Today we hardly ever wonder where we got all the expressions and sayings we use in our daily existence, however, even less understood is that many of these come from or are derived from the Bible. We have provided some few examples, that follow, for your interest and to show how, once again the Bible is the foundation of our knowledge.

apple of his eye/apple of your eye/apple of my eye - a person much adored or doted on, loved, held dearly, and central to the admirer’s affections and sensitivities - the ‘apple of his eye’ expression first appeared in the Bible, Deuteronomy, chapter 32, verse 10, in which Moses speaks of God’s caring for Jacob: “He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye”. Brewer’s 1870 dictionary of Phrase and Fable describes the ‘apple of the eye’ expression (or apple of your eye, apple of his/her eye, apple of my eye) as being a metaphor based on the pupil’s significance within the eye. The theory goes that in ancient times the pupil of the eye (the black centre) was thought to be a small hard ball, for which an apple was a natural symbol. Logically the pupil or apple of a person’s eye described someone whom was held in utmost regard - rather like saying the ‘centre of attention’. Strangely Brewer references Deuteronomy chapter 32 verse 3, which seems to be an error since the verse is definitely 10.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush - this phrase originates from the same sentiment found in Ecclesiastes 9 - “a living dog is better than a dead lion.”

A man after his own heart - is from Samuel 13:14 - “the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart…”

Bite the dust - even this “cowboy” slang phrase finds its roots in the Bible, originating in Psalm 72:9 - “They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust.”

To everything there is a season - did not begin with the popular ’60’s song, but is found in Ecclesiastes 3.

The handwriting’s on the wall and your number’s up - both phrases find their origin in Daniel 5, when Belshazzar, King of Babylon, is confronted by God’s supernatural decree that the time of his kingdom was finished.

Good Samaritan - used in reference to someone who compassionately helps another with no thought of reward, this phrase and concept is found in the parable told by Jesus in Luke 10:30-33.

The blind leading the blind - Uninformed and incompetent people leading others who are similarly incapable. From the Bible. Matthew 15:14. ‘Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.’

Straight and narrow - To stay out of trouble. This is from the Bible in two places: Matthew 7:14 “Broad is the way that is the path of destruction but narrow is the gate and straight is the way which leadeth to the house of God,” and Luke 3:4 “Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make his path straight.”

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