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.
Thanks for joining the sixth and last installment of “Common Phrases Rooted in the Bible.” If you missed Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, then “eat, drink, and be merry” while learning about biblically-rooted sayings you frequently use, hear, or read. We begin in biblical order.
“The root of the matter”
Definition: At the core and responsible for something (anything) that explains a situation or set of circumstances:
“If you say, 'How we will pursue him!' and, 'The root of the matter is found in him,' be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishment of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment" (Job 19: 28-29).
“Weighed in the balance”
Definition: All the opposing or alternative viewpoints are considered before deciding on a course of action. However, in the Hebrew Bible, the measurement refers to God’s standards. The references appear in the books of Job and Daniel. In the following two verses, Job is trying to make sense of the numerous hardships that have befallen him:
“If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales!” (Job 6:2).
"If I have walked with falsehood and my foot has hastened to deceit; Let me be weighed in a just balance, and let God know my integrity!” (Job: 31:5-6).
In Daniel 5:5, when the “Handwriting on the Wall” appeared, the king called the prophet Daniel to interpret the mysterious messages. In part, Daniel said:
“Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).
“Wits’ end”
Definition: A state of mind that a person or group can experience after prolonged stress when trying to solve or manage a challenging problem:
“They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end” (Psalm 107:27).
“For everything, there is a season”
Definition: In one’s life, a range of experiences will happen in God's time:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). (See Vol.102 for more about this famous passage, which turned into a popular 1960s pop song. Then recently, Vol. 187 discussed a specific verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 relating to war.)
“Fly in the ointment”
Definition: A small problem or circumstance that causes something more extensive to be diminished in quality or effectiveness. This saying has evolved from its original verse:
“As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
“Four corners of the earth”
Definition: The far reaches of the world, but used symbolically since the round planet Earth does not have corners:
“He [God] will raise a signal for the nations and will assemble the banished of Israel, and gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12).
“No rest for the weary”
Definition: The phrase has evolved and is often used to explain why much work is left to do for those already overworked. But the biblical verse was about people who would never have peace since they were wicked and evil in the eyes of God:
“But the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked’” (Isaiah 57:20-21).
“Sour grapes”
Definition: When someone is unhappy and can’t accept a situation or final outcome:
“Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: 'The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children's mouths pucker at the taste?’” (Ezekiel 18:2).
“Ends of the Earth”
Definition: To go as far as possible to achieve something or overcome an extreme task:
“I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth ” (Zechariah 9:10).
“Baptism by fire”
Definition: A situation or experience that was extremely difficult to endure:
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Matthew 3:11). (Also appears in Luke 3:16).
“Go the extra mile”
Definition: Someone or a group goes beyond what is expected in personal or work situations:
[Jesus said] "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles" (Matthew 5:41).
“Cast pearls before swine”
Definition: Giving something of value to a person who does not deserve or appreciate what they are receiving:
[Jesus said] “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).
“Throw the first stone”
Definition: Someone is being judgmental when they have no right to judge, given their sin.
“When they kept on questioning him [Jesus], 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).
“Reap what you sow”
Definition: A warning that our actions can often lead to circumstances with unfavorable consequences:
[Jesus speaks] “Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor” (John 4:37-38).
And “that’s a wrap!” (A Hollywood phrase not in the Bible.) Note that in the past, many sayings were more common than they are today. For this six-part series, I tried to choose the most popular ones still in use.
For example, an old saying now infrequently heard is, “Spare the rod and spoil the child,” which relates to the potential behavioral adverse effects of withholding physical discipline. Another is “Give up the ghost,” meaning death. I remember my father, who never read the Bible, used to say, “As old as Methuselah.” These days, it’s “Methuselah who?”
Indeed, as Bible literacy continues to decline, many common phrases quoted in this series could disappear from the lexicon, which will be “a sign of the times.”
End times, perhaps?
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. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the 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.