Strong's Lexicon babah: Apple (of the eye) Original Word: בָּבָה Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to hollow out Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G5168 (τυφλός, typhlos) - While not a direct translation, this Greek word for "blind" can relate to the concept of sight and protection in a metaphorical sense. - G3788 (ὀφθαλμός, ophthalmos) - Meaning "eye," this term is used in the New Testament to convey similar ideas of sight and perception. Usage: The term "babah" is used metaphorically in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the "apple of the eye," which is the pupil. It signifies something precious, delicate, and in need of protection. The phrase is often used to describe God's care and protection over His people, illustrating the intimate and watchful relationship between God and His chosen ones. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern culture, the eye was considered the most sensitive and vulnerable part of the body. The "apple of the eye" metaphor was a common expression to denote something or someone cherished and protected. This imagery is used in the Bible to convey the idea of God's vigilant and loving protection over Israel, emphasizing His covenantal faithfulness. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition the apple (of the eye) NASB Translation apple (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [בָּבָה] noun feminine only בָּבַת עֵינוֺ Zechariah 2:12 the apple of his eye (Aramaic  ; בָּבָא gate ᵑ7 Esther 5:14; Thes below נבב to which Ges gives sense perforate, hence opening of eye; but compare Arabic   pupil of eye, perhaps =  Dozy49 babe, baby, bébé (imitating infant's prattle) i.e. child of the eye; see Hi St, Fl in ChWBi. 419 b; compare אישׁוֺן ?). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance apple of the eye Feminine active participle of an unused root meaning to hollow out; something hollowed (as a gate), i.e. Pupil of the eye -- apple (of the eye). Forms and Transliterations בְּבָבַ֥ת בבבת bə·ḇā·ḇaṯ bəḇāḇaṯ bevaVatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Zechariah 2:8 HEB: בָּכֶ֔ם נֹגֵ֖עַ בְּבָבַ֥ת עֵינֽוֹ׃ NAS: you, touches the apple of His eye. KJV: you toucheth the apple of his eye. INT: touches touches the apple of his eye 1 Occurrence |
|
