Got an idiom? There’s a verse for that.

We hear idioms and sayings every day, but many don’t realize how often these phrases trace back to the Bible or connect with its truth. God’s Word has shaped language more than people think. So here are a few common idioms, paired with the verses that either gave them life or carry the same meaning.

“Fish or cut bait”
“How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21)
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)

“Straddle the fence”
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15–16)

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”
“Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:2)

“The writing on the wall” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“Suddenly the fingers of a human hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing.” (Daniel 5:5)
“This is the interpretation of the message: Mene—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. Tekel—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. Peres—your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:26–28)

“By the skin of your teeth” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“I have escaped only by the skin of my teeth.” (Job 19:20)

“Bite the dust” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“May those from the desert bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust.” (Psalm 72:9)

“Wolf in sheep’s clothing” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

“Nothing new under the sun” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

“Cast the first stone” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“When they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’” (John 8:7)

“To everything there is a season” (this idiom comes from the Bible)
“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

These sayings remind us that God’s Word still speaks into everyday life. Whether an idiom comes directly from Scripture or simply echoes its truth, the message is the same—God’s wisdom is timeless, and His Word has shaped the way we think and speak.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.

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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)