Behold!

From Biblical origins to daily lingo: 12 phrases that came from the Bible

Image: Aaron Burden

Many common phrases we use today are direct quotes from the Bible. Expressions like "forbidden fruit," "by the skin of your teeth," and "writing on the wall" have slipped seamlessly into everyday conversation, often with little thought to their origins. They can all be found in the pages of the Bible. Which of these sayings do you use?

Image: Levi XU

The phrase "a drop in the bucket" refers to something very small or insignificant compared to a much larger whole.

The idiom comes from the Bible, specifically Isaiah 40:15, where nations are described as a "drop of a bucket" to show their smallness in comparison to God.

Image: Ivan Aleksic

To be "at one’s wits' end" means to feel so confused, worried, or frustrated that you no longer know what to do. It describes the point where someone feels mentally exhausted and out of options.

The phrase appears in Psalm 107:27, where sailors facing a violent storm are said to be "at their wits' end." The phrase signified reaching the limit of one’s reasoning.

Image: Goh Rhy Yan

"The writing is on the wall" refers to a clear warning that something bad is about to happen. It’s often used when a negative outcome seems unavoidable.

Its origin comes from the Bible, in the Book of Daniel, where a mysterious hand writes a message on the wall during King Belshazzar’s feast in Babylon. The writing foretells the sudden fall of the Babylonian Empire.

Image: Marcus Dall Col

The famous and epic phrase "Let there be light" comes from Genesis 1:3, where God speaks light into existence as the first act of creation.

Today, the phrase goes beyond its literal meaning; it symbolizes the start of knowledge, understanding, or spiritual awakening, with light replacing darkness.

Image: Nicole Mason

"Rise and shine" means to wake up and start the day with energy and a positive attitude. It's often used cheerfully to encourage someone to get out of bed and be active.

The phrase has biblical roots, in Isaiah 60:1: "Arise, shine, for your light has come." Over time, the verse’s spiritual call to reflect divine light evolved into the familiar morning pep talk we use today.

Image: Jason Tuinstra

The expression "salt of the earth" is used to describe someone who is honest, kind, and dependable. It’s a compliment often used for humble, good-hearted people.

It comes from the Bible, in Matthew 5:13, where Jesus tells his followers, "You are the salt of the earth." He was praising their value and the positive influence they could have on the world.

Image: CDC

"The blind leading the blind" refers to someone without knowledge trying to guide others who are equally unaware, often leading to failure or confusion.

The phrase comes from the Bible, in Matthew 15:14, where Jesus criticizes unwise leaders who are unaware of the truth yet still try to lead others.

Image: Luca Calderone

We’ve all heard this one. "A wolf in sheep’s clothing" describes someone who appears kind or harmless but hides harmful intentions. It warns us not to be fooled by deceptive appearances.

The phrase comes from the Bible's Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus says, "Beware of false prophets… in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

"Forbidden fruit" is a term that comes from the Book of Genesis, where Adam and Eve were told not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Today, it refers to anything tempting but off-limits, something that is morally, legally, or socially prohibited. The idea also emphasizes the desire for what is denied.

Image: Kenny Eliason

Used to describe a narrow escape or a situation avoided just in time, the phrase "by the skin of your teeth" also has biblical origins.

The phrase comes from the Book of Job, where Job says he escaped "with the skin of my teeth," highlighting how close he came to disaster.

Image: Malachi Brooks

Another phrase that gets thrown around a lot, "go the extra mile" means putting in more effort than expected, showing dedication, kindness, or generosity beyond what’s required.

It comes from Matthew 5:41, where Jesus tells followers to walk two miles if asked to go one, urging people to exceed expectations.

Image: NONRESIDENT

Our final entry is a poetic expression: "a man after his own heart" refers to someone who shares similar values, interests, or goals, a kindred spirit, deeply aligned in purpose.

The phrase comes from 1 Samuel 13:14, where God describes David as "a man after His own heart." It reflects alignment in spirit or purpose.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

Image: Element5 Digital

Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

Image: Thom Holmes

This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

Image: Michelen Studios

The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

Image: Bud Helisson

Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

Image: Amir Balam

This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

Image: engin akyurt

We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

Image: Aneta Voborilova

Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

Image: Elevate

Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Image: Brooke Lark

There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!