A few months ago I featured a phrase from the Bible,”Gird your loins,” and explained what it meant. (See the post for February 23, 2026.) Today I’d like to focus on three other phrases found in scripture: the apple of your eye; amen, amen, I say to you; and you are the salt of the earth.
The apple of your eye. Moses uses this unusual metaphor when he tells God’s people that they are “the apple of God’s eye” (Deut. 32:10). Similarly, the psalmist says to God, “Keep me as the apple of your eye” (Ps. 17:8). And in the book of Proverbs we find this: “The wise father says to his son, ‘Keep my teachings as the apple of your eye'” (Prov. 7:2). What does this phrase mean? The word apple refers to the pupil of the eye. Historically, the pupil was thought to be apple-shaped and was considered the most precious part of the eye. So if someone says you are the apple of their eye, they are saying you are very precious to them and you are greatly loved by them.
But there’s more. In Hebrew the word for apple is ishon. Interestingly, the word ish in Hebrew means man. So, etymologically speaking, the apple of the eye is the “little man in the eye.” If you look very closely into another person’s eye, you will see your own reflection in their eye. When you see yourself, then YOU are the apple–or little man or little woman–of their eye! (If you look carefully at the picture above, you’ll see the photographer’s reflection in the eye!)
Even our Loving Creator’s design of the eye shows how precious it is. The eye is situated in a bony socket which helps protect the eye from injury. The eyelid is another level of protection for the precious eye–as is the instinct to blink if something comes near to your eye. Even the eye lashes are designed not to be plastered with thick mascara, but to shield the eye from dust, dirt, sand, and other foreign objects–even mascara! And tears, too, help lubricate the eye and wash away impurities. Let’s face it, our eyes are precious–and so are WE precious to God and to certain people in our lives!
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Amen, Amen I say to you. Our second phrase, “Amen, amen I say to you,” is found frequently in the Bible. Sometimes it is translated as “Truly, truly I say to you” or “Verily, verily I say to you.” When I taught high school kids, I sometimes said to them, “Now pay close attention to what I am going to say next.” My young male colleague would say, “Now, listen up, you guys!” Or simply “Remember!” or “Don’t forget!” The “amen, amen phrase” indicates that the upcoming statement is very important. Jesus uses this phrase 50 times in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and 25 times in John. Here are a few examples:
“Amen, Amen I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do” (Jn. 14:12).
“Amen, amen I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone” (Jn. 12:24).
Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it” (Mk. 10:15).
To Peter during the Last Supper he says, “Amen, amen I say to you, this night you will deny me three times” (Mt. 26:34).
And to the good thief on the cross: “Amen, amen I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
If you want to emphasize something–perhaps to your children, grandchildren, or even your spouse or a friend–just say, “Amen, amen I say to you!” You’ll probably get their attention! Or say, “Pay close attention to what I am going to say to you.”… or “Listen up!” And if you want to know what Jesus stressed in his teachings, then, just go through the gospels and circle all the “Amen, amen I say to you’s.” Or simply look them up online as I did for this reflection!
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You are the salt of the earth. In Mt. 5:13, Jesus calls his followers the “salt of the earth.” What does that mean? In Jesus’ time, salt was a very precious commodity. Before wholesale refrigeration (not invented until the 20th Century), salt was peoples’ main way to preserve food. It became indispensable. In addition, when salt was added to food, it improved the taste by drawing out good flavors subtly hidden in the food. Salt was so valuable, it was sometimes used as currency. Roman soldiers were often paid in a “salt allowance” called a salarium, from which we get our word salary!
Today when we call people the salt of the earth, we usually mean they are exceptionally honest, reliable, good, humble, hard-working, dependable, down-to-earth, and even indispensable. Aren’t these some of the traits Jesus wants to see in us, his followers, today? Jesus calls us to humility, hard work, honesty, goodness. He calls us to play a crucial role in the world by preserving his values and by preventing “societal decay.” Let’s face it, to Jesus we, his followers, are indispensable!
For reflection:
Think of some individuals in your life that you would consider “the apple of your eye.” Why are they so precious to you? How do you show your love and appreciation for them through your words and actions?
What words of Jesus do YOU consider some of his most important words (even if scripture does not include the “Amen, Amen,” phrase before these words?) If you were dying, what words would you like to leave for your family, friends, the world?
Is there anyone (living or deceased… personally known by you or not) whom you consider “the salt of the earth”? What qualities does this person (or people) have that makes you think this phrase applies to them?
Announcing a Fall Weekend Retreat:
I will be giving a weekend retreat, Friday evening, Oct. 9 through Sunday lunch October 11 at the beautiful Villa Maria Education & Spirituality Center in Villa Maria, PA. The theme is “Walking with Mary through the Light and Darkness of our Daily Life.” This retreat focuses on Mary as a real person who lived in turbulent times. Using scripture, prayer, music, in-put sessions, personal quiet time, videos and artwork, we will see Mary as a woman who experienced fear, uncertainty, pain, misunderstandings, sorrow and loss–as we do–as well as love, companionship, intimacy with God, peace, joy, and hope. For more information visit their website at vmesc.org or call 724-964-8886. I’d love to see some of you there!
Here is a prayer-song called “Keep Me as the Apple of Thine eye.” It is produced by Gospel Space. I found it easy to pray along with this song. It was comforting for me to do so…
I welcome your responses below to anything in this reflection!
26 Responses
Good morning, Melannie…
Good morning, all…
First, what a beautiful song! Thank you! Second, all your blog posts are sprinkled with the salt of wit, good will, valuable information, and holiness. Another thank you! Finally, “the apple of my eye,” how it reflects the person looking at it. We are made in God’s image, we try our best to be reflections of God’s love, and I would like to think that when we pray, we are the apple of each other’s eye — God in us; we in God.
John, Thank you for your short but rich comment. With you I pray: May we always “try our best to be the reflections of God’s love.” Thanks for your uplifting words. Melannie
May we all be the reflection of God’s love to all we meet.
Good morning Sr. Melannie!
Thank you. Every Monday morning before I go to school I so look forward to your blog. My ministry right now is to make EVERY student at my Elementary School feel as though they are the “apple of my eye.” I like this saying very much, and I think I’m going to make a sign to put in my office this morning that says “apple of my eye,” because it will spur me on to love them more! Thank you!
Mary, What a simple yet powerful goal: to make EVERY student feel as though they are the apple of your eye. And your little sign sounds like a good reminder too. Thanks again, Mary, for writing! Melannie
I echo John’s response, beautiful reflections. I consider all my siblings, nieces and nephews as the apple of my eye each one reflecting God’s creation and beauty. I’ve been fortunate to know several people throughout my life that I would consider the salt of the earth. Most outstanding and the best enduring one is my brother in law Jay. I could write a novel about all his qualities, he is a blessing.
Last but not least, I love the reflection about eyes. The eye really is the window to the soul and looking into another’s eyes tells a lot about them.
Thanks Melannie for sharing your wisdom and your soul.
Loretta, Since I remember your dear parents so well, I would include them as “salt of the earth”–as my parents were too. How lucky we are to have many individuals in our lives that we can look up to. Melannie
Good morning, Sister. You added something new for me in each of these phrases. The song especially caught my attention and as you said it is comforting. One line says, “ hold me close, O Lord, my Father “. That line was very comforting for me. I have to intentionally slow my mind when I listen to a meditative pace in music. What a calm way to start the week. Thank you. As always, you’ve given me a lot to think about. Have a blessed week.
Celeste, I’m glad you found the song comforting too. For me, the line you point too is so earnest and faith-filled. I play a song on my ipad almost everyday during my morning prayer. Hope you are having a blessed week too! Melannie
Wonderful phrases, thank you for all the insights!
All who commented, thank you!
Your words spoke my thoughts, too.
Margaret, Thank you for your words! Melannie
Hi, thank you. Very interesting to learn the history of these phrases
Maureen, I’m glad you find the history of words and phrases as “very interesting.” I know I do too! Melannie
My Mother was the salt of the earth. She is in heaven now but her earthly birthday would have been yesterday. In so many ways, she was ahead of her time paving the way for others to try new things. Mom was well spoken and supported me in all my endeavors.
Kathleen, It sounds like you had a very admirable mother. I’m sure she helped teach you how to share your own love with others… Thank you for your words here today! Melannie
Hi Melannie: As you might guess, the reflection on the eye enchanted me because of losing sight recently in my eye due to an accident. I have come to realize the gift of sight from both eyes. But it only takes one eye for someone to be seen in the apple of the eye. The apple does not have to see the person but the person is overjoyed to be there in the eye. I’m not sure this is de facto true but I have heard that the Blessed Mother was visible in Juan Diego’s eye as he saw her in the vision at Guadalupe. Apparently, she was visible in the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Loved this message.. Thanks you. S. Mary Ann Flannery, SC
Mary Ann, Because of your eye surgeries, you can appreciate the gift of sight more than most of us… Thanks for the story about Juan Diego’s eyes. I never heard that before. I thank God with you that you still have the marvelous gift of sight! Take care, dear friend… Melannie
Thank you, Sister, Melannie for the beautiful reflection
Liz, Always good to hear from you… You’re welcome! Melannie
Thank you much to think about and pray on. The music is beautiful. Have a blessed day.
Tina
Tina, I’m happy the words and music spoke to you. Blessings on your day, too! Melannie
Hi, I am back receiving your blog. Will our IT tech figured out why I was not receiving it but of course they never explain it probably because we would not need him. These techs are a great gift to us seniors.
Enjoy the summer. God bless.
Beverly
Beverly, I’m so glad your IT helped you figure out why you were no longer receiving my blog. I’m glad to have you back with us! Melannie
Good afternoon Sr. Melannie. I found this blog so interesting especially “the Apple of my eye”. An interesting thought that we are reflected in everyone’s eyes no matter who we meet- good or not so good, beloved or not so much loved. God has made us each the Apple of each other’s eyes. We should look at others as the Apple of God’s eye as well as our own. What a difference this would make in our world!
God bless you Sister and God bless each of us.
Martha, I liked your statement: “We should look at others as the Apple of God’s eye as well as our own.” Surely this is a grace to pray for. Thank you! Melannie
When I was a little girl my father use to tell me I was the apple of his eye. That little phrase stayed with me. As I grew older I realized that he battled depression and alcoholism most of his adult life. As a result our family suffered with him through job loss, binge drinking and verbal abuse. In the roughest times I hung on to that phase. My father could be a very good man, but he also fought with his deamons. And yet in his darkest moments I was still the apple of his eye. That small phrase gave me the strength to believe that I am worthy, and I can make a difference, just as I am, in my everyday life. For this I am thankful for my earthly father and for my heavenly Father both.