Proverbs 7:2
Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמֹ֣ר
Keep
H8104
שְׁמֹ֣ר
Keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתַ֣י
my commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתַ֣י
my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
2 of 6
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וֶחְיֵ֑ה
and live
H2421
וֶחְיֵ֑ה
and live
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
3 of 6
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
וְ֝תוֹרָתִ֗י
and my law
H8451
וְ֝תוֹרָתִ֗י
and my law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
4 of 6
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
Cross References
Psalms 17:8Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,Leviticus 18:5Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.Proverbs 4:4He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.John 14:21He 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.Isaiah 55:3Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.Proverbs 4:13Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Historical Context
The parental instruction format ('my son...keep my commandments') reflects ancient Israelite pedagogy where fathers taught sons covenant faithfulness. The visceral imagery of eye protection would resonate powerfully in a world where eye injuries could mean permanent blindness and social marginalization. The comparison elevated Torah to ultimate preciousness.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you protect God's word with the same instinctive care you protect your physical eyes from harm?
- What specific threats to biblical truth in your life require more vigilant guarding?
Analysis & Commentary
This command uses vivid imagery to emphasize treasuring God's commandments. 'Keep my commandments, and live' directly links obedience to life—a recurring biblical theme. 'Keep my law as the apple of thine eye' uses 'apple' (literally the pupil or center of the eye), which we instinctively protect. The imagery teaches: guard God's law with the same reflexive care you protect your eyes. Any threat to the eye triggers instant protective response; similarly, any threat to God's commandments should provoke immediate defense. This vivid metaphor appears elsewhere (Deuteronomy 32:10; Psalm 17:8; Zechariah 2:8) to describe something precious requiring utmost protection.