בָּבָה
𐤁𐤁𐤄
bâbâh
H892 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pupil of the eye; the central, dark circular opening in the iris, regarded as the most delicate, protected, or valued part of the eye. Used metaphorically to denote something precious, central, or closely guarded—especially in expressions concerning divine protection or care for an individual or the people of Israel.
Semantic Range
pupil of the eye; metaphorically: something cherished, precious, or centrally valued; by extension, used for divine protection or care; rare poetic term
Root / Etymology
Root: בָּבָה likely derives from an unused or obscure root meaning 'to hollow out' or 'something hollow.' The form itself is a feminine noun and not directly attested as a root elsewhere in Biblical Hebrew. Some scholars see an onomatopoeic origin echoing the rounded form of the pupil. The precise root is uncertain. Cognate terms in related Semitic languages do not provide decisively clarifying evidence.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, בָּבָה appears in poetic or metaphorical language—in particular, in Deuteronomy 32:10 and Zechariah 2:12[8 in Hebrew], where 'the pupil of the eye' is used to express care, value, or cherished status. The term is not anatomical or technical, but a literary word evoking tenderness, centrality, and vulnerability. Later Jewish interpretive traditions use the equivalent construction to express value, endearment, and protection. Standard English translations often render the phrase as 'apple of the eye,' an idiom that originated to convey a similar meaning in older English though it can misrepresent the literal imagery of the Hebrew term. Unlike the more technical modern anatomical language (corresponding to 'pupil'), בָּבָה has a connotation of centrality and treasure. Related terms in Hebrew include אִישׁוֹן (ishon), a more common word for 'pupil,' often used in similar metaphorical expressions. The usage of בָּבָה seems to decrease after the earlier biblical period and is rare, with its preservation mostly in literary and poetic contexts. The word itself is not connected with later religious identities or terminology.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
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).
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בבה (b-b-h) — to hollow, be hollow, form a cavity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H892-01 |
בְּ/בָבַ֥ת | bevavat | HR/Ncfsc |
the apple of | pupil of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H892-01 |
Zechariah 2:12 | בְּ/בָבַ֥ת | bevavat | HR/Ncfsc |
the apple of | pupil of |