Everyday expressions that originated in the Bible

Did you know that today’s common sayings, idioms, and clichés came out of the Bible?

Terms such as “forbidden fruit,” “man does not live by bread alone,” “land of milk and honey,” and “bite the dust” all come from the Old Testament.

There are many other Old Testament sayings, too, including:

Old Testament Phrases

Am I my brother’s keeper?

My young daughter used to remark jokingly,“Am I my brother’s keeper?” whenever I asked where her little brother was. This saying comes from Genesis 4:9 as Cain’s response to God after he killed his brother. He said this to imply that he wasn’t responsible for anyone else but himself.

Apple of my eye

I’ve often said to my 7-year-old granddaughter, “You are the apple of my eye,” and she’d respond, “You’re the banana of mine.” This phrase comes from Deuteronomy 32:10 and describes God’s care and love for His people. It refers to someone who is deeply valued.

Eye for an Eye

This term can be found in Exodus 21:24 and Leviticus 24:20. It refers to the concept that the punishment should fit the crime. It goes along with “a tooth for a tooth”, which was the original title for a novel I wrote based on a true story of abuse.

Scapegoat

In Old Testament times, a goat would be sent into the wilderness, symbolically bearing the sins of the people. (Leviticus 16:10). A scapegoat refers to someone unfairly blamed for something another person had done.

By the skin of my teeth

This odd phrase came from the book of Job, “My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.” (Job 19:20 ESV) He is referring to the fact that he had suffered tremendously and narrowly survived death.

The writing on the wall

In the book of Daniel, a mysterious hand writes a message on the wall during King Belshazzar’s feast, predicting his kingdom’s fall. I remember reading this verse in the Bible and audibly saying, “Oh, that’s where this saying came from!” It’s used today to describe a clear sign of impending doom.

Jezebel

We learn of Queen Jezebel in the book of 1 Kings. She is known as an immoral woman who leads her husband, King Ahab, into worshipping idols. The term today refers to a morally corrupt or manipulative woman.

Terms such as “go the extra mile,” “pearls before swine,” “good Samaritan,” and “casting the first stone” all come from the New Testament. There are many other New Testament sayings too:

New Testament Phrases

Salt of the earth

In the book of Matthew, Jesus describes His followers as valuable, like salt that preserves and enhances. Today, this term still refers to someone who is grounded and a person of integrity.

Turn the other cheek

Jesus teaches us to not retaliate to those who hurt us. “But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:39 ESV)
This is a hard command to follow but if everyone forgave and didn’t fight back, we’d live in a more peaceful world.

Wolf in sheep’s clothing

Sadly, over the years I’ve known a few people who I’ve referred to as wolves in sheep’s clothing. Jesus warns us to stay away from those who have deceitful motives but hide behind a friendly appearance. This advice is just as relevant today.

The blind leading the blind

In Matthew 15:14 ESV Jesus says, “Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” He warns against false teachers who will lead others on the wrong path. Today, the saying refers to anyone who is unqualified and leads others astray.

Head on a platter

This is a gruesome saying based on a true story in the Bible. Herod granted Herodias’s daughter her wish for John the Baptist’s head on a platter as a grim payment for her dance at his feast. Today the term refers to a demand for severe punishment or revenge against someone.

It’s fascinating to learn about the origins of words and famous idioms. This isn’t an exhaustive list, so why don’t you pick up a Bible and see how many sayings you can find in it? Then share with me.