Phrases from the Bible have permeated modern language, culture, and everyday speech. Discover the origins and meanings of expressions like “The writing on the wall,” “By the sweat of your brow,” and “Go the extra mile,” and learn how these timeless phrases continue to inspire and shape communication. Perfect for readers interested in the intersection of scripture, language, and culture, this post sheds light on the profound impact of biblical wisdom on contemporary life.
Here’s a list of 30 commonly used biblical phrases with their meanings, scripture references, and modern examples of use:
1. “By the skin of your teeth”
- Meaning: Narrowly escaping something.
- Scripture: Job 19:20 – “I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.”
- Modern Use: “I passed the exam by the skin of my teeth!”
2. “The powers that be”
- Meaning: Refers to existing authority or leadership.
- Scripture: Romans 13:1 – “For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
- Modern Use: “The powers that be have decided to extend the deadline.”
3. “Put words in your mouth”
- Meaning: To speak on behalf of someone.
- Scripture: Exodus 4:15 – “You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth.”
- Modern Use: “Don’t put words in my mouth; I never agreed to that!”
4. “A thorn in the flesh”
- Meaning: A persistent difficulty or problem.
- Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7 – “A thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me.”
- Modern Use: “This outdated software is a thorn in the flesh for our team.”
5. “By the sweat of your brow”
- Meaning: Through hard work and effort.
- Scripture: Genesis 3:19 – “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.”
- Modern Use: “He built his company by the sweat of his brow.”
6. “The writing on the wall”
- Meaning: A clear sign of impending trouble.
- Scripture: Daniel 5:5 – “The fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall.”
- Modern Use: “With all these budget cuts, the writing is on the wall for layoffs.”
7. “To cast the first stone”
- Meaning: To be the first to criticize someone.
- Scripture: John 8:7 – “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone.”
- Modern Use: “Before casting the first stone, remember your own mistakes.”
8. “Go the extra mile”
- Meaning: To do more than required.
- Scripture: Matthew 5:41 – “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
- Modern Use: “She went the extra mile to make the party a success.”
9. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”
- Meaning: Having good intentions but lacking strength.
- Scripture: Matthew 26:41 – “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
- Modern Use: “I wanted to wake up early, but the spirit is willing, and the flesh is weak.”
10. “A house divided cannot stand”
- Meaning: Division leads to failure.
- Scripture: Matthew 12:25 – “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste.”
- Modern Use: “The team needs to unite because a house divided cannot stand.”
11. “Do not throw pearls before swine”
- Meaning: Don’t offer value to those who won’t appreciate it.
- Scripture: Matthew 7:6 – “Do not throw your pearls before pigs.”
- Modern Use: “Sharing advanced ideas with uninterested people is like throwing pearls before swine.”
12. “To see the light”
- Meaning: To understand or realize something.
- Scripture: Acts 9:3 – “Suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.”
- Modern Use: “After years of bad choices, he finally saw the light.”
13. “The root of the matter”
- Meaning: The essential issue.
- Scripture: Job 19:28 – “The root of the matter is found in him.”
- Modern Use: “Let’s get to the root of the matter and solve this problem.”
14. “To reap what you sow”
- Meaning: To experience the consequences of your actions.
- Scripture: Galatians 6:7 – “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
- Modern Use: “If you treat people kindly, you’ll reap what you sow.”
15. “Fight the good fight”
- Meaning: To persevere in a worthy cause.
- Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:12 – “Fight the good fight of the faith.”
- Modern Use: “Despite the challenges, they continue to fight the good fight for justice.”
16. “Eat, drink, and be merry”
- Meaning: To enjoy life in the moment.
- Scripture: Ecclesiastes 8:15 – “Eat and drink and be joyful.”
- Modern Use: “We’ve worked hard—let’s eat, drink, and be merry!”
17. “Wolf in sheep’s clothing”
- Meaning: Someone who pretends to be good but is malicious.
- Scripture: Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing.”
- Modern Use: “Be careful of him; he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
18. “Scapegoat”
- Meaning: Someone who takes the blame for others.
- Scripture: Leviticus 16:10 – “The goat…shall bear all their iniquities.”
- Modern Use: “Don’t make her the scapegoat for the team’s failure.”
19. “Sour grapes”
- Meaning: Resentment from not getting what one wants.
- Scripture: Ezekiel 18:2 – “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
- Modern Use: “His criticism of the winner sounds like sour grapes.”
20. “Let there be light”
- Meaning: A phrase of creation or enlightenment.
- Scripture: Genesis 1:3 – “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”
- Modern Use: “Let there be light! Finally, the power is back on.”
21. “Eye for an eye”
- Meaning: Justice or retribution in kind.
- Scripture: Exodus 21:24 – “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.”
- Modern Use: “This isn’t about revenge; it’s not an eye for an eye.”
22. “Turn the other cheek”
- Meaning: Responding to an offense without retaliation.
- Scripture: Matthew 5:39 – “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
- Modern Use: “He insulted me, but I chose to turn the other cheek.”
23. “The truth will set you free”
- Meaning: Truth brings freedom.
- Scripture: John 8:32 – “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- Modern Use: “Don’t hide anything—the truth will set you free.”
24. “To wash one’s hands of something”
- Meaning: To disassociate from responsibility.
- Scripture: Matthew 27:24 – “He took water and washed his hands before the crowd.”
- Modern Use: “I’m washing my hands of this mess—you deal with it.”
25. “My brother’s keeper”
- Meaning: Being responsible for others.
- Scripture: Genesis 4:9 – “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
- Modern Use: “It’s our job to care for others; we are our brother’s keeper.”
26. “Pride comes before a fall”
- Meaning: Arrogance leads to failure.
- Scripture: Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction.”
- Modern Use: “He was overconfident, and pride came before the fall.”
27. “Writing the book on something”
- Meaning: Establishing precedent.
- Scripture: Revelation 20:12 – “Books were opened.”
- Modern Use: “Her leadership style is writing the book on innovation.”
28. “Be a Good Samaritan”
- Meaning: Helping others selflessly.
- Scripture: Luke 10:33 – “A Samaritan…had compassion.”
- Modern Use: “He’s a Good Samaritan, always helping neighbors in need.”
29. “The straight and narrow”
- Meaning: A virtuous and disciplined path.
- Scripture: Matthew 7:14 – “The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.”
- Modern Use: “She’s stayed on the straight and narrow since college.”
30. “Blessed are the peacemakers”
- Meaning: Those who work for peace are honored.
- Scripture: Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
- Modern Use: “He’s always resolving conflicts—blessed are the peacemakers.”