You probably know what it means if I say, “I wash my hands of this matter.” It means I’m not involved or responsible. It comes from Pilate attempting to wash away his own responsibility for the kangaroo-court “conviction” of Jesus.
And you probably know the context in which Jesus made famous the phrase, “He who lives by the sword will die by the sword.”
An interesting expression or euphemism for death is “gave up the ghost.” This comes from John 19:30—after several hours on the cross, “Jesus bowed His head and gave up the ghost.”
We don’t talk often about it, but Bible knowledge is a big part of an education.
The Bible is the most important and influential book in English. Learn it and you will be educated.
Here are more common expressions from the Bible. Do you know the context? Quiz yourself:
- The blind leading the blind. Matt.15:13-14.
- In the twinkling of an eye. I Cor. 15:52.
- Cast your pearls before swine. Matt. 7:6.
- Forbidden fruit. Gen.3:3
- Wolf in sheep’s clothing. Matt. 7:15.
- Handwriting on the wall. Daniel 5.
- At your wit’s end. Psalm 107:27.
- Nothing new under the sun. Eccl. 1:9.
- There is a time for everything. Eccl. 3:1-8.
- Sign of the times. Matt. 16:3.
- Scapegoat. Lev. 16:9-10.
- Rise and shine. Isaiah 60:1.
- Pride goes before destruction. Prov. 16:18.
- How the mighty have fallen. 2 Sam. 1:19.
- Skin and bones. Job 19:19-20.
- Go the extra mile. Matt. 5:41.
- Fly in the ointment. Eccl. 10:1.
- Fall from grace. Gal. 5:4.
- Eye for an eye. Matt. 5:38.
- Eat, drink, and be merry. Eccl. 8:15.
- Drop in the bucket. Isaiah 40:15.
- Cast the first stone. John 8:7.
- Skin of your teeth. Job 19:20.
- Broken heart. Ps. 34:18.
- God is my witness. Romans 1:9.
- I am with you in spirit. Colossians 2:5.
God, help us love Your word and study it like never before!
ΑΩ
Household Words: 