APPLE OF THE EYE (lit. ‘child or daughter of the eye,’ i.e. that which is most precious [the organ of sight], and most carefully guarded [by the projecting bone, protecting it as far as possible from injury]). A figure of God’s care of His people ( Deuteronomy 32:10 , Psalms 17:8 , Zechariah 2:8 ), and of the preciousness of the Divine law ( Proverbs 7:2 ). In Lamentations 2:18 it is the source of tears.
C. W. Emmet.