7:2

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning. The second line adds emphasis to the parallel commands by using a simile.

2a
Keep my commandments and live;

2b
guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Notice also that the word “Keep” is repeated from 7:1a and “commandments” is repeated from 7:1b.

7:2a

Keep my commandments and live: See the note for 4:4b. This line is identical.

7:2b

guard my teachings: In Hebrew, the phrase guard my teachings is literally “and my teachings.” The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the verb guard for the sake of clarity. It is parallel with “keep” in 7:2a. However, other verbs would also fit the context. For example:

treasure my teaching (Revised English Bible)

as the apple of your eye: This phrase refers to the pupil. Here it symbolizes a person’s most valuable possession. The point of the comparison is that the father’s teachings should be guarded carefully or treated in the same way as a person’s most precious possession.

In some languages, it may be possible to retain the figure of the eye. For example:

Be as careful to follow my teaching as you are to protect your eyes. (Good News Translation)

However, if the eye does not carry the idea of something especially valuable in your language, it may be better to state the nonfigurative meaning. For example:

Let my instructions be your greatest treasure. (Contemporary English Version)

(The same expression occurs in Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalm 17:8.)

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