Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
As always, thanks for joining our study — a warm welcome to new readers and greetings to loyal ones. The emails you send me are greatly appreciated, and I always try to respond.
Today we continue “Common Phrases Rooted in the Bible,” which first appeared in June 2021 - Vol. 67. This topic is relevant because although Bible reading is declining, people are still quoting the Word of God — but unaware that they are.
The best example of such a biblical phrase is “good Samaritan.” In Vol. 64, we examined its origin story found only in the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37). If it is unfamiliar to you, please read it now. Also, review Vol. 67 to refresh your memory about the most familiar biblically-rooted phases, so I don’t need to repeat them today.
Let’s begin in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) with the word “scapegoat" — commonly integrated into our lexicon about a live goat that “escapes” into the wilderness. The story was recorded in Leviticus 16:8-10, and we studied it in Vol. 28.
Here is a synopsis: In ancient Israel, during the Day of Atonement (known as Yom Kippur), the people would “atone” for their sins with the high priest sacrificing one goat. Then, upon a second goat, the high priest would symbolically place all the Israelites’ forgiven sins, and the goat set free into the wilderness, carrying away their transgressions. Today, "scapegoat" refers to a person or group unfairly blamed for the mistakes or problems of others.
Now we move from goats to apples with the phrase, “Apple of my eye,” found in Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalm 17:8. Here is the context written by David in Psalm 17:
“I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes. Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings from the wicked who are out to destroy me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”
Today, “Apple of my eye” refers to something or someone cherished by the beholder.
Surely you have heard the phrases: "Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” It originates from Exodus 21:24 and Deuteronomy 19:21, reflecting the principle of proportional justice, where the punishment should match the committed offense. Today it is used to criticize harsh punishments doled out by judges, courts, or other authorities.
Next, the Book of Proverbs 16:18 reads:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
That Proverb became the familiar phrase "Pride comes before a fall” — warning against arrogance and overconfidence leading to an eventual downfall — proving that human character has been unchanged since ancient times.
From the Book of Jeremiah, we read, "A leopard can't change its spots." In context:
“Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil ” (Jeremiah 13:23).
From the Bible, we learn that a person's character is unlikely to change over time. (Yes, “unlikely,” but not 100 percent applicable to everyone.)
Turning to the New Testament, we begin with "Turn the other cheek" (Matthew 5:39). The phrase is attributed to Jesus and found in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus teaches a difficult concept — non-retaliation —which is counterintuitive to how humans typically respond. “Turn the other cheek” promotes peaceful conflict resolution, suggesting the response to hostility should be patience and compassion. But “turning the other cheek” can take much prayer when someone harms you, robs your home, steals your identity, etc. (Instead, invoking “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” can feel more appropriate.)
Also, from the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew is the expression “Salt of the earth.” Jesus used the phrase to motivate His followers when He said:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Matthew 5:13). Nowadays, "salt of the earth" refers to someone honest, genuine, and down-to-earth.
Next, we learn that “The straight and narrow" is not a direct quote from Jesus. Nonetheless, the term is gleaned from His teaching about the gate that leads into the Kingdom of Heaven — not the broader road that leads to hell. Jesus spoke about taking the path of moral righteousness or suffer the consequences when He preached to his disciples and said:
“ ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it ’ ” (Matthew 7:13-14).
Now let’s explore the term “Labor of love” from 1 Thessalonians, where St. Paul writes a thanksgiving for the faith of the Thessalonians:
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).
Now “labor of love” more often refers to secular work or actions performed with deep affection, dedication, and care. If your work is a labor of love, consider yourself blessed.
The often-used phrase "Two-edged sword" describes something both beneficial and harmful:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
The last phrase we study today is a quote from Jesus, who said:
"A house divided against itself cannot stand" (Mark 3:25).
Usually, President Abraham Lincoln is credited with what has become a political cliché. As an avid Bible reader, Lincoln quoted Jesus in his famous 1858 speech while vying to win the Republican Party nomination for a U.S. Senate seat from Illinois.
Let me know if you enjoyed today’s lesson and learned something new about common biblically-based sayings and phrases. Then, I can write a future “Part Three” since there is much material, and again most people are unaware that the words they speak are from the Word of God. Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113.
Myra is also Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are educational donor-supported ministries dedicated to building a permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Visit the life-sized Shroud replica in D.C. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com.