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The Bible's Influence on Our Language

by Steve Klein

The Bible has influenced the English language in untold ways.  Although we may not realize it, many of the common phrases we use to express ourselves are rooted in Scripture. Here are some well known sayings that actually come from the Bible:

The skin of my teeth. Job said, "My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, And I have escaped by the skin of my teeth." (Job 19:20)

A drop in the bucket.  "Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, and are counted as the small dust on the scales. . ." (Isaiah 40:15)

The root of the matter (or problem). "But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?" (Job 19:28)

Living off "the fat of the land."  "And take your father and your households and come to me, and I will give you the best of the land of Egypt and you will eat the fat of the land.' (Genesis 45:18).

At their wits' end.  "They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end." (Psalms 107:27)

All things to all men.  The apostle Paul said, "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made All things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22)

The Bible's influence on mankind has been so pervasive that most people commonly quote phrases from it without realizing it!   If the speech of people of the world has been slightly influenced by the Bible, the speech of God's children should be greatly influenced by it.  Christians, who are to be constantly studying God's word and striving to live by it, will naturally demonstrate it in speech.

We will speak "the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15)

We will speak as the oracles of God, sharing God's word with others.  "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God." (1 Peter 4:11)

We will speak with grace, answering spiritual questions with wisdom and solid Bible knowledge.  "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." (Colossians 4:6)

We will utter "sound speech" which promotes spiritual health.  ". . .sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you." (Titus 2:8)

We will not engage in filthy talk or dirty jokes.  ". . . neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 5:4)

We will not lie.  "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds." (Colossians 3:9)

Some time ago, I met a young preacher who impressed me in this way:  His every day speech sounded like the Bible.  He used very few of the popular "in" phrases that you hear from most young people, very few of the catchy religious sayings that you hear from many denominational preachers, and very few colloquialisms common in his region of the country.  In every day conversation, he sounded like he was reading the Bible.  Isn't that how every Christian should aspire to sound? 

Other Articles by Steve Klein
Are You In Christ?
Are There Few Who Are Saved?
What to Give the Spiritually Hungry