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?

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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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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"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.

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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.

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"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.

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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."

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"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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Deep roots

11 everyday words with indigenous roots

English is a very welcoming language in the sense that it incorporates terms from many other languages from all over the world. And, as it couldn’t be otherwise, Native American languages have lent many of their words and terms to English speakers. Some traveled through Spanish or French before settling into English, and others arrived directly through early contact and trade, helping shape the way we speak today. Did you know about these 11 terms?

The word "canoe" comes from the Taino term canoa, which was first used by Caribbean islanders long before Europeans arrived. Early explorers adopted it to describe the slim, sturdy boats they saw.

Over time, "canoe" became the standard English word for a small paddled craft. Today it still carries that sense of simplicity and closeness to nature.

The word "barbecue" comes from barbacoa, another Taino term for a wooden frame used for cooking meat over fire. Europeans adopted it and applied it to both the method and the gathering itself.

Today, "barbecue" means everything from a backyard cookout to a regional cooking style. Its origins highlight the deep culinary influence of Native Americans in the nation's current culture.

"Skunk" comes from the Algonquian word squnk, which means "urinating fox" (quite a fitting term, indeed). This was an obvious reference to the animal’s strong defensive spray. Early settlers adopted the term directly.

Since English had no better name for the creature, the Native word stuck. Today, the word skunks is also used as playful slang.

The word "moose" originates from Eastern Abenaki, a part of the Algonquian family, where it meant "he strips off bark." Yes, it described the animal’s habit of tearing bark from trees.

The name entered English quickly because settlers relied on Native knowledge of local fauna. The word remains unchanged because of its accuracy and usefulness.

"Raccoon" comes from the Powhatan word arakun, meaning "he scratches with his hands." It described the animal’s clever, humanlike front paws.

Settlers adopted the term because it captured the creature’s behavior beautifully. Today, the raccoon is used as a household symbol of curiosity, not unlike the animal itself.

The term "chipmunk" most probably comes from the Ojibwe word ajidamoo, which means "one who descends trees headfirst." Early English settlers adapted the sound into today’s form.

Though the spelling changed over time, the lively image of a chipmunk racing down a tree face-first stayed.

The word "caribou" comes from the Mi’kmaq term qalipu, which means "snow shoveler," referring to the animal’s habit of digging through snow for food.

French settlers brought the word into English, keeping its descriptive nature. The name still connects the modern animal to the winter landscapes it belongs to.

"Totem" comes from the Ojibwe word ototeman, which means "kinship group." It described symbols representing clans and shared roots.

English adopted it to describe carved poles and symbolic elements. Though broader in modern usage, it still hints at the original sense of community, identity, and heritage.

"Coyote" comes from the Nahuatl word coyōtl, which was used by Indigenous tribes of central Mexico. Spanish speakers adopted it, and English borrowed later.

The word kept its meaning, and it remains one of the most direct links between the English language and Nahuatl.

The tasty avocado’s name traces to the Nahuatl word ahacatl, which refers to the fruit and to a body part as well. Spanish speakers transformed it into aguacate.

Later on, English speakers adapted it to avocado. While the name sounds contemporary and culinary, it has ancient Native roots.

The last Nahuatl word and also the last word on the list comes from the term xocolātl, which describes a bitter cacao drink that was consumed long before Europeans arrived in America. The name traveled from Spanish to English.

Though the product changed dramatically, the word survived. Today, chocolate is a universal symbol of sweetness, with rich and deeply indigenous roots.