Apple of the Eye

APPLE OF THE EYE (Heb. ‘îshôn, little man, Deut.32.10; Ps.17.8; Prov.7.2; babhâh, gate, Zech.2.8). The eyeball or the pupil in its center, protected by the eyelids automatically closing when anything approaches too near. A symbol of that which is precious and protected. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)