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Sep 21, 2021 · The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is actually one of the most common sources of phrases and idioms in the English language, after Shakespeare’s works. English is full of idioms and expressions, but we don’t always think about the origins of those phrases. So take a look at these Bible idioms and see how many you use regularly ...
Feb 16, 2022 · In the Western tradition, many phrases and terms from the Bible are utilized as allegory, metaphors, idioms, or simply to describe the characteristics of a known person or event. They have become an essential element of literature and descriptions of everyday life situations.
- Rebecca Denova
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A list of 122 everyday phrases that have a biblical origin. KJV, Psalms 34:18 – The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. KJV, Luke 14:27 – And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. KJV, Job 34:8 – Which goeth in company with the workers of ...
- Let there be light. Definition: A lighthearted remark when someone turns on a light. Genesis 1:3 (NIV) "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light."
- Forbidden fruit. Definition: Something desired, but not permitted. Genesis 2:16-17 (NIV) "And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."
- By the sweat of your brow. Definition: By one's own labour or hard work. Genesis 3:19 (NIV) "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."
- Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Definition: Most commonly said at funerals, it is a reference to the cycle of life. We come from the ground, and return to it at death.
- At the Eleventh Hour (Matthew 20:1-16) When you do something at the eleventh hour, you do it just in the nick of time. This phrase comes from a parable in the Gospel of Matthew.
- By the Skin of Your Teeth (Job 19:20) This colorful saying comes from the Book of Job. In this Old Testament book examining the meaning of human suffering, we’re introduced to the tormented protagonist Job.
- Rise and Shine (Isaiah 60:1) The earliest known reference to this traditional morning greeting is found in the Book of Isaiah. There, the prophet Isaiah tells believers to, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).
- Wash Your Hands of a Matter (Matthew 27:24) When you wash your hands of a matter, you remove yourself from a problematic situation with which you disagree and proclaim that you won’t be held accountable for any bad outcome that ensues.
Mar 3, 2015 · The earliest use of this phrase in English comes from William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible in 1526, and in particular his version of the Parable of the Sower, who “went out to sow his ...
Aug 13, 2014 · Because everyone had that book in common, the phraseology became part of the daily lexicon. With less Bible knowledge as a whole, and additional translations, English speakers often don’t realize the genesis of their words (pun very much intended). Here are 11 common phrases with a divine origin.
