- What are some ways you can cultivate a deeper sense of God's love and protection in your life, and how can you trust in His goodness even in difficult circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye,.... Which is weak and tender, and is hurt and put to pain, and made uneasy by every little thing that annoys it, and than which nothing is more dear to a man, or he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, Keep me as the apple of the eye.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
The apple of the eye; which God hath marvellously fenced on every side, and men use their utmost care and diligence to keep. Under the shadow of thy Wings; as a hen doth her chickens.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
Psalms 17:8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,Ver. 8. Keep me as the apple of the eye] Heb. As the black of the apple of the eye, two words to the same sense, for more vehemence, q.d. Serva me studiosissime. The apple of the eye, that little man in the eye (as the Hebrew word importeth, the girl, êïñç, as the Greeks for like cause call it), is the tenderest piece of the tenderest part, the eye; which is kept most diligently, and strongly guarded by nature with tunicles. David therefore fitly prayeth to be so kept. ( Huc pertinet locus Cicer. De Nat. Deor.). Hide me under the shadow of thy wing] Another excellent similitude taken from fowls, which either cover their young with their wings from the scorching heat of the sunbeams, as doth the eagle; or keep them thereby from the cold, or from the kite, as hens do.
God’ s love to and care of his poor people is hereby shadowed out; as it was likewise by the outspread wings of the cherubims in the sanctuary. See Rth 2:12 Deuteronomy 32:10 Zechariah 2:8 Psalms 36:8; Psalms 57:2 Matthew 23:37.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
(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 êüñç 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.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
Verse 8. Keep me as the apple of the eye] Or, as the black of the daughter of eye. Take as much care to preserve me now by Divine influence, as thou hast to preserve my eye by thy good providence. Thou hast entrenched it deeply in the skull; hast ramparted it with the forehead and cheek-bones; defended it by the eyebrow, eyelids, and eyelashes; and placed it in that situation where the hands can best protect it. Hide me under the shadow of thy wings] This is a metaphor taken from the hen and her chickens. See it explained at large in the note on Matthew 23:37. The Lord says of his followers, Zechariah 2:8: "He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye." How dear are our eyes to us! how dear must his followers be to God!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:8
8. Keep me &c.] Or, Preserve me (the same word as in Psalms 16:1) as the apple or pupil of the eye, an emblem of that which is tenderest and dearest, and therefore guarded with the most jealous care. Cp. Deuteronomy 32:10; Proverbs 7:2; Zechariah 2:8. Hide me &c.] A favourite figure, taken from the care of the mother-bird for her young, not however specially from the hen (Matthew 23:37), for there is no trace in the O.T. of the practice of keeping domestic fowls. Cp. Psalms 36:7; Psalms 57:1; Psalms 61:4; Psalms 63:7; Psalms 91:4. As the first half of the verse may refer to Deuteronomy 32:10, the figure may have been suggested by the reference to the eagle in Psalms 17:11; but the figure there is quite different. God’s leading of His people is compared with the eagle teaching its young to fly.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:8
Keep me as the apple of the eye - Preserve me; guard me; defend me, as one defends that which is to him most precious and valuable.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:8
8. As the apple of the eye—The pupil, or centre of the eye, a beautiful phrase, denoting a place of great safety, carefully guarded.
Sermons on Psalms 17:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |
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The Church and Israel by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the decline of the British empire and the nostalgia associated with it. He emphasizes the importance of looking towards the future rather th |
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(Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the b |
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Under His Wings by Jenny Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares stories and illustrations to emphasize the importance of accepting God's invitation for protection and salvation. He describes a scene where a c |
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Houston Colonial Hills Conference 1995-06 7 Aspect of Glory of Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude to all those involved in the conference. He then introduces the topic of the glories of Christ and reads a verse from Joh |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 51 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a revival that took place in a town. Despite the initial lack of attendance at the planned evangelistic outreach, God mov |
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Under His Wings by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett beautifully illustrates the tender and gracious image of finding refuge under the shadow of God's wings, symbolizing warmth, shelter, and rest in God's loving emb |