Biblical words and expressions. Livejournal. Babylonian lamentation, Babylonian captivity

Idioms, which came from the Bible, tightly entered everyday life due to their metaphorical nature. In addition, they are often expressive, concise and succinct. But often expressions from the Bible that have become winged need explanations. Since a person who has not previously heard of them, they will be incomprehensible.

Adam's eyelids

According to biblical tradition, it was Adam who was the first man on earth. All people are descended from him. And based on this belief, a popular expression was formed that came to us from the Bible. "Adam's eyelids" means " old times».

Poor as Lazarus

The next expression that came from the Bible is "poor as Lazarus." It came from the parable of Lazarus, who lived at the gates of the rich man and tried to catch the crumbs from his table. It is noteworthy that the once beggars, begging for alms, sang at the same time. Often they chose a verse about Lazarus as a work for performance. This is a mournful song with a mournful motive. So there was a popular expression from the Bible with a parable - "to sing Lazarus." It means "to complain about life, to beg, to play the unfortunate."

This popular expression was formed from the Bible with the parable of the prodigal son. This is a story about how a man divided property between two sons. One of them lived dissolutely, prodigally and lost his property. In deprivation and need, he came back to his father. And he took pity on him when the son repented, ordered to give him best clothes, arranged a feast in his part. He announced that his son had come to life again. Everything about this popular expression that came from the Bible, with an explanation and where it came from, is known, as a rule, to everyone. This phrase means "a dissolute person, repentant."

Babylonian lamentation, Babylonian captivity

These winged expressions from the Bible and their meaning are already known to a narrower circle of people. This is a reference to the Jews who were once imprisoned in this ancient city. They wept to remember their homeland.

Babel

This phraseological unit appeared from the legend about the construction of a tower in Babylon that reached the sky. As soon as the people got to work, it angered God. He "mixed their language": they spoke in different languages and, not understanding each other, they no longer continued construction. This idiom and catchphrase from the Bible means "disorder", "turmoil".

Valaam's donkey

This phrase comes from the story of Balaam. His donkey once switched to human language during the protests against the beatings. Apply a similar catchphrase from the Bible in relation to silent people who used to show obedience, but suddenly spoke and protested.

This phrase comes from a story about a feast at King Belshazzar. During the festival, a certain hand wrote letters on the wall that promised death to the king. And that night he was killed. The kingdom passed to Darius the Mede. Phraseologism means "frivolous life during a disaster." “To live as Belshazzar”, “to lead the life of Balthazar” - these winged expressions from the Bible and their meanings are the same - it means “to luxuriate in carelessness”.

Old Adam

This phrase refers to the Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Romans. This winged expression from the Bible with an explanation can be represented as "a sinful person who will soon be born again." So they say when they mean liberation from old habits, an inefficient view of the world.

Put your fingers in the sores

The phrase, which came from the Gospel, means "to pour salt on the wound." A popular expression from the Bible is used when they mean that someone hurt someone's sore spot. It is also used to imply that no one should be trusted until you see for yourself.

Wolf in sheep's clothing

This winged expression from the Bible came into everyday speech in the meaning of "hypocrite." So in ancient book called the false prophets Matthew. It is used when they mean a person who hides a bad intention under the guise of virtue.

Voice in the wilderness

This biblical phrase is used when referring to a vain call to something. Use it in cases where someone is left without attention, without an answer. The phrase is often used in an ironic context.

Calvary

In the holy book, this is how the area near Jerusalem was called. This is where Jesus Christ was crucified. In other words, this phrase means torment, moral suffering. The expression comes up quite often.

Goliath

This is what they call people with gigantic body sizes - with high stature, with a large physical strength. This biblical expression came from the story of the duel between David and Goliath, when a fragile young man killed a giant with a stone.

Egyptian work

This phrase is invested with the meaning of "hard work." She came into everyday life from the biblical story about the hard work that the Jews did when they were Egyptian captives.

Egyptian executions

This expression is used, referring to "the most severe disasters." It came from an ancient legend about how God sent executions to Egypt because the pharaoh refused to release the captive Jews. God turned water into blood, sent frogs, midges, ulcers and many other disasters to the country.

Egyptian captivity

This phraseological unit has the meaning "difficult situation". It is a reference to the story of Jewish life at the time when this people was in captivity. The literal meaning of phraseologism is "heavy bondage".

golden calf

This winged biblical expression means "wealth, power." It is a reference to the tale of the golden calf, which the Jewish people once carried with them through the deserts, worshiping him as their deity.

Massacre of the innocents

Phraseologism comes from the gospel tale about how babies were killed in Bethlehem by order of King Herod. He learned from the magi that Jesus Christ, the king of the Jews, had been born. The phrase is used when referring to child abuse, strict measures that are applied to someone.

stumbling block

Phraseologism is used in the meaning of "difficulties", when in the course of work a person encounters some kind of obstacle. Derived from the biblical legend of the Apostle Paul.

Penitent Magdalene

Mary Magdalene - from the city of Magdala, was a girl healed by Jesus. He cast out “7 demons” from her, and then she repented of her life, becoming his faithful follower. The image of the Magdalene became popular thanks to Italian artists. The word began to be used as early as the Middle Ages, creating shelters for "repentant Magdalenes". They were opened at the monasteries of that era. The earliest shelters known to the present day were located in the city of Worms and Metz in 1250. In Russia, the same shelters appeared in 1833. "Penitent Magdalene" is called those who tearfully repent of committing an act.

Man shall not live by bread alone

This means "taking care of satisfying not only material, but also spiritual needs." There was a phrase in the scriptures from Matthew and Luke. The expression has become extremely popular.

Byword

Phraseologism from an ancient book means "an instructive story." The word "languages" means "languages", "peoples". Usually, everything that has become widely known is called such a phraseological unit, is the subject of the most heated discussions.

in the sweat of your face

This winged expression means "hard work". Expelling Adam from paradise, this is exactly what God said to him: “In the sweat of your face you will eat bread.” This meant that now the first man would have to work in order to continue to live.

Back to square one

This phraseological unit means "return to the beginning of some act." It is used precisely in the Old Slavonic form, saying "in full circle". It is noteworthy that one of the argumentative techniques is called “returning to normal”.

To contribute

Small copper coins were called mite. Jesus told that the widow's 2 mites, which she laid on the sacrificial altar, were much more expensive than rich offerings, because she gave everything she had.

At the forefront

“The stone rejected by the builders has become the head of the corner,” the Bible said. This quote is often found in the New Testament. This phraseological unit is used when something extremely important is meant.

Dove of peace

This image is also biblical. It is found in the story of the Flood. Then Noah sent out a dove from the ark, which brought him an olive leaf. This meant that the flood had come to an end and there was dry land somewhere. And then Noah realized that the wrath of God was over, and the dove with the olive branch has since symbolized reconciliation.

the Forbidden fruit

So they call that which strongly attracts a person to itself, but remains inaccessible to him. It happened to everyone famous expression from the tale of the tree growing in paradise. God forbade Adam and Eve to eat from him, but the fruit beckoned them.

Bury talent in the ground

So they say about a person who does not realize his own abilities. This is a reference to the slave who buried the received talent - a silver coin - in the ground instead of investing in a business and making a profit from it. As a result, outstanding abilities began to be called "talent".

Promised land

Serpent Tempter

This image is very common in Everyday life, and in art. He appeared in a tale about how Satan tempted Eve to taste the forbidden fruit. For the fact that she went to meet this desire, and then Adam, the first people, were expelled from paradise.

Sealed book

In everyday life, another variation of this expression is often found, namely "a secret with seven seals." The phrase means an incredible secret, something accessible. In the original, it was about a mysterious book that was sealed with 7 seals, and no one could get acquainted with its contents.

Scapegoat

Literally, it means a person who is responsible for others. It was on this animal that the Jewish people symbolically laid all their sins, and then released them into the wilderness. They called it "letting go."

Colossus with feet of clay

So they call something grandiose, large-scale, but having a pronounced weak spot. The image appeared for the first time in the biblical tale about the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. There he saw a giant of metal standing on feet of clay. The colossus collapsed from being hit by a stone.

Not of this world

This popular phraseological unit came from the story about the conversation of Jesus Christ with the Jews. Also, in a conversation with Pontius Pilate, Jesus said that he was "not of this world." Apply this phrase now, speaking of eccentrics who are detached from reality.

Carry your cross

By saying this, they mean the burdens that fall on someone's lot. Jesus himself carried the cross on which he was crucified. And only when he finally lost all his strength, the cross was handed over to Simon of Cyrene.

on plowshares

In fact, this phrase means a call to disarm. In ancient times, when the Bible was written, plowshares were called plowshares. There was a phrase in the call for no more learning to fight.

Guiding star

This was the name of the Star of Bethlehem, which showed the Eastern magi the way to the newly born Jesus. Thanks to her, they found him. Phraseologism is used when they mean something that directs someone's life or activity.

The Role of Biblical Expressions

Everyone - both believers and non-believers - use the presented phrases in everyday speech. became extremely popular, they can be heard everywhere - in newspapers, on the radio, and even in the past of the country, atheistic slogans contained quotes from this ancient book: “He who does not work, he does not eat ...”, “Let's beat swords into plowshares”. Of course, many phraseological units change in meaning over time, acquire a different meaning.

Most Popular Phrases

Compiling lists of the most popular phrases from the scriptures, people have identified 10 catch phrases from the Bible that are most often used in everyday life. The list included: “God gave, God took”, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”, “Who seeks, he will find”, “A wolf in sheep's clothing”, “Who is not with us is against us”, “I I wash my hands”, “Everything secret becomes clear”, “He who does not work, he does not eat”, “Thomas the unbeliever”, “What you sow, you will reap”.

The phrase "God gave, God took" was found in a tale about Job's trials. So, this righteous man lost everything he had in an instant. The wind that rose from the desert knocked down his house, which fell, burying all his children under it. Job and uttered a phrase that later became winged.

Phraseologism "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" is found in the Old Testament, where this rule is established by God himself. But nevertheless, it is not attributed to Christian morality, since in essence it means revenge. This rule was applied in the Old Testament times, now it is condemned by Christianity.

The expression "he who seeks will find" means that the seeker will always find his own. It was first used in Matthew's writings.

“He who is not with us is against us” - the words of Jesus Christ, which emphasize that there are only two sides in the world - good and evil, and there is no third.

The catch phrase from the Bible “I wash my hands” was used in the oldest book, when Pontius Pilate, who tried to save Jesus from execution, nevertheless gave him into the hands of enemies, having heard the demands of the crowd. Then he uttered this catchphrase, which later became catchphrase.

The expression "everything secret is revealed" is found in the Bible from Mark and from Luke. It meant that there is nothing hidden that would not have been discovered one day.

The well-known phrase "Unbelieving Thomas" also came from the Bible. So they call a person who until the last does not believe anything. There was an expression from the tale of the Apostle Thomas, who refused to believe that Jesus was resurrected.

The phrase "as you sow, so shall you reap" means that a person receives only what he works for himself.

Many biblical expressions eventually lose their original meaning, are distorted. So, citing a well-known expression from the Gospel: "Man does not live by bread alone", always omit its second half - "but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord", and hardly with intent - most likely out of ignorance.

Now, thank God, it is not difficult to get acquainted with the Bible, books are published in which references to it are given without a derogatory and ironic connotation. But ignorance of the Book of Books by modern Russians will not be overcome soon: more than seventy years of policy of state atheism has borne fruit. Until now, for many it is a revelation that the source of a significant part of common popular expressions is the Bible.

in the sweat of your face(hard work). “In the sweat of your face you will eat bread” (Gen. 3:19) – God said to Adam, who was being expelled from paradise.

Babel (in a figurative sense - turmoil, a complete mess). In Church Slavonic, "pandemonium" is the construction of a pillar, a tower. The book of Genesis tells about the attempt of people to build a tower to heaven in the city of Babylon in order to realize their ambitious plans and immortalize themselves in the eyes of their descendants. God punished the proud people and, having confused their languages so that they no longer understood each other, scattered them throughout the earth (Gen. 11, 1-9).

Valaam's donkey. The donkey of the soothsayer Balaam spoke in human language, protesting against the beatings (Num. 22, 21-33). The expression is used in an ironic sense in relation to an unexpectedly speaking, usually silent person.

Belshazzar's feast(carefree pastime in anticipation of an approaching disaster). The book of Daniel (chapter 5) tells how during the feast of the Chaldean king Belshazzar, prophetic words about his imminent death were inscribed on the wall with a mysterious hand. That very night Belshazzar was killed.

Back to square one(return to the beginning of a life stage). “And the wind returns to its circles” (Ecc. 1, 6) (in Church Slavonic - “to its circles”).

those in power. “Let every soul be subject to the highest authorities, for there is no authority except from God” (Rom. 13:1). In this expression, the apostle Paul speaks of the principle civil life Christian. In Church Slavonic to the highest authorities - those in power. It is used in an ironic sense in relation to the authorities.

The power of darkness(triumph of evil). “Every day I was with you in the temple, and you did not raise your hands against Me, but now is your time and the power of darkness” (Luke 22:53) - the words of Jesus Christ, addressed to those who came to take Him into custody.

To contribute(to make a contribution). A mite is a small copper coin. According to Jesus, the widow's two mites placed on the temple altar were worth much more than rich donations, because. she gave everything she had (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4).

At the forefront(main, priority). “The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner” (Ps. 117:22). It is quoted many times in the New Testament (Mt. 21:42; Mk. 12:10; Lk. 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7).

The return of the prodigal son. The prodigal son (repentant apostate). From the parable of the prodigal son, which tells how one of the sons, having claimed his share of the inheritance, left his father's house and began to lead a dissolute life, until he squandered all the inheritance and began to endure poverty and humiliation. Returning with repentance to his father, he was gladly forgiven by him (Lk. 15, 11-32).

Wolf in sheep's clothing(a hypocrite who covers his malice with imaginary piety). “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

Doctor, heal yourself. Church Slavonic text of the expression: “Doctor! heal thyself” (Luke 4:23). Here Jesus Christ brings the well-known ancient world proverb meaning: before giving advice to others, pay attention to yourself.

Time to scatter stones, time to collect stones(everything has its time).

“There is a time for everything, and a time for every thing under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; ...a time to scatter stones, and a time to gather stones; ... a time for war, and a time for peace” (Ecc. 3:1-8). The second part of the expression (time to collect stones) is used in the meaning: the time of creation.

Drink the cup to the bottom(endure the test to the end). “Rise up, rise up, rise up, Jerusalem, you who drank the cup of His wrath from the hand of the Lord, drank the cup of intoxication to the bottom, drained it” (Is. 51, 17).

Every creature in pairs. From the story of the global flood - about the inhabitants of Noah's ark (Gen. 6, 19-20; 7, 1-8). Used in an ironic sense in relation to a motley company.

Voice in the wilderness. An expression from the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:3). Quoted in the New Testament (Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; John 1:23) in relation to John the Baptist. Used in the meaning: a desperate call.

Gog and Magog(something terrible, ferocious). Gog is the fierce king of the kingdom of Magog (Ezek. 38–39; Rev. 20:7).

Calvary The place where Christ was crucified. “And, carrying His cross, He went out to a place called the Skull, in Hebrew Golgotha; there they crucified him” (John 19:17-18). Used as a symbol of suffering. In the same meaning, the expression "way of the cross" is used - the path of Christ to Golgotha.

Dove of peace. From the story of the Flood. The dove, released by Noah from the ark, brought him an olive leaf, as evidence that the flood was over, dry land appeared, God's wrath was replaced by mercy (Gen. 8, 11). Since then, a dove with an olive (olive) branch has become a symbol of reconciliation.

Sins of youth. “The sins of my youth... do not remember... Lord!” (Ps. 24:7).

May this cup pass me by.“My Father! if possible, let this cup pass from me; however, not as I will, but as You” (Matthew 26:39). From the prayer of Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of the Crucifixion.

House built on sand(something shaky, fragile). “And everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand; and the rain came down, and the rivers flooded, and the winds blew, and fell upon that house; and he fell, and his fall was great” (Matthew 7:26-27).

Antediluvian times, as well as: antediluvian technology, antediluvian judgments, etc. Used in the sense: very ancient, existing almost before the Flood (Genesis 6-8).

Reaping where he did not sow(uses the fruits of someone else's labor). “You reap where you did not sow, and you gather where you did not scatter” (Matthew 25:24). “You take what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow” (Luke 19:21).

lost sheep(a person who has gone astray). From the Gospel parable about the joy of the owner, who found and returned to the flock one lost sheep (Matt. 18, 12-13; Luke 15, 4-7).

The Forbidden fruit. From the story of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the fruits of which God forbade Adam and Eve to pluck (Gen. 2:16-17).

Bury talent in the ground(not to allow the abilities inherent in a person to develop). From the gospel parable of a slave who buried a talent (a measure of the weight of silver) in the ground, instead of using it for business and making a profit (Matt. 25, 14-30). The word "talent" subsequently became synonymous with outstanding abilities.

Promised land(good place). The land promised by God to the Jewish people (ancient Palestine) upon deliverance from Egyptian slavery. “And I go to deliver him out of the hand of the Egyptians and bring him out of this land and bring him into a good and spacious land” (Ex. 3, 8). Promised (promised) this land is called by the apostle Paul (Heb. 11, 9).

Serpent Tempter. Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempted Eve to eat the fruits from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:1-13), for which she, along with Adam, whom she treated to these fruits, was expelled from paradise.

Golden Taurus(wealth, power of money). From the biblical story about the worship of the Jews during their wanderings in the wilderness, instead of God, a calf made of gold (Ex. 32, 1-4).

The wickedness of the day (actual problem given time). “Enough for every day of your care” (Matt. 6:34). In Church Slavonic: "His wickedness prevails for days."

Sign of the times(a typical social phenomenon for this time, clarifying its trends). "Hypocrites! you know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot tell the signs of the times?” (Matt. 16:3) - rebuke of Jesus Christ to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who asked Him to show a sign from heaven.

Massacre of the innocents(punishment of the defenseless). When King Herod learned that Christ was born in Bethlehem, he ordered that all babies under the age of two be killed (Matt. 2:16). The son of Herod, Herod Antipas, was also a cruel man - on his orders, John the Baptist was beheaded. The name Herod, as a symbol of cruelty, has become a household name, as well as other biblical names: Goliath is a giant, Judas is a traitor, Cain is a fratricide.

Seek and find. Translated from Church Slavonic, it means “seek and you will find” (Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9).

stumbling block(obstacle in the way). “And He will be ... a stumbling block, and a rock of offense” (Isaiah 8:14). Quote from old testament. Often quoted in the New Testament (Rom. 9:32-33; 1 Pet. 2:7).

The stones will cry(extreme degree of indignation). “And some Pharisees from among the people said to Him: Teacher! rebuke your disciples. But He answered and said to them: I tell you that if they keep silent, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:39-40).

Leave no stone unturned(destroy to the ground). “There will be no stone left on stone here; everything will be destroyed” (Matt. 24:2) – the prophetic words of Jesus about the impending destruction of Jerusalem, which took place 70 years after the Crucifixion of Christ.

Caesar - Caesar's, God - God's(to each his own). "So give caesarean to caesar but what is God’s to God” – Jesus Christ’s answer to the Pharisees to the question of whether it is necessary to give tribute to Caesar (Matt. 22:21).

Sealed book(something inaccessible). “And I saw in the right hand of the One sitting on the throne a book… sealed with seven seals. ... And no one could, neither in heaven, nor on earth, nor under the earth, open this book, nor look into it ”(Rev. 5, 1-3).

Scapegoat(creature, responsible for others). An animal on which the sins committed by all the Israeli people were symbolically laid, after which the goat was expelled (released) into the wilderness. (Lev. 16:21-22).

Colossus with feet of clay(something grandiose in appearance, but having an easy vulnerabilities). From the biblical story about the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, in which he saw a huge metal idol (colossus) on clay feet, collapsed from the impact of a stone (Dan. 2, 31-35).

root of evil(source of evil). “As if the root of evil was found in me” (Job 19:28). “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10).

Whoever is not with me is against me. Those who are not with us are against us.“He who is not with Me is against Me; and whoever does not gather with Me, he squanders” (Matt. 12:30). With these words, Jesus Christ emphasizes that there are only two kingdoms in the spiritual world: good and evil, God and Satan. There is no third. folk wisdom says in this regard: "I lagged behind God - I stuck to Satan." Unfortunately, the frequent repetition of this expression by those in power has distorted its original meaning.

Whoever comes with a sword will die by the sword.“For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

Foundation stone(something important, fundamental). “I lay for the foundation in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a cornerstone, a precious one, firmly established” (Isaiah 28:16).

Who does not work shall not eat.“If anyone does not want to work, do not eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).

Lies to the rescue(lie for the benefit of the deceived). A distorted concept of the Church Slavonic text: “The horse lies for salvation, but in the multitude of its strength it will not be saved” (Ps. 32, 17), which means: “The horse is unreliable for salvation, it will not save great power own."

Manna from heaven(unexpected help). Food sent by God from heaven to the people of Israel during their wanderings in the wilderness (Ex. 16:14-16; Ex. 16:31).

Methuselah age(longevity). Methuselah (Methuselah) is one of the first biblical patriarchs who lived for 969 years (Genesis 5:27).

Abomination of desolation(extreme ruin, dirt). “And on the wing of the sanctuary shall be the abomination of desolation” (Dan. 9:27). “So when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place...then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Mt. 24:15-16).

throw beads(wasting words in front of people who are not willing or able to appreciate their meaning). “Do not give anything holy to dogs, and do not cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample it under their feet” (Matthew 7:6). In Church Slavonic, pearls are beads.

They don't know what they are doing.“Father! forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Lk. 23:34) - the words of Jesus Christ at the crucifixion, sounding in Church Slavonic like this: "Father, let them go, they do not know what they are doing."

Not of this world. “You are of this world, I am not of this world” (John 8:23) – from the conversation of Jesus Christ with the Jews, as well as “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) – Christ’s answer to Pontius Pilate on the question is whether He is the King of the Jews. The expression is used in relation to people detached from the realities of life, eccentrics.

Do not make yourself an idol. An expression from the second commandment of God, which forbids worshiping false gods, idols (Exodus 20:4; Deut. 5:8).

Judge not lest ye be judged. Quote from the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1).

Not by bread alone.“Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3). Quoted by Jesus Christ during His forty-day fast in the wilderness in response to the temptation of Satan (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4). It is used in relation to spiritual food.

Regardless of faces.“Do not distinguish persons in judgment, listen to both the small and the great” (Deut. 1, 17). “Have faith in Jesus Christ our Lord of glory, regardless of persons” (James 2:1).

Burning bush(symbol of the eternal, imperishable). A burning but unburned thorn bush, in the flame of which the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses (Ex. 3, 2).

Carry your cross(dutifully endure the hardships of his fate). Jesus Himself carried the cross on which He was to be crucified (John 19:17), and only when He was exhausted did the Roman soldiers force a certain Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23, 26).

No prophet in his own country. “No prophet is accepted in his own country” (Luke 4:24). “There is no prophet without honor, except in his own country” (Mt. 13:57; Mk. 6:4).

Don't give up one iota(don't give up in the slightest). “Not one iota or not one tittle will pass from the law until everything is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18), i.e. even the slightest deviation from the law is unacceptable until all the predestinations are fulfilled. By iota here is meant the sign of the Hebrew alphabet - iodine, similar in shape to an apostrophe.

Nothing hesitant. Doubting nothing. “But let him ask in faith, not in the least doubting” (Ik. 1, 6). In Church Slavonic: “Yes, he asks by faith without hesitation.” The expression is used in an ironic sense: without too much hesitation.

Poor in spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). One of the nine beatitudes in the Gospels. Poor in spirit - humble, devoid of pride, completely trusting God; in the words of John Chrysostom - "humble-wise". Nowadays, the expression is used in a completely different sense: limited people devoid of spiritual interests.

An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth.“Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he did damage to a person’s body, so it must be done to him ”(Lev. 24, 20; Ex. 21, 24; Deut. 19, 21) - an Old Testament law regulating the degree of responsibility for a crime, the meaning of which: to another, a punishment greater than the deed cannot be established, and the responsibility for this was borne by a specific culprit. This law was very importance, because limited the blood feud common in ancient times, when for the crime of a person of one kind in relation to a representative of another kind, they took revenge on the whole family, and revenge (as a rule, regardless of the degree of guilt) was death. This law was intended for judges, not for an individual, so the modern interpretation of "an eye for an eye" as a call for revenge is completely wrong.

From the evil one(extra, unnecessary, done to the detriment). “But let your word be: yes, yes; no no; but what is more than this is from the evil one” (Matt. 5:37) – the words of Jesus Christ, which forbid swearing by heaven, earth, by the head of the one who swears.

Separate the tares from the wheat(to separate truth from falsehood, bad from good). From the gospel parable about how the enemy sowed tares (malicious weeds) among the wheat. The owner of the field, fearing that when picking the tares, the fragile wheat could be damaged, he decided to wait for it to ripen and then pick the weeds and burn them (Matt. 13, 24-30; 36-43).

Shake the dust from your feet(break forever with something, renounce with indignation). “But if anyone does not receive you and does not listen to your words, then when you leave that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet” (Mt. 10:14; Mk. 6:11; Lk. 9:5; Acts. 13, 51). This quotation is based on the ancient Jewish custom of shaking road dust from one's feet when returning to Palestine from travels to pagan countries, where even road dust was considered unclean.

Throw a stone first. “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8, 7) - the words of Jesus Christ in response to the temptations of the scribes and Pharisees, who brought to Him a woman caught in adultery, the meaning of which: a person has no moral right to condemn another, if he himself is a sinner.

Forge swords into plowshares(call for disarmament). “And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into sickles; the people will not raise the sword against the people, and they will no longer learn to fight ”(Is. 2, 4). Oralo is a plow.

Eat honey and locusts(Strictly observe fasting, almost starve). John the Baptist, living in the desert, led an ascetic life and ate wild honey and locusts (Mark 1:6).

flesh of flesh(kindness). “And the man said: Behold, this is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” - words about Eve, created by God from Adam's rib (Gen. 2, 23).

In letter and spirit.“He gave us the ability to be ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit, because the letter kills, but the spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3, 6). It is used in the meaning: to relate to something not only according to external formal features (by letter), but also according to the internal content and meaning (in spirit). Sometimes the expression "dead letter" is used in the meaning of "formality, opposite to essence, meaning".

Sprinkle ashes on your head(a sign of extreme despair and grief). The ancient custom of the Jews, as a sign of grief, sprinkle ashes or earth on their heads. “And they lifted up their voice and wept; and tore each outerwear their own, and threw dust over their heads to heaven” (Job 2:12); "... tore his clothes and put on himself ... ashes" (Esther 4:1).

Rest from the works of the righteous(rest after difficult and useful deeds). From the biblical account of the creation of the world: “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, for in it he rested from all his works, which God created and created” (Gen. 2, 3).

The transformation of Saul into Paul(abrupt change of beliefs). Saul was an ardent persecutor of the first Christians, but after Jesus Christ appeared to him one day, he became one of the main preachers and founders of Christianity - the Apostle Paul (Acts 9, 1-22).

Sticking tongue to throat(to lose the power of speech from surprise, from indignation). “My tongue clings to my throat” (Ps. 21:16).

Byword(on everyone's lips, the subject of a common conversation). “And you will be ... a parable and a laughingstock among all peoples” (Deut. 28, 37). In Church Slavonic "among all peoples" - "in all the tongues."

Sell for lentil soup (give up something important for a small gain). Esau, the eldest of the sons of the biblical patriarch Isaac, being hungry and tired, sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for lentil stew. (Gen. 25:29-34).

Guiding star- The star of Bethlehem, showing the way to the eastern wise men (magi), who went to bow to the born Christ (Matt. 2, 9). Used in the meaning: that which directs someone's life, activity.

holy of holies(secret, secret, inaccessible to the uninitiated) - part of the tabernacle (camping Jewish temple), fenced off by a curtain, which only the high priests could enter once a year. “And there shall be a curtain to separate the sanctuary from the Holy of Holies” (Ex. 26:33).

Grinding of teeth. “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 8:12) - Jesus' words about the horrors of hell. In a figurative sense, it is used as impotent rage.

Servant of two masters(a person who tries in vain to please many at the same time). “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be zealous for one and despise the other” (Luke 16:13).

Serve mammon(to care too much about wealth, material wealth). “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Mammon - wealth or earthly goods.

Deadly sin. The Apostle John speaks of sin unto death and sin not unto death (1 John 5:16-17). A sin unto death (mortal sin) is a sin that cannot be expiated.

Sodom and Gomorrah(licentiousness, as well as extreme confusion). From the biblical story about the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which God punished for the loose morals of their inhabitants (Gen. 19, 24-25).

Salt of the earth. “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) are the words of Jesus Christ in relation to believers, meaning: the best, useful for society part of the people, whose duty it is to keep their spiritual purity. In ancient times, salt was considered a symbol of purity.

Vanity. This refers to the smallness of human troubles and deeds before God and Eternity. “Vanity of vanities, said the Ecclesiastes, vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” (Ecc. 1, 2).

This mystery is great. Church Slavonic text of an expression from the Epistle to the Ephesians (ch. 5, verse 32). Used in relation to something inaccessible, carefully hidden; often in an ironic sense.

crown of thorns(hard test). Before the crucifixion, the soldiers put a crown of thorns on Christ's head (Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2).

thirty pieces of silver(symbol of betrayal). For thirty pieces of silver, Judas delivered Christ to the chief priests (Matt. 26:15). Srebrennik is an ancient Jewish coin worthy of four Greek drachmas.

Trumpet of Jericho(excessively loud voice). From the story of the siege of the city of Jericho by the Jews, when the walls of the city collapsed from the sound of sacred trumpets and from the cry of the besiegers (Josh. 6).

Darkness pitch(symbol of hell). “But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness: there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). In Church Slavonic, "outer darkness" - "outer darkness."

Wash your hands(avoid liability). “Pilate, seeing that nothing helps ... took water and washed his hands before the people, and said: I am innocent of the blood of this Just One” (Matt. 27, 24). The Roman procurator Pontius Pilate performed the ritual washing of hands, customary among the Jews, as a sign of non-participation in the murder being committed (Deut. 21, 6-9).

Pharisaism(hypocrisy). The Pharisees are a religious and political party in ancient Judea, whose representatives were supporters of the ostentatious strict execution of the ritual aspects of the Jewish religion. Jesus, denouncing religious hypocrisy, often called them hypocrites: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites" (Matthew 23:13; 23:14; 23:15; Luke 11:44).

fig leaf(insufficient, superficial justification for something, as well as a hypocritical cover for something shameful). Adam and Eve, who knew shame after the fall (eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil), girded themselves with fig tree (fig tree) leaves (Genesis 3:7). Sculptors often used a fig leaf when depicting a naked body.

doubting Thomas(doubting person). The Apostle Thomas did not immediately believe in the resurrection of Christ: “Unless I see on His hands the wounds from the nails, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand in His side, I will not believe” (John 20, 25). By the subsequent apostolic ministry and death for the sake of faith, Christ's apostle Thomas atoned for his momentary doubt.

Daily bread(necessary food). “Give us our daily bread this day” (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3) - from the Lord's Prayer.

Abyss of heaven(now a joke about pouring rain). From the biblical story of the global flood: “All the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened; and it rained on the earth for forty days and forty nights” (Genesis 7:11). In Church Slavonic "windows" - "abyss".

Keep it like the apple of an eye(keep as the most precious). “Keep me as the apple of your eye” (Ps. 16:8). “He kept him like the apple of his eye” (Deut. 32:10).

Valery Melnikov

The article presents the most common biblical sayings and phraseological units in the Russian language.
Fluency in these sayings is a sign of the general culture and education of a person.

Over the past two decades, in connection with the well-known political changes, atheism began to decline in countries former Union, interest in religion increased, which immediately affected the increase in the use of expressions from biblical texts. Sayings, phraseological units and examples from the Bible can be found everywhere. Bibleisms began to be widely used not only in ordinary, lively speech, but also "at the highest level."

Of course, it is necessary to understand this issue at least a little so as not to be like the Pindos, who for the most part believe that their presidents, politicians, TV presenters and movie heroes are the authors of biblical sayings and phraseological units. 🙂 These are the results of familiarization with the culture through a zombie.

Not only that, Biblicalisms have penetrated into humor, wit, and simply into a “pungent word”! And in their archaic sound they betray speech, as it were, freshness, novelty and originality. The pendulum swung the other way. After all, there were once times that they tried to expel words and expressions related to religion and the church from the Russian language. Just one example is enough when saying “a newborn was christened” was considered non-politically correct. It was necessary to say "the newborn was made a star". 😆

It must be said that in the "Christian languages" the number of proverbs, sayings and other phraseological units of biblical origin is enormous; most of them have completely lost touch with their primary sources, and only experts on the issue know where their roots grow from. It even happens that authorship is attributed to people who have nothing to do with religion. The “sands of time” erased the archaism of most biblical expressions, and they have long since become proverbs.

Scientists "aphorists-biblical scholars" count several hundred proverbs of biblical origin in the Russian language. And these are only those that more or less accurately reproduce the biblical text. And if you “announce the entire list” of phraseological units connected in one way or another with biblical sources, then the number will go to thousands. According to experts on the issue, among the most common Russian proverbs, proverbs of biblical origin make up 15-20%.

There are basically two options for the use of biblical words: close to the original source, with a claim to a quote; and completely transformed, having lost its archaic appearance, sounding modern. For example, the saying
“The one who treats the wise will be wise, and the one who makes friends with fools will be corrupted” (Solomon, 13:21) a long time ago the well-known “classic look” was transformed:
"Whoever you hang out with, that's what you'll get."
"End case better start his". (Ecclesiastes, 7:8) - "The end is the crown of business."
This process is called "folklorization".

In everyday speech, however, there are also untransformed sayings, which formally are direct quotations from the Bible. This happens in cases where sayings sound modern and understandable. For example:

An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth. (Mat. 5:38)
Judge not lest ye be judged. (Mat. 7:1)
There is a time to scatter stones and there is a time to collect stones. (Ecclesiastes 3:5)
Don't make yourself an idol. (Exodus 20:4)

Connoisseurs of the issue conducted research on the degree of popularity and usage in the Russian language of expressions of biblical origin.
As a result, 350 expressions taken for experiments were divided into 3 groups. The 1st group included sayings that turned out to be known to 75-100% of the respondents, native speakers of the Russian language. The popularity of sayings of the 2nd group is not less than 50%. The remaining sayings (there were 277 of them out of 350) are assigned to the 3rd group.

The most used and famous biblical sayings
(1st group)

1. Beware of false prophets. (Mat. 7:15)
2. Fear God, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:17)
3. Those who take the sword will perish with the sword. (Mat. 26:52)
4. Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27; Matt. 22:39; Mark 12:31)
Love your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18).
5. Physician, heal yourself. (Luke 4:23)

6. Time to scatter stones and time to collect stones. (Ecclesiastes 3:5)
7. Everything has its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
8. Every unrighteousness is sin. (1 John 5:17)
9. The Lord gave, the Lord took. (Job 1:21)
10. A tree is known by its fruit. (Mat. 12:33)

11. Iron sharpens iron. (Solomon, 27:17)
12. And a thread twisted three times will not break soon. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
13. And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, (and their spears into sickles). (Isaiah 2:4)
14. As you want people to do to you, so do you to them. (Mat. 7:12). …so do you with them. (Luke 6:31)
15. Whom the Lord loves, he punishes. (Solomon, 3:12)

16. He who is not with me is against me. (Mat. 12:30)
17. Don't believe every word. (Sirach 19:16)
18. Do not make yourself an idol. (Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 5:8).
Do not make yourself idols. (Leviticus 26:1)
19. Pay attention not to every word that is spoken. (Ecclesiastes 7:21)
20. Man does not live by bread alone. (Deuteronomy 8:3)
Man will not live by bread alone. (Matt. 4:4; Luke 4:4)

21. Do not judge so that you will not be judged. (Mat. 7:1)
Do not judge and you will not be judged. (Luke 6:37)
22. There is nothing new under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
23. There is nothing secret that would not be made clear. (Luke 8:17)
24. No one can serve two masters. (Mat. 6:24)
25. An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. (Mat. 5:38)

26. A rich man has many friends. (Solomon, 14:20)
27. Turn the other to the one who hits you on the cheek. (Luke 6:29)
28. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. (Luke 18:25; Matt. 19:24; Mark 10:25)
29. Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7)

Bible sayings known to 50-75 percent of “respondents”
(2nd group).

1. The abyss calls to the abyss. (Psalm 41:8)
2. Do not speak into the ears of a fool. (Solomon, 23:9)
3. A true friend has no price. (Sirach 6:15)
4. There is much sorrow in much wisdom. (Ecclesiastes 1:18)
5. Render to each according to his deeds. (Mat. 16:27)

6. A man's enemies are his household. (Mat. 10:36)
7. Everything came from dust, and everything will return to dust. (Ecclesiastes 3:20)
8. All is vanity and vexation of the spirit. (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
9. All the labors of a man are for his mouth. (Ecclesiastes 6:7)
10. Let this cup pass me by. (Mat. 26:39)

11. A good wife is a happy lot. (Sirach 26:3)
12. A good name is better than great wealth. (Solomon, 22:1)
13. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the pit. (Mat. 15:14)
14. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent. (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
15. And a fool, when silent, may seem wise. (Solomon, 17:28)

16. And a living dog is better than a dead lion. (Ecclesiastes 9:4)
17. Seek - and you will find. (Mat. 7:7)
18. With what measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)
19. The love of money is the root of all evil. (Timothy 6:10)
20. The crooked cannot become straight. (Ecclesiastes 1:15)

21. Whoever relies on himself is stupid. (Solomon, 28:26)
22. Whoever is among the living, there is still hope for him. (Ecclesiastes 9:4)
23. He who listens to advice is wise. (Solomon, 12:15)
24. He who increases knowledge, increases sorrow. (Ecclesiastes 1:18)
25. Better is a handful with rest than a handful with labor and vexation of the spirit. (Eccles. 4:6)

26. It is better to listen to reproofs from a wise man than to listen to the songs of fools. (Ecclesiastes 7:5)
27. Better is a neighbor near than a brother far away. (Solomon, 27:10)
28. Love covers all sins. (Solomon, 10:12)
29. Many are called, but few are chosen. (Mat. 22:14)
30. Wisdom better strength. (Ecclesiastes 9:16)

31. Do not resist evil. (Mat. 5:39)
32. It is not good for a person to be alone. (Genesis 2:18)
33. No memory of the past. (Ecclesiastes 1:11)
34. One sows and the other reaps. (John 4:37)
35. Give what is Caesar's to Caesar, and what is God's to God. (Mat. 22:21)

36. Generation passes, and generation comes, but the earth remains forever. (Ecclesiastes 1:4)
37. Every person is vain. (Psalm 38:12)
38. This mystery is great. (Ephisians 5:32)
39. The work of a fool makes him weary. (Ecclesiastes 10:15)
40. Decoration of old people - gray hair. (Solomon, 20:29)

41. What is not, cannot be counted. (Ecclesiastes 1:15)
42. What God has combined, let no man separate. (Mat. 19:6)
43. What was, is now, and what will be, has already been. (Ecclesiastes 3:15)

Some aphorisms from the third group.

Be not quick with your tongue, and lazy and negligent in your deeds. (Sirah, 4:33) - Do not hurry with your tongue, hurry with your deeds.
Don't care about tomorrow. (Mat. 6:34);
A man's enemies are his household. (Mat. 10:36);
Worse than death is a woman. (Eccles. 7:26);
A friend is not known in happiness, an enemy is not hidden in misfortune. (Sirah, 12:8) - A friend is known in trouble.

If anyone does not want to work, do not eat. (2 Thess. 3:10) - He who does not work does not eat.
Care ahead of time brings old age. (Sirach 30:26). - It's not work that makes you old, but care.
Dust you are, and to dust you shall return. (Genesis 3:19)
And the dust will return to the ground as it was. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
Everything came from dust, and everything will return to dust. (Ecclesiastes 3:20).
Do not judge ahead of time. (1st Corinth., 4:5) - Do not judge ahead of time.

Whoever is among the living, there is still hope. - Live for a century, hope for a century.
The student is not higher than his teacher. (Luke 6:40);
Don't owe anyone anything. (Romans 13:8);
Be at peace with all people. (Romans 13:8)
Love your enemies. (Luke 6:27)
Do not return evil for evil to anyone. (Romans 12:17)

Don't answer evil for evil.
Don't resist evil. (Mat. 5:39)
Conquer evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
Whoever is not against you is for you. (Mark 9:40)
Do not slander the judges, do not vilify the boss. (Exodus 22:28);

Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is useful. (1 Corinth. 6:12);
The debtor becomes the lender's slave. (Solomon, 22:7);
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mat. 6:21);
You cannot serve God and mammon. (Mat. 6:24);
The worker deserves food. (Mat. 10:10);

Do not give me poverty and wealth. (Solomon, 30:8);
Do not make yourself too wise: why should you ruin yourself? (Ecclesiastes 7:16)
Whoever digs a hole will fall into it. (Ecclesiastes 10:8). Whoever digs a hole for another will fall into it himself. // Don't dig a hole for another - you yourself will fall into it.
The fathers ate sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge. (Jeremiah 31:29). - Fathers ate cranberries, and the children are set on edge.

No prophet is accepted in his own country. (Luke 4:24) - There is no prophet in his own country.
A gentle answer turns away anger. (Solomon, 15:1) - A meek word anger conquers. // A meek word humbles a violent head.
Don't be brave against wine, for wine has ruined many. (Sirah, 31:29) - He who loves wine will destroy himself.
He who deals with the wise will be wise, but he who makes friends with fools will become corrupt. (Solomon, 13:21) - From the smart you will learn, from the fool you will unlearn.
When you are full, remember the time of hunger, and when you are rich, remember poverty and want. (Sirakh, 18:25) - Eat the pie, and remember the dry crust.

He who hides his crimes will not succeed; but whoever confesses and leaves them will be pardoned. (Solomon, 28:13) - A guilty head and the sword does not flog.
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of joy. (Eccles., 7:4) - A smart one cries, but a stupid one jumps.
The joy of a man is in the answer of his mouth, and how good the word is at the right time. (Solomon, 15:23) - The word in time and by the way is stronger than writing and printing.
Do not leave an old friend, for a new one cannot be compared to him. (Sirach 9:12) - An old friend is better than two new ones.
And with laughter sometimes the heart hurts, and the end of joy is sadness. (Solomon, 14:13) - There is no sorrow without joy, and joy without sorrow.

Note

The statistics of the most used and well-known in Russian biblical sayings and proverbs of biblical origin is taken from the doctoral dissertation of V.F. Zangliger. The author of this work can be found on the page:
Russian proverbs and their selection for active assimilation by Russian students of Bulgarian universities.

Many biblical expressions eventually lose their original meaning, are distorted. So, citing the well-known expression from the Gospel: “Man does not live by bread alone”, they always omit its second half - “but with every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord”, and hardly with intent - most likely out of ignorance.

The author of this book, a long-time friend of our editors, Valery Grigoryevich Melnikov, has collected about two hundred of the most famous winged expressions of biblical origin, in the hope that the explanations given will help to find out their true meaning.

in the sweat of your face(hard work). “In the sweat of your face you will eat bread” (Gen. 3:19) – God said to Adam, who was being expelled from paradise.

Babel(in a figurative sense - turmoil, a complete mess). In Church Slavonic, "pandemonium" is the construction of a pillar, a tower. The book of Genesis tells about the attempt of people to build a tower to heaven in the city of Babylon in order to realize their ambitious plans and immortalize themselves in the eyes of their descendants. God punished the proud people and, having confused their languages so that they no longer understood each other, scattered them throughout the earth (Gen. 11, 1-9).

Valaam's donkey. The donkey of the soothsayer Balaam spoke in human language, protesting against the beatings (Num. 22, 21-33). The expression is used in an ironic sense in relation to an unexpectedly speaking, usually silent person.

Back to square one(return to the beginning of a life stage). “And the wind returns to its circles” (Ecc. 1, 6) (in Church Slavonic - “to its circles”).

Those in power.“Let every soul be subject to the highest authorities, for there is no authority except from God” (Rom. 13:1). In this expression, the apostle Paul speaks of the principle of the civil life of a Christian. In Church Slavonic to the highest authorities - those in power. It is used in an ironic sense in relation to the authorities.

Doctor, heal yourself. Church Slavonic text of the expression: “Doctor! heal thyself” (Luke 4:23). Here Jesus Christ cites a well-known proverb in the ancient world, which means: before giving advice to others, pay attention to yourself.

Time to scatter stones, time to collect stones(everything has its time).

Every creature in pairs. From the story of the global flood - about the inhabitants of Noah's ark (Gen. 6, 19-20; 7, 1-8). Used in an ironic sense in relation to a motley company.

Gog and Magog(something terrible, ferocious). Gog is the fierce king of the kingdom of Magog (Ezek. 38–39; Rev. 20:7).

Golgotha is the place where Christ was crucified.“And, carrying His cross, He went out to a place called the Skull, in Hebrew Golgotha; there they crucified him” (John 19:17-18). Used as a symbol of suffering. In the same meaning, the expression "way of the cross" is used - the path of Christ to Golgotha.

Dove of peace. From the story of the Flood. The dove, released by Noah from the ark, brought him an olive leaf, as evidence that the flood was over, dry land appeared, God's wrath was replaced by mercy (Gen. 8, 11). Since then, a dove with an olive (olive) branch has become a symbol of reconciliation.

Sins of youth.“The sins of my youth... do not remember... Lord!” (Ps. 24:7).

antediluvian times, and: antediluvian technique, antediluvian judgments and so on. Used in the sense: very ancient, existing almost before the Flood (Genesis 6-8).

lost sheep(a person who has gone astray). From the Gospel parable about the joy of the owner, who found and returned to the flock one lost sheep (Matt. 18, 12-13; Luke 15, 4-7).

The Forbidden fruit. From the story of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the fruits of which God forbade Adam and Eve to pluck (Gen. 2:16-17).

Serpent tempter. Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempted Eve to eat the fruits from the forbidden tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:1-13), for which she, along with Adam, whom she treated to these fruits, was expelled from paradise.

Golden Taurus(wealth, power of money). From the biblical story about the worship of the Jews during their wanderings in the wilderness, instead of God, a calf made of gold (Ex. 32, 1-4).

The wickedness of the day(an actual problem of the present time). “Enough for every day of your care” (Matt. 6:34). In Church Slavonic: "His wickedness prevails for days."

Seek and find. Translated from Church Slavonic, it means “seek and you will find” (Matt. 7:7; Luke 11:9).

stumbling block(obstacle in the way). “And He will be ... a stumbling block, and a rock of offense” (Isaiah 8:14). Quote from the Old Testament. Often quoted in the New Testament (Rom. 9:32-33; 1 Pet. 2:7).

Caesar - Caesar's, God - God's(to each his own). “Give therefore what is Caesar's to Caesar, and what is God's to God” - Jesus Christ's answer to the Pharisees to the question of whether it is necessary to give tribute to Caesar (Matt. 22, 21).

Scapegoat(a being responsible for others). An animal on which the sins committed by all the Israeli people were symbolically laid, after which the goat was expelled (released) into the wilderness. (Lev. 16:21-22).

Colossus with feet of clay(something grandiose in appearance, but having easy vulnerabilities). From the biblical story about the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, in which he saw a huge metal idol (colossus) on clay feet, collapsed from the impact of a stone (Dan. 2, 31-35).

root of evil(source of evil). “As if the root of evil was found in me” (Job 19:28). “For the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:10).

Whoever is not with me is against me. Those who are not with us are against us.“He who is not with Me is against Me; and whoever does not gather with Me, he squanders” (Matt. 12:30). With these words, Jesus Christ emphasizes that there are only two kingdoms in the spiritual world: good and evil, God and Satan. There is no third. Folk wisdom says in this regard: "I lagged behind God - I stuck to Satan." Unfortunately, the frequent repetition of this expression by those in power has distorted its original meaning.

Whoever comes with a sword will die by the sword.“For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

Foundation stone(something important, fundamental). “I lay for the foundation in Zion a stone, a tested stone, a cornerstone, a precious one, firmly established” (Isaiah 28:16).

Who does not work shall not eat.“If anyone does not want to work, do not eat” (2 Thess. 3:10).

Lies to the rescue(lie for the benefit of the deceived). A distorted concept of the Church Slavonic text: “The lie is a horse for salvation, but in the multitude of its strength it will not be saved” (Ps. 32, 17), which means: “The horse is unreliable for salvation, it will not deliver with its great strength.”

Manna from heaven(unexpected help). Food sent by God from heaven to the people of Israel during their wanderings in the wilderness (Ex. 16:14-16; Ex. 16:31).

Methuselah age(longevity). Methuselah (Methuselah) is one of the first biblical patriarchs who lived for 969 years (Genesis 5:27).

Not of this world.“You are of this world, I am not of this world” (John 8:23) – from the conversation of Jesus Christ with the Jews, as well as “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36) – Christ’s answer to Pontius Pilate on the question is whether He is the King of the Jews. The expression is used in relation to people detached from the realities of life, eccentrics.

Do not make yourself an idol. An expression from the second commandment of God, which forbids worshiping false gods, idols (Exodus 20:4; Deut. 5:8).

Judge not lest ye be judged. Quote from the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:1).

Despite the faces. “Do not distinguish persons in judgment, listen to both the small and the great” (Deut. 1, 17). “Have faith in Jesus Christ our Lord of glory, regardless of persons” (James 2:1).

Burning bush(symbol of the eternal, imperishable). A burning but unburned thorn bush, in the flame of which the Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses (Ex. 3, 2).

There is no prophet in his own country.“No prophet is accepted in his own country” (Luke 4:24). “There is no prophet without honor, except in his own country” (Mt. 13:57; Mk. 6:4).

Doubt nothing. Doubting nothing.“But let him ask in faith, not in the least doubting” (Ik. 1, 6). In Church Slavonic: “Yes, he asks by faith without hesitation.” The expression is used in an ironic sense: without too much hesitation.

Poor in spirit.“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). One of the nine beatitudes in the Gospels. Poor in spirit - humble, devoid of pride, completely trusting God; in the words of John Chrysostom - "humble-wise". At present, the expression is used in a completely different sense: limited people, devoid of spiritual interests.

An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth.“Fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he did damage to a person’s body, so it must be done to him ”(Lev. 24, 20; Ex. 21, 24; Deut. 19, 21) - an Old Testament law regulating the degree of responsibility for a crime, the meaning of which: to another, a punishment greater than the deed cannot be established, and the responsibility for this was borne by a specific culprit. This law was very important, because. limited the blood feud common in ancient times, when for the crime of a person of one kind in relation to a representative of another kind, they took revenge on the whole family, and revenge (as a rule, regardless of the degree of guilt) was death. This law was intended for judges, not for an individual, so the modern interpretation of "an eye for an eye" as a call for revenge is completely wrong.

Throw the stone first.“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her” (John 8, 7) - the words of Jesus Christ in response to the temptations of the scribes and Pharisees, who brought to Him a woman caught in adultery, the meaning of which: a person has no moral right to condemn another, if he himself is a sinner.

Eat honey and locusts(Strictly observe fasting, almost starve). John the Baptist, living in the desert, led an ascetic life and ate wild honey and locusts (Mark 1:6).

flesh of flesh(kindness). “And the man said: Behold, this is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” - words about Eve, created by God from Adam's rib (Gen. 2, 23).

Sprinkle ashes on your head(a sign of extreme despair and grief). The ancient custom of the Jews, as a sign of grief, sprinkle ashes or earth on their heads. “And they lifted up their voice and wept; and each one tore his outer garment, and threw dust over their heads towards heaven” (Job 2:12); "... tore his clothes and put on himself ... ashes" (Esther 4:1).

Sticking tongue to throat(to lose the power of speech from surprise, from indignation). “My tongue clings to my throat” (Ps. 21:16).

Sell for Lentil Chowder(give up something important for a small gain). Esau, the eldest of the sons of the biblical patriarch Isaac, being hungry and tired, sold his birthright to his younger brother Jacob for lentil stew. (Gen. 25:29-34).

Grinding of teeth.“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 8:12) - Jesus' words about the horrors of hell. In a figurative sense, it is used as impotent rage.

Serve mammon(excessively care about wealth, material wealth). “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). Mammon - wealth or earthly goods.

Deadly sin. The Apostle John speaks of sin unto death and sin not unto death (1 John 5:16-17). A sin unto death (mortal sin) is a sin that cannot be expiated.

Salt of the earth.“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) are the words of Jesus Christ in relation to believers, meaning: the best, useful for society part of the people, whose duty it is to keep their spiritual purity. In ancient times, salt was considered a symbol of purity.

Vanity. This refers to the smallness of human troubles and deeds before God and Eternity. “Vanity of vanities, said the Ecclesiastes, vanity of vanities, all is vanity!” (Ecc. 1, 2).

This mystery is great. Church Slavonic text of an expression from the Epistle to the Ephesians (ch. 5, verse 32). Used in relation to something inaccessible, carefully hidden; often in an ironic sense.

crown of thorns(hard test). Before the crucifixion, the soldiers put a crown of thorns on Christ's head (Matthew 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2).

Daily bread(necessary food). “Give us our daily bread this day” (Matthew 6:11; Luke 11:3) - from the Lord's Prayer.

Abyss of heaven(now a joke expression about heavy rain). From the biblical story of the global flood: “All the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened; and it rained on the earth for forty days and forty nights” (Genesis 7:11). In Church Slavonic "windows" - "abyss".

Keep it like the apple of an eye(keep as the most precious). “Keep me as the apple of your eye” (Ps. 16:8). “He kept him like the apple of his eye” (Deut. 32:10).

Published according to the original edition (Novosibirsk )