Have you ever wondered where some of our everyday sayings come from? You might be surprised to learn that many of them have their roots in the Bible.
The Bible, as God’s living Word, has deeply influenced our language over centuries. Many phrases we use daily, often without realizing their source, come straight from biblical texts. These expressions have become part of our shared language, used by people from all walks of life.
Let’s dive into these 15 fascinating phrases and discover their biblical origins together.
1. “The writing on the wall”
Origin: Book of Daniel, chapter 5
We use this phrase when we see clear signs of trouble ahead. It comes from the story of Belshazzar’s feast in Babylon. King Belshazzar was hosting a grand banquet, using gold and silver vessels that his father Nebuchadnezzar had stolen from the Temple in Jerusalem. Suddenly, a mysterious hand appeared and wrote on the wall: “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.“
Terrified, Belshazzar called for Daniel to interpret the message. Daniel explained that God had numbered Belshazzar’s days, found him wanting, and would divide his kingdom. That very night, Belshazzar was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom.
This dramatic event reminds us that God sees our actions and will ultimately bring judgment. When we say “the writing’s on the wall,” we’re echoing this biblical warning of impending doom or consequences.
2. “By the skin of your teeth”
Origin: Job 19:20
When we barely escape a tough situation, we might say we made it “by the skin of our teeth.” This vivid image comes from Job’s description of his suffering. Job, a righteous man, endured terrible trials, losing his wealth, health, and children.
In his anguish, Job cried out, “My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.” This poetic phrase emphasizes how close Job came to death, with only the thinnest margin (like the enamel on teeth) separating him from destruction.
Job’s story teaches us about faith in the face of suffering. When we use this phrase, we’re unknowingly referencing Job’s perseverance and God’s ultimate deliverance.
3. “A drop in the bucket”
Origin: Isaiah 40:15
We use this phrase to describe something small or unimportant in the grand scheme of things. In Isaiah, the prophet is describing God’s incomparable greatness: “Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales.“
Even mighty nations are insignificant compared to God’s vastness. Isaiah was comforting Israel, reminding them that their troubles were small in God’s eyes, and He was more than capable of helping them.
When we use this phrase today, we’re unknowingly echoing Isaiah’s message about the relative insignificance of earthly concerns compared to God’s power.
4. “Eat, drink, and be merry”
Origin: Ecclesiastes 8:15
This popular saying encourages enjoying life’s simple pleasures. It comes from Ecclesiastes, a book that ponders life’s meaning. The full verse reads, “So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.“
The author, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, isn’t promoting hedonism. Instead, he’s recognizing that in a world full of injustice and uncertainty, we should appreciate God’s daily gifts. However, this comes with the understanding that we’re accountable to God for how we live.
When we use this phrase, we’re tapping into the biblical wisdom of gratitude for life’s blessings, while remembering our ultimate purpose is to honor God.
5. “The blind leading the blind”
Origin: Matthew 15:14
Jesus used this phrase to criticize the Pharisees’ spiritual blindness. The full quote is, “Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.“
Jesus was responding to the disciples’ concern that the Pharisees were offended by His teachings. He used this vivid metaphor to illustrate the danger of following misguided spiritual leaders. The Pharisees, despite their religious knowledge, were spiritually blind and leading others astray.
Today, we use this phrase to describe situations where someone without proper knowledge or skills tries to guide others. It reminds us of the importance of seeking wise, spiritually grounded guidance.
6. “Wolf in sheep’s clothing”
Origin: Matthew 7:15
Jesus warned us about false prophets using this powerful metaphor: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.“
In biblical times, shepherds sometimes wore sheepskins. A wolf disguised in sheepskin could sneak up on the flock. Jesus used this image to describe people who appear harmless or even helpful but have evil intentions.
This warning was crucial for the early church, facing various false teachings. It remains relevant today, reminding us to be discerning about the messages and messengers we encounter, always testing them against God’s Word.
7. “Fall from grace”
Origin: Galatians 5:4
Paul used this phrase in his letter to the Galatians: “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.“
Paul was addressing believers who thought they needed to follow Jewish law to be saved, in addition to faith in Christ. He warned that by doing so, they were actually moving away from God’s grace, not towards it.
Originally, this phrase referred to losing God’s favor through sin or misunderstanding the gospel. Now, people use it more broadly to describe a loss of status or reputation.
8. “Forbidden fruit”
Origin: Genesis, chapters 2-3
While the exact phrase “forbidden fruit” doesn’t appear in the Bible, it comes from the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God told them they could eat from any tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The serpent tempted Eve to eat the fruit from this forbidden tree, leading to the Fall of mankind.
This story teaches us about temptation, disobedience, and its consequences. The “forbidden fruit” represents anything that’s attractive but prohibited by God. It reminds us that sin often looks appealing, but choosing our own way over God’s leads to separation from Him.
When we use this phrase today, we’re tapping into this ancient story of temptation and the human struggle with obedience to God.
9. “The powers that be”
Origin: Romans 13:1
This phrase comes from the King James Version of Paul’s letter to the Romans: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.“
Paul was teaching about the Christian’s relationship to government authorities. He argued that all earthly authority ultimately comes from God, and Christians should generally obey civil laws as part of their obedience to God.
When we use this phrase today to refer to people in authority, we’re echoing Paul’s recognition of the structures of earthly power. However, the biblical context also reminds us that while we respect earthly authorities, our ultimate allegiance is to God.
10. “A peace offering”
Origin: Leviticus 3:6
In the Old Testament, a peace offering was a specific type of sacrifice. It was voluntary and expressed thankfulness, fellowship with God, and the desire for peace in the community. Unlike some other sacrifices, part of the peace offering was eaten by the worshipper and their family, symbolizing communion with God.
Today, when we use this phrase to describe a gift given to restore goodwill, we’re unknowingly referencing this rich biblical concept of peace and reconciliation.
11. “Go the extra mile”
Origin: Matthew 5:41
Jesus used this phrase in His Sermon on the Mount: “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” In Roman-occupied Judea, soldiers could legally force civilians to carry their gear for one mile. Jesus taught His followers to willingly go beyond what was required.
This teaching was radical, encouraging love and generosity even towards oppressors. It wasn’t about being a doormat, but about showing God’s love in unexpected ways and maintaining personal dignity through choice rather than compulsion.
When we use this phrase today to encourage extra effort, we’re tapping into Jesus’ revolutionary ethic of love that goes beyond minimum requirements.
12. “Scapegoat”
Origin: Leviticus 16:8-10
The concept of a scapegoat comes from the Day of Atonement ritual. Two goats were chosen: one was sacrificed, and the other, the scapegoat, symbolically carried away the people’s sins. The high priest would lay hands on the scapegoat, confess the people’s sins over it, and send it into the wilderness, symbolically removing sin from the community.
This powerful ritual pointed to humanity’s need for sin to be dealt with and removed. It foreshadowed Jesus, who would bear our sins and remove them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).
Today, when we use “scapegoat” to refer to someone unfairly blamed, we’re drawing on this ancient concept of sin-bearing, though often without realizing its deep spiritual significance.
13. “An eye for an eye”
Origin: Exodus 21:24
This phrase appears in the Old Testament law: “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” Contrary to popular belief, this wasn’t promoting revenge. It was actually a legal principle limiting retribution to be proportional to the offense.
In a time when minor offenses could lead to blood feuds, this law was revolutionary in promoting justice and preventing escalating violence. However, Jesus took this further in the Sermon on the Mount, teaching His followers to “turn the other cheek” and love their enemies.
When we hear this phrase today, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the progression of God’s revelation, from limited retribution to radical forgiveness and love.
14. “Wash your hands of the matter”
Origin: Matthew 27:24
This phrase comes from Pontius Pilate’s actions during Jesus’ trial. When Pilate saw he couldn’t prevent Jesus’ crucifixion, he “took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.’“
This dramatic gesture was Pilate’s attempt to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus’ death. However, it illustrates the futility of trying to escape moral responsibility through symbolic actions.
When we use this phrase today to describe someone distancing themselves from a situation, it can remind us of the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and decisions, even in difficult circumstances.
15. “Cast the first stone”
Origin: John 8:7
Jesus used this phrase when confronted with a woman caught in adultery. The religious leaders wanted to stone her, testing Jesus’ response. Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.“
This powerful statement exposed the hypocrisy of the accusers and demonstrated Jesus’ wisdom and mercy. It didn’t condone the woman’s sin but offered her grace and a chance to change.
When we use this phrase today, it serves as a powerful reminder against self-righteousness and judgmentalism. It encourages us to approach others with humility and compassion, recognizing our own need for God’s grace.
These 15 phrases show how deeply the Bible has shaped our language. When we use these expressions, we’re carrying forward centuries of wisdom and truth. As believers, understanding their biblical roots can deepen our appreciation for God’s Word and its ongoing impact on our world.
Next time you use one of these phrases, remember its rich biblical history. It’s amazing to see how God’s Word continues to influence our daily conversations.