The Bible is packed with old-time phrases and extinct terminology that we simply don’t use in modern society. However, a lot of the language we speak today wouldn’t be the same without this ancient religious text! These 19 ways the Bible influences our everyday language are classic examples.
Apple of my eye
A phrase we commonly use as a term of endearment, the saying ‘apple of my eye’ originates from both Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalms 17:8. David asked God to keep him as the apple of His eye, and what it meant in scripture, it still means today.
A drop in the bucket
Referring to something inconsequential, saying “a drop in the bucket” is derived from Isaiah 40:15. Isaiah used this phrase to convey insignificance, and we still use it today, altering the phrase slightly to ‘a drop in the ocean’, which has the same meaning.
Salt of the Earth
We use the phrase ‘salt of the Earth’ to describe someone as honorable or genuine; this is based on Jesus’ description of his followers in Matthew 5:13. The Gospel Collective says that salt is regularly referenced throughout scripture as holy and has many metaphorical applications.
A labor of love
In First Thessalonians 1:3, ‘ a labor of love’ is described, and we use the phrase to describe a job completed with love and devotion. In the Bible, it surrounded the sacrifice of time and energy, which is still true today. It was a way of saying that God notices every effort.
The blind leading the blind
Taken from Matthew 15:14, this phrase describes a situation where ignorant or inexperienced people are guiding others. This Bible verse says that if the blind leads the blind, they will both end up in a pit. It’s still used today to highlight the foolishness of a situation.
A house divided against itself
Based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:25, ‘a house divided against itself’ refers to a group in conflict with itself. This localized form of civil war is described as a fast way to fall as if the house fighting against itself can’t stand, there will be no winners.
Feet of clay
Describing a person with a hidden flaw or vulnerability, ‘feet of clay’ is derived from the book of Daniel 2:33-45. While it’s not exactly the most common saying we got from the Bible, it is still sometimes used to say that someone who appears powerful can be easily knocked over.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Referring to someone as a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ means that they appear harmless but are actually dangerous. Originating from Matthew 7:15, this is a Biblical example of the wolf dressing up as Red Riding Hood’s grandmother. These days, it’s more commonly used to describe someone who is two-faced.
A thorn in the flesh
In Second Corinthians 12:7, ‘a thorn in the flesh’ is used to portray the hardships of Paul. While there are many interpretations of this phrase, Bible Ref says that the burden that Paul experienced is never revealed. However, it is still frequently used to describe the troubles in someone’s life.
Good Samaritan
Inspired by the parable in Luke 10:25-37 detailing the story of The Good Samaritan, this term refers to someone who shows compassion. When someone helps those in need, as the Good Samaritans did, they receive this accolade, and we think it’s great that this expression is still around to this day.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” describes a child who resembles their parents, used with both positive and negative connotations. The exact phrase doesn’t come from the Bible, but it has connections with John 2:29, which says that anyone who does what is right is obviously a child of God.
To turn the other cheek
In Matthew 5:39, Jesus teaches to ‘turn the other cheek’ as a way of taking the moral high ground against evil. It says that you don’t reciprocate when something bad happens to you and that it’s best to ignore negative behavior and not respond rather than lower yourself to their actions.
The writing on the wall
Signifying impending doom, ‘the writing on the wall’ is a saying originating from Daniel 5:5. Bible Study Tools explains that four words written on a wall declared an invasion and the end of an empire. The term is heavily used in pop culture and still holds the same doomsday context.
A man after my own heart
This proverb is inspired by God’s description of David in Samuel 13:14, a Bible verse that encourages people to seek God’s love. ‘A man after my own heart’ relates to a person who shares similar values these days, although it’s often used in a jokey and casual context.
Eat, drink, and be merry
A popular phrase around the holidays, it may be surprising to learn that “Eat, drink, and be merry” comes from the Bible. Referring to indulging in pleasure without concern for consequences, King Solomon reflects in Ecclesiastes 8:15, commenting on the fleetingness of life’s blessings with this phrase.
The powers that be
Romans 13:1 says that every soul is subject to higher powers, or ‘the powers that be.’ While the Bible verse refers to the idea that everything is governed by God, in our society, “the powers that be” refers to any authority that has a lot of power and influence.
Sowing the seeds
The term ‘sowing the seeds’ describes the act of planting or beginning something, taken from various Bible passages about agriculture. In everyday language, it refers to more than just farming; it’s a way of saying you don’t know the outcome, but if you don’t plant the seeds, nothing will grow.
By the skin of my teeth
The relief of narrowly escaping a predicament is often said to be ‘by the skin of my teeth.’ Surprisingly, Enter The Bible suggests this comes from the Bible, where Job uses it to express a very close call he experienced during his trials and tribulations. It’s a rather modern expression of Christianity!
Seeing eye-to-eye
Finally, Isaiah 52:8 refers to those finding common ground and experiencing harmony, with one particularly famous phrase being ‘seeing eye to eye.’ This poignant phrase is still used today, sometimes used to express agreement. Sadly, you’ll more commonly hear it in a negative context, with ‘we don’t see eye to eye’ expressing differences in opinions.
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