It’s easy to think of the Bible as just a religious text, but did you know it’s also responsible for shaping a lot of the language we use today? From famous quotes to common sayings, many of the phrases we hear and speak in our everyday lives actually have biblical origins. Whether we’re talking about someone being the “apple of our eye” or telling them to “go the extra mile,” these phrases have stood the test of time.
Let’s take a look at 20 common phrases that come straight from the Bible and how they still resonate with us today.
The Apple of His Eye
“In a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye,” – Deuteronomy 32:10
This phrase describes someone being cherished and protected. God is shown as carefully watching over Israel, much like someone would protect the “apple” (or pupil) of their eye.
Nowadays, it’s often used to talk about someone’s favorite person—someone deeply loved and valued. We all have someone in our lives this applies to —the person who we’d go out of our way to protect.
Eye for an Eye
This saying originates from Exodus 21:24 and it stands for a principle of justice—the punishment should fit the crime. These days, people often use it to discuss fairness or payback, but most of us prefer mercy in real life. The concept of “eye for an eye” can serve as a reminder to strike a balance between justice and kindness.
Fight the Good Fight
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul tells believers to “fight the good fight of faith.” These days, it gives people a push to keep going when they need to stand up for what’s right or deal with tough times. This phrase helps us stay tough and keep at it when life gets hard.
Go the Extra Mile
“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” – Matthew 5:41
This stems from Matthew 5:41, in which Jesus teaches us to do more than what’s asked of us. People now use this saying to encourage hard work, pushing us to go beyond the basics. At work or with our loved ones, doing a little bit extra can make a big difference.
The Blind Leading the Blind
“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” – Matthew 15:14
This saying, from Matthew 15:14, talks about people who can’t see trying to show others the way, which ends up with both of them falling into a hole.
These days, we use it to describe times when someone who doesn’t know much tries to guide others, leading to awful results. It’s a funny but warning-like phrase that tells us to look for help from people who know their stuff instead of just following anyone without thinking.
Cast the First Stone
“When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” – John 8:7
John 8:7 shows Jesus challenging the Pharisees. He tells them to throw the first stone at a woman who sinned, but only if they’re perfect themselves. These days, it reminds us not to judge others. It also tells us to think about our own flaws before we criticize someone else.
Rise and Shine
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” – Isaiah 60:1
The Bible, in Isaiah 60:1, tells the people to “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” encouraging them to wake up and seize new opportunities. These days, it’s a cheerful wake-up call often used to get someone out of bed and ready for the day ahead.
We’ve all experienced that groggy feeling in the morning, but this saying encourages us to shake off the sleepiness and start the day with energy.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 8:15
In this verse, Solomon ponders life’s brevity and advises people to enjoy it while they can. Nowadays, people use this phrase when they want to relax, have fun, and treat themselves—perhaps for an evening out with friends or to mark a special occasion. It’s a saying that captures the idea of living in the present, but it’s wise to remember that going too far isn’t the right approach.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” – Matthew 7:15
Here, Jesus cautions against false prophets who look harmless but pose a hidden danger, like wolves in sheep’s clothing. These days, people use this saying to describe anyone who masks their harmful intentions behind a friendly facade. It serves as a reminder to stay alert and avoid judging others on their outward appearance. We should keep in mind that appearances can be deceiving.
By the Skin of Your Teeth
“I am nothing but skin and bones; I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.” – Job 19:20
Here, Job talks about surviving his terrible suffering. These days, people use it to talk about a close call with disaster or finishing something at the last possible minute. Whether it’s just making a deadline or living through a near-miss, we’ve all had moments where we felt we scraped by with just a little luck on our side.
A Thorn in the Flesh
“Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:6-7
Paul describes a “thorn in the flesh” that causes him ongoing hardship. It’s not exactly clear what the “thorn” was, but it was a persistent issue that kept Paul humble. Today, this phrase is used to describe something or someone that constantly causes annoyance or difficulty, whether it’s a chronic issue, an irritating person, or a nagging problem that won’t go away.
Put Words in Someone’s Mouth
“Then go to the king and speak these words to him. And Joab put the words in her mouth.” – 2 Samuel 14:3
Joab tells a woman exactly what to say to King David. Nowadays, we use it when someone falsely attributes words or opinions to someone else, especially when those words aren’t true. It’s a reminder to be careful with our assumptions and not twist what others say for our own benefit.
Scapegoat
“But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat.” – Leviticus 16:10
The phrase “scapegoat” has its roots in Leviticus 16:10. This Bible verse talks about a goat that people loaded with their sins and sent into the wild on the Day of Atonement. In modern times, this word refers to someone who gets blamed for other people’s mistakes or problems. It serves as a warning to steer clear of pointing fingers at a person just because it’s the easy way out or more convenient than tackling the real issue at hand.
Nothing New Under the Sun
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 1:9
Here, the writer thinks about how life keeps repeating itself and how past events often happen again. These days, people say it when they notice something ‘new’ that has actually been done before. In fashion, tech, or ideas, it’s clear to see how trends and happenings come back around showing us that a lot of life follows a pattern.
No Rest for the Wicked
“There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” – Isaiah 48:22
Isaiah hints that people who do bad things will keep running into problems. These days, folks often joke with this saying when they’re swamped with jobs or chores, meaning the grind never stops. It reminds us that although life can get crazy busy, it’s key to take breaks and catch your breath even if it seems like your to-do list never ends.
To See Eye to Eye
“Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.” – Isaiah 52:8
This phrase originally described a moment of unity and agreement among previously divided people. Similarly, we now use it when two or more people finally agree on something after a disagreement. It’s a comforting phrase that highlights how good it feels to resolve conflicts and find common ground, strengthening our relationships.
Put Your House in Order
“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” – Isaiah 38:1
God tells King Hezekiah to prepare for death by sorting out his business. These days, people use this as a reminder to get their lives or responsibilities under control, especially when things are a mess. Whether it’s about money, relationships, or just handling our day-to-day stuff, getting things organized helps us feel more ready for whatever life might throw at us.
To Cast Pearls Before Swine
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. – Matthew 7:6
In Matthew 7:6, Jesus cautions against giving valuable things to those who don’t value them using the image of throwing pearls to pigs. These days, people use this saying when someone offers something important—like guidance, hard work, or a present—to someone who doesn’t see how special it is. It serves as a reminder to put our time and resources into people and situations that will appreciate them.
Reap What You Sow
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
Here, Paul reminds believers that their actions—good or bad—will come back to them, saying, “You reap what you sow.” It reminds us that our actions have consequences. Hard work pays off, while bad behavior leads to trouble. We plant seeds that will shape our future. This idea prompts us to think about the choices we make.
A Drop in the Bucket
“Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; He weighs the islands as though they were fine dust.” – Isaiah 40:15
This verse portrays nations as small as a drop in a bucket when compared to God’s greatness. People now use it to describe things that appear tiny or unimportant in the bigger picture. For example, it might apply to small donations for big causes or minor efforts in large projects. This phrase reminds us that even though some actions might seem small, every contribution counts.
Connecting the Past with the Present
It’s amazing how much of our everyday language is influenced by the Bible, even when we don’t realize it. These phrases serve as little reminders of biblical wisdom, connecting the past with the present in our daily conversations. Whether we’re “going the extra mile” or narrowly escaping a problem “by the skin of our teeth,” these timeless expressions bring a touch of ancient insight into our modern world.
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Jannah is a dedicated Christian content writer with growing experience, driven by her love for sharing the message of faith. She brings dedication and passion to every piece she writes, drawing from her background as a former lector. Jannah is committed to creating meaningful and inspiring content that reflects her Christian values.