Languages are peculiar things, yet we rely on them to communicate our needs, express our emotions, and share our desires. They are peculiar because the same words can mean different things, even if spelled the same way. A collection of words strung together in a sentence can take on an entirely different meaning, with idioms providing an extra wealth of knowledge that makes any language all the more colorful.
The origins of idioms vary from country to country, but one source of idioms remains constant – the Holy Bible.
Here are 18 common sayings you probably use almost daily without knowing that they first appeared in the most popular book of all time.
A Drop in the Bucket
‘A drop in the bucket’ is a phrase normally used to explain that something is a very tiny part of something much bigger. It was first used in the Bible in Isaiah 40:15, where the prophet Isaiah compares the nations to a “drop in a bucket.” In saying this, Isaiah explains their insignificance in comparison to God’s greatness.
The Blind Leading the Blind
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like everyone around you was incompetent? Like trying to get a refund from customer service, only for the manager to not know how to process it either? This is the perfect situation to use this expression, where an uninformed or incompetent person is leading others who are similarly uninformed. Despite this sounding like a more modern saying, it actually comes from Matthew 15:14, where Jesus warns that if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.
By the Skin of Your Teeth
This is another popular saying that many of us use. Think of a student saying they passed their exams by the ‘skin of their teeth’ or of a businesswoman arriving on time to an important meeting ‘by the skin of her teeth.’ All it means is to escape a disaster or situation narrowly.
Its origins come from the Bible: Job 19:20 says, “I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.” Here, Job is describing his thin and frail condition, barely surviving his trials and tribulations.
Can a Leopard Change Its Spots?
Can a person really change who they are? This is essentially the question being asked when a person uses the saying ‘can a leopard really change its spots?’ Opinions on whether a person can or cannot change their inherent nature differ depending on who you ask, but what does not differ is where this expression originates. It is derived from Jeremiah 13:23, where the prophet Jeremiah rhetorically asks if a leopard can change its spots, demonstrating the difficulty of changing one’s character.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Many of us have seen this saying on fridge magnets, as wall art, and perhaps even on t-shirts and other merchandise. While the meaning is pretty self-explanatory, many do not know that this phrase comes from the Bible. In Ecclesiastes 8:15, Solomon advises people to eat, drink, and be merry, for this is their reward in life under the sun. He is encouraging them to enjoy life and live in the moment, much like we use the expression nowadays.
Fly in the Ointment
This phrase refers to a small but significant flaw that spoils something valuable. It originates from Ecclesiastes 10:1 – “As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” Essentially, this verse teaches us that even a little foolishness can poison a whole lot of wisdom.
Go the Extra Mile
To ‘go the extra mile’ is to do more than what is required. The phrase originates from Matthew 5:41, where Jesus teaches that if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. The verse teaches the importance of showing generosity and kindness to others.
The Powers That Be
Many might use this term to refer to their bosses at work, government officials, or generally, anyone who holds a position of authority. The phrase originates from the King James Bible in Romans 13:1 – “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.” Here, Paul explains that the powers that be are ordained by God, highlighting the divine approval of government authorities.
The Root of the Matter
Another very popular saying that means the fundamental cause or core issue, this phrase is found in Job 19:28: “If you should say, ‘How shall we persecute him?’— Since the root of the matter is found in me”, Job speaks about the root of the matter being found in him, referring to the essence of his suffering and faith.
A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
This saying describes someone who pretends to be harmless but is actually dangerous. It comes from Matthew 7:15, where Jesus warns of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves.
There Is Nothing New Under the Sun
This expression suggests that everything has been seen or done before. It comes from Ecclesiastes 1:9, where Solomon laments that what has been will be again, and there is nothing new under the sun.
Thorn in the Flesh
Whenever someone says they have a thorn in their flesh or a thorn in their side, they are referring to something that is causing them annoyance. This phrase refers to a persistent problem or annoyance. It originates from 2 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul speaks of a thorn in his flesh given to him to prevent him from becoming conceited.
To Cast the First Stone
Many people use the phrase ‘to cast the first stone’ to refer to the first person to criticize or attack someone in an argument or dispute. However, the original meaning is more about forgiveness than fighting. The phrase comes from John 8:7, where Jesus challenges anyone without sin to be the first to cast a stone at a woman caught in adultery. Of course, none of us are without sin, and so this phrase teaches us to show mercy to others when they make mistakes, in the same way we would expect others to show mercy to us. It encourages us to self-reflect rather than literally ‘casting the first stone.’
To See Eye-to-Eye
When we see ‘eye-to-eye’ with another, we normally understand it to mean that we are in agreement or have a mutual understanding. The origin of the word comes from Isaiah 52:8, where the prophet speaks of watchmen ‘seeing eye to eye’ when the Lord returns to Zion. Here, the phrase symbolizes unity and harmony—not too different from today’s meaning after all!
The Writing on the Wall
Used to refer to an ominous warning or sign of inevitable trouble, the origin of this phrase was not the recent Bond tune by performer Sam Smith or the studio album of Destiny’s Child. It actually stems from the Bible. In Daniel 5:5-31, a hand predicts the fall of Babylon by writing on a wall at a feast. This is then interpreted by Daniel.
A Broken Reed
One of the less common sayings on this list is that of a ‘broken reed,’ referring to something that is unreliable or weak. The meaning of its biblical origin is not too different from how it is intended nowadays.
We first see it used in Isaiah 36:6, where Egypt is described as a broken reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. The phrase is used to demonstrate Egypt’s unreliability as an ally.
Forbidden Fruit
Many of us refer to ‘forbidden fruit,’ knowing full well that this originates in the Bible. And just like the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was off-limits, the phrase also refers to something that is equally as tempting but just as off-limits. This is explained in Genesis 3:3-6, where the book describes the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat. Essentially, it represents temptation and disobedience.
Salt of the Earth
How often have we used this expression to introduce someone we know as genuine and unpretentious? The likelihood is high, yet how many of us know that it was first used in the Bible, in the book of Matthew? It originates from Matthew 5:13, where Jesus tells His disciples that they are the salt of the earth, further cementing their role in preserving goodness and truth.
Do You Use These Expressions?
You may have realized that many of these expressions make up your day-to-day speech without necessarily knowing that their roots are embedded in the Biblical word. However, understanding the origins of these oh-so-common sayings only serves to deepen our understanding of their meanings and the rich cultural history they represent.
Some might say they even connect us to timeless truths and ancient pearls of wisdom. And so, next time you catch yourself using one of these expressions, take a moment to remind yourself of the verse they are derived from and reflect on the more profound message behind the words.
Understanding the biblical origins of these common sayings can deepen our appreciation for their meanings and the rich tapestry of cultural history they represent. Often used without a second thought, these phrases connect us to ancient wisdom and timeless truths. Next time you use one of these expressions, you might find yourself reflecting on the deeper message behind the words.
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Susan is a mother of four beautiful babies and a born-again Christian. She took over Hope No Matter What in 2024 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of the goodness and faithfulness of God. Her passion is to bring hope and encouragement to others, and she prays that by sharing her knowledge and personal story, she can inspire others to find enlightenment in God's word.