60 common phrases from the Bible

In our everyday language, we pick up idioms, parts of speech, and phrases that become part of our everyday conversation. What many people do not realize is that many of these commonly used sayings actually come from the Bible. The following are 60 everyday expressions that are used, which can be found in Scripture.

The apple of His eye Psalms 17:8
Cast thy bread upon the waters Ecclesiastes 11:1
A good old age Genesis 15:15
Living fountains of water Jeremiah 2:13
The wife of thy bosom Deuteronomy 13:6
The valley of decision Joel 3:14
A still small voice 1 Kings 19:12
Miserable comforters Job 16:2
The pride of life 1 John 2:16
From strength to strength Psalms 84:7
The little foxes that spoil the vines
Song of Solomon 2:15
Precept upon precept, line upon line
Isaiah 28:10,13
A drop in the bucket Isaiah 40:15
The salt of the earth Matthew 5:13
The burden and heat of the day Matthew 20:12
The signs of the times Matthew 16:3
The children of light Luke 16:8; John 12:36;
Ephesians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:5
The powers that be Romans 13:1
The fashion of this world 1 Corinthians 7:31
Decently and in order 1 Corinthians 14:40
A thorn in the flesh 2 Corinthians 12:7
A cloud of witnesses Hebrews 12:1
A crown of life James 1:12; Revelation 2:10
A labor of love 1 Thessalonians 1:3
Hewers of wood and drawers of water Joshua 9:21
Thou are the man (You da man!) 2 Samuel 12:7
Prisoners of hope Zechariah 9:12
Lesser light Genesis 1:16
The handwriting on the wall Daniel 5:5
Faithful unto death Revelation 2:10
A mess of pottage Genesis 25:29; 2 Samuel 11:8
The mantle of Elijah 2 Kings 2:8
The widow’s mite Mark 12:42
The highways and hedges Luke 14:23
A pearl of great price Matthew 13:46
Clear shining after rain 2 Samuel 23:4
Stand in awe Psalms 4:4; Psalms 33:8; Psalms 119:161
The is at hand Romans 13:12
Joy cometh in the morning Psalms 30:5
Clear as crystal Revelation 21:11; Revelation 22:1
Hip and thigh Judges 15:8
We are the people Psalms 95:7
The fat of the land Genesis 45:18
The four winds of heaven Daniel 8:8; Daniel 11:4
The end is not yet Matthew 24:6
A book of remembrance Malachi 3:16
The laborer is worthy of his hire Luke 10:7
Whited sepulchers Matthew 23:27
Righteous overmuch Ecclesiastes 7:16
Not gather figs of thistles Matthew 7:16
Entertain angels unawares Hebrews 13:2
The wings of the morning Psalms 139:9
Tell it not in Gath 2 Samuel 1:20
All things to all men 1 Corinthians 9:22
A howling wilderness Deuteronomy 32:10
You don’t work you don’t eat 2 Thessalonians 3:10
Red sky at night sailor’s delight Matthew 16:2
Red sky at morning sailor’s warning Matthew 16:3
Kick against the pricks Acts 9:5; Acts 26:14
The love of money is the root of all evil 1 Timothy 6:10

KJV Bible Verse Reference Guide

While these are only 60 common phrases, there are certainly more that can be found. The important thing to realize is that the Word of God permeates not only our language, but everything else from art, architecture, science, physics to even the customs we observe. If you can think of one not mentioned, share it in the comments below. Blessings to you as you seek Him in and His influence in your life.

Author

  • Dr. Michael L. Williams

    Dr. Michael L. Williams, Head of Ministry Operations and Technology at Christianity Every Day, is a Christ-centered Author, Educator, Biblical Counselor and Advisor. He is ordained in Pastoral Ministry and formerly the founding Pastor of Selah Mountain Ministries, a church started along with Pamela, after several years of training and pastoral experience in Biblical Counseling. They provided Biblical counseling and education to the public on how to overcome life issues Biblically on topics such as anger management, marriage, addictions, and other subjects - often referred to as mental illnesses. Dr. Mike received his seminary education from Andersonville Theological Seminary, graduating with Master and Doctor of Christian Education degrees. He is also a veteran of the United States Army, where he served several years as a medic and later graduated from the U.S. Army Academy of Health Sciences nursing program, as well as the U.S. Army Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Dr. Mike has also leveraged business, technology, and leadership skills to manage highly technical and operations management roles at several well-known technology and scientific organizations to support the ministry. He completed MIT's Engineering Management Course and the Strategic Management Program at Wharton. Dr. Mike and his wife Pamela Rose have several adult children and grandchildren.

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