The influence of the Bible and Christianity in modern culture is difficult to overstate, even for non-religious people. From the beloved Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris to Cristo Redentor towering over Rio de Janeiro, the Western world is steeped in Christian imagery. It can be argued that none of these cultural monuments would have survived into the 21st century if it hadn’t been for the Bible carrying the faith through the centuries.
Yet, sometimes we make inconspicuous references to the Bible in our language without realizing it. Of course, you’ve heard someone exclaim “Jesus Christ!” in a moment of excitement, or you’ve been encouraged to “take a leap of faith.” But there are more subtle biblical phrases that have endured within the ever-changing English language and are still regularly used today.
Here, we’ll explore seven of these expressions, explaining their meanings and how they’re used in modern language. We’ll also pair each phrase with a cultural reference, like a song, movie, or TV show that features it. Then, we’ll examine each phrase in its original, biblical context. By the end, you can decide whether these phrases have retained their ancient significance or transformed into something altogether different in modern English.
Rise and shine!
When you hear the phrase “Rise and shine!” you might think of Mushu waking Mulan on her first day of training in Disney’s beloved film. Or perhaps you’re reminded of the wake-up jingle Kylie Jenner sang for her daughter in 2019. The tune went viral shortly after and was subsequently remixed into a pop/techno hit.
No matter where you’ve heard it, you might be surprised to know the phrase actually finds its origins in the book of Isaiah. Originally, the verse was written to inspire God’s people, reading, “Arise, shine; for your light has come” in Isaiah 60:1. Within the verse’s historical context, the prophet Isaiah was admonishing God’s people that, despite a darkness that would “cover the earth,” they would be like a dawn that brings new hope to humanity.
As time went on, the sentiment of the verse began to trickle into other writings and popular culture. So now, when someone exclaims , “Rise and shine!” on your next camping trip, remember they’re calling you to be a light to the entire human race! No pressure, right?
Behemoth
You might’ve heard someone refer to a difficult exam as a “behemoth,” or maybe you’ve heard someone call Steve Jobs a “behemoth of the tech industry.” But what exactly does that mean?
For a visual representation of a “behemoth” in pop culture, look no further than The Simpsons. In an episode titled “Mobile Homer,” the entire family ventures to a car lot, shopping for a recreational vehicle (RV). When Homer asks to see the “finest RV” available, a salesman presents a mobile home called “The Ultimate Behemoth.” This two-story RV is so over-the-top that it boasts its own satellite, four deep fryers, a brick fireplace, and even a chandelier. Put simply, when something is described as a “behemoth,” it means it is exceptionally large or powerful.
The term “behemoth” actually originates in the Bible, in Job 40:15. In this passage, God describes a mighty creature called Behemoth, known for its strength and size, often imagined as a massive land animal like an ox or even a dinosaur. The word has since come to symbolize something enormous or influential—whether a daunting exam, a titan of industry, or a wildly oversized RV.
The powers that be
In the 1990s, the phrase “the powers that be” enjoyed a moment in the spotlight with a television series by the same name and a line in Public Enemy’s hip-hop anthem “Fight the Power.” If you’ve ever heard someone attribute responsibility for an event to “the powers that be,” they probably mean there’s some nebulous source to blame.
For example, when inflation rises and everything becomes more expensive, it can feel nearly impossible to explain. In this case, you might say, ‘Well, the powers that be have made the economy unstable.” But it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why things are changing or to identify any one person who’s making these choices.
Interestingly, this phrase has its origins in the Tyndale Bible, published in 1526, where Romans 13:1 reads, ‘Let every soul submit himself unto the authority of the higher powers. For there is no power but of God. The powers that be are ordained of God.’ While modern translations no longer use this exact wording, the phrasing from the Tyndale Bible introduced the expression “the powers that be” into our language and society.
In its original context, Romans 13:1 encourages people to respect and submit to governing authorities, suggesting that all authority ultimately comes from God and is established by divine will. The phrase has since evolved to refer to any vague or faceless authority making impactful decisions.
So, if you ever hear someone use the idiom “the powers that be” in the future, you can stand tall knowing that, in reality, the real powers that decided to enter this phrase into our cultural lexicon were the translators of the Tyndale Bible. It’s not as mysterious as it sounds after all.
The writing is on the wall
You might assume someone is talking about graffiti when they say, “the writing’s on the wall.” But more likely, they’re pointing to clear signs that an unfortunate event is about to happen. Alternatively, you might hear someone use this phrase in retrospect, saying “Well, the writing was on the wall,” as they recognize the clues leading up to a disaster.
Take, for example, Sam Smith’s song Writing’s On The Wall. The lyrics depict a lover who knows their romance is doomed but chooses to stay, unable to escape the inevitable heartbreak.
The phrase “the writing’s on the wall” actually has its roots in 5th-century BCE Babylon, tracing back to Daniel 5:5. In this passage, a mysterious hand appears during a feast held by King Belshazzar of Babylon, writing a cryptic message on the wall. The message, interpreted by the prophet Daniel, foretold the king’s imminent demise—”Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin,” meaning that Belshazzar’s reign was coming to an end, and his kingdom would be divided. That very night, King Belshazzar was killed, and the Babylonian empire fell. The “writing on the wall” in this case wasn’t just a warning—it was a harbinger of doom.
In both the biblical and modern sense, the phrase suggests that some truths are impossible to ignore, and when the signs are clear, ignoring them often leads to a bad outcome.
At your wit’s end
When a person has reached their wit’s end, they’re exhausted, completely frustrated, and probably don’t know what to do next. The phrase is used almost endlessly in pop culture, but if you want to hear it twice in a row, watch Disney’s 1992 film Aladdin.
In a moment of confusion, we see the Sultan, Jasmine’s father, tell his advisor Jafar, “I’m at my wit’s end!” Immediately, the parrot, Iago, repeats the Sultan’s words: “…wit’s end!” In this situation, the Sultan has no idea how to convince the strong-willed Jasmine to choose a potential suitor to marry.
You can find an even older use of the expression in a poem from 1377 titled Piers Ploughman. Speaking of astronomers who are observing a different reality in the climate than what they expected, the author William Langland says, “Astronomers also are at their wit’s end.”
However, the first use of the phrase was likely penned around 2,000 years earlier in Psalm 107:27: “They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits’ end.” This line describes people caught in a wild storm at sea and feeling totally helpless. The phrase conveys a sense of despair, of being so overwhelmed by the crashing waves that the seafarers have no idea how they’ll survive their predicament.
The way the phrase was used back then really sets the stage for how we use it today when things get confusing or frustrating. But hey, if you want to drop this phrase in the middle of a grocery store because they’re out of your favorite ice cream, it works for that too! Sometimes we all feel like we’re at our wit’s end, whether it’s in a storm or the dessert aisle.
Drop in the bucket
The phrase “a drop in the bucket” describes something small and seemingly insignificant, a single drop of water as compared to an entire bucket. Another variation of the phrase you might’ve heard is “a drop in the ocean.” For example, at work you might hear someone say “The report only covers a small portion of the data; it’s just a drop in the bucket compared to the full analysis.”
In any case, the idea is used to express how one small effort or incident can feel inconsequential in the face of a larger goal or circumstance. After all, we usually can’t perceive the difference in the water level of a bucket if a drop of water is added or taken away.
We can even find the phrase in a country song titled “Drop in the Bucket“ by Brooks & Dunn. Through the power of poetry, the musical duo reinterprets the phrase, claiming that life’s small moments eventually do become meaningful. Whether it’s a dance, a kiss, or a chance encounter that feels minor at first, seemingly insignificant occurrences can, in fact, stack up to create life-changing experiences.
As you might have guessed, the phrase ‘a drop in the bucket’ comes from the Bible, specifically in Isaiah 40:15: ‘Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket.’ In this context, the phrase emphasizes the vastness of divine power, illustrating how the nations, despite their seeming significance, are like a drop in a bucket compared to God’s infinite greatness. It conveys the humility of human efforts and the insignificance of worldly matters when measured against the divine.
A wolf in sheep’s clothes
The phrase “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” describes someone or something that appears harmless or kind on the surface but is actually dangerous or deceitful. It’s as if a predator, the wolf, is disguised as something gentle and innocent, like a sheep, in order to gain trust or avoid being noticed.
The expression is often used as a word of warning regarding people or situations that may not be what they seem at first glance. In a workplace, you might hear someone say, “He seems like such a nice guy, but I think he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing; he’s been undermining the team behind the scenes.” Here, the phrase signals that the person’s outward charm or kindness hides their true, harmful intentions.
One of the most poignant illustrations of the expression comes to life in a Looney Tunes cartoon, where Ralph Wolf quite literally disguises himself in a sheep costume to catch a sheep. While this example might be a bit childish, it’s a perfect representation of the expression, especially if you’ve never heard it.
The idiom can be traced all the way back to Jesus himself, specifically in Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” In this passage, Jesus is warning his followers about individuals who pretend to be virtuous but are actually deceptive and harmful. The phrase emphasizes the importance of being cautious and discerning when encountering people who may not be what they appear to be.
To wrap things up, it’s clear that the Bible’s influence on our language is undeniable, even if we’re not always aware of it. From everyday phrases to iconic sayings, these expressions have stuck with us through the ages. Whether we’re talking about a “behemoth” of a task or recognizing “the writing on the wall,” these idioms have a history that’s more than just words, they shape how we view the world. So next time one of these phrases slips out, just know you’re tapping into a bit of history that’s lasted centuries and still remains relevant today.
