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This week, we continue Part 4 of our series “Common Phrases Rooted in the Bible.” For those with a compelling interest in this topic, review parts 1, 2, and 3.
Once again, here is why I believe this is an important topic: As Bible literacy declines, biblically-rooted sayings endure. Yet, most people are unaware of the degree to which the Bible is woven into our lexicon.
Today, we focus on sayings rooted in the New Testament, mainly from the gospels.
We have reached the end of the introductory announcements and begin with a blinking…
“Sign of the times”
Definition: A societal trend usually perceived as negative but could be positive, depending on one’s perspective. I would wager that most people do not know this phrase originates with Jesus. Therefore, here is the passage in context:
“The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, ‘When evening comes, you say, “It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,” and in the morning, “Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.” You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’ Jesus then left them and went away” (Matthew 16:1-4).
“Move mountains”
Definition: We use or hear this phrase when a nearly impossible task is presented and accomplished only by “moving mountains.” What became the common saying appears twice in Matthew 17:20 and 21:21, in Mark 11:23, and then repeated in 1 Corinthians 13:2. Here is the first and last of the four passages:
“He [Jesus] replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly, I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you’” (Matthew 17:20.)
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2).
“Kiss of death”
Definition: An action or event that triggers or sparks a disastrous occurrence or failure.
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him. Jesus replied, ‘Do what you came for, friend.’ Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus, and arrested him” (Matthew 26: 48-50).
“He who lives by the sword dies by the sword”
Definition: The phrase means a nation, group, or person who commits violence will be victimized by violence.
“‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword’” (Matthew 26:52). Note: This saying appears two verses after “kiss of death.”
“Wash your hands of the matter”
Definition: Distancing yourself from a difficult or uncomfortable situation bound to blow up and not wanting to be responsible for what is likely to occur.
Referring to Jesus: “When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’” (Matthew 27:24).
“Head on a platter”
Definition: Not literally in modern usage, but a harsh punishment or payback after catastrophic circumstances resulted in a massive failure or loss.
“At once the girl hurried into the king with the request: ‘I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter’” (Mark 6:25).
“Letter of the law” and “Spirit of the law”
Definition: Means the precise and strictest wording of the law without any wiggle room or consideration of unusual circumstances surrounding the law’s reason or purpose. The “letter of the law” is contrasted with the “spirit of the law,” the motive and intent behind why the law was written.
“He [Jesus] has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6).
St. Paul wrote that the “letter” and “Spirit” must be considered together because of the new covenant, or harm could result in what the law intended to protect or preserve.
“Fall from grace”
Definition: Due to inappropriate conduct (real or imagined), you are now marginalized, kicked to the curb, out of the club, canceled, and fallen from favor to those who matter.
“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:4).
St. Paul was adamant that those who were followers of Christ must choose between following the traditional Jewish laws or trusting in Christ — a choice between slavery and freedom.
“Armageddon”
Definition: The word associated with a cataclysmic event(s) that ends the world. In the last New Testament book of Revelation, armageddon is the final battle between good and evil. In pop culture, “Armageddon” was a popular 1998 movie starring Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck about an asteroid on track to destroy the Earth.
“Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16).
Since this Bible study is known to include rock music references, we conclude with the “Armageddon” movie’s hit song by Aerosmith. Spoiler alert: The evil asteroid was destroyed before it hit the Earth. Myra’s opinion: In the music video, lead singer Steven Tyler somewhat resembles the devil.
Thanks for reading, and let me know if you want this series to continue. No “sour grapes” if not, but “weighed in the balance” are many biblically-rooted popular phrases left to discuss.
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 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.
