Idioms are colourful expressions that often carry meanings beyond their literal interpretations. They reflect a society’s cultural values, historical events, and shared beliefs. In Western culture, many idioms have their roots in biblical stories and teachings, particularly those centred around Jesus Christ.
These expressions have transcended their religious origins to become part of everyday language, even for those who may not identify as Christian.
According to a 2023 Pew Research study, approximately 65% of Americans identify as Christian, yet biblical idioms are used by an estimated 90% of English speakers regardless of religious affiliation. This demonstrates the profound impact of Jesus’s teachings on our linguistic landscape.
This comprehensive guide will explore 30 idioms related to Jesus, their meanings, origins, and use in modern contexts.
Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a religious scholar, or simply curious about the origins of common expressions, this article will provide valuable insights into how Jesus-related idioms have shaped our communication.
What Are Idioms for Jesus?
Idioms related to Jesus are expressions that either directly reference Jesus Christ, stem from his teachings in the New Testament, or originate from biblical narratives surrounding his life. These phrases have become embedded in English and culture, often used without conscious awareness of their religious origins.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, professor of linguistics at Columbia University, explains: “Religious idioms, particularly those derived from Jesus’s parables and life, represent one of the most enduring influences on the English language. They bridge the gap between sacred texts and everyday communication.”
These expressions typically fall into several categories:
- Direct references to Jesus’s actions or words
- Idioms based on his parables
- Phrases derived from his interactions with disciples and others
- Expressions that capture theological concepts related to his teachings
Now, let’s explore 30 of the most common and interesting idioms related to Jesus, their meanings, and examples of how they’re used in contemporary speech.
30 Common Idioms Related to Jesus: Meanings and Examples
Biblical Origin Idioms
1. “Carry your cross”
Meaning: To endure hardships or burdens with patience and resilience.
Origin: Refers to Jesus carrying his cross to his crucifixion at Calvary.
Example: “After her diagnosis, she decided to carry her cross with dignity and continue living life to the fullest.”
Learn More >>
31 Similes for Jesus: Meaning & Examples
2. “Turn the other cheek“
Meaning: To respond to an offence with patience and forbearance rather than revenge.
Origin: From Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:39), where he instructs his followers not to resist an evil person but to turn the other cheek if struck.
Example: “Though his colleagues often criticized his ideas unfairly, he chose to turn the other cheek and continue his work with dignity.”
3. “Wash your hands of something”
Meaning: To refuse responsibility for something or to distance oneself from a situation.
Origin: This refers to Pontius Pilate washing his hands to symbolize his innocence during Jesus’ execution.
Example: “After multiple failed attempts to mediate the dispute, the manager washed his hands of the whole affair.”
4. “The writing on the wall”
Meaning: A warning or sign of impending danger or doom.
Origin: While this comes from the Book of Daniel, it’s associated with Jesus’s teachings about recognizing signs.
Example: “The declining sales figures were the writing on the wall for the struggling company.”
Learn More >>
31 Powerful Metaphors for Jesus: Explained in Simple Terms
5. “Rise from the dead”
Meaning: To make an unexpected comeback or recovery after a difficult period.
Origin: Refers to Jesus’s resurrection three days after his crucifixion. Example: “After being written off by critics, the aging athlete rose from the dead to win one final championship.”
Faith and Belief Idioms
6. “Doubting Thomas”
Meaning: Someone sceptical and needs physical or personal evidence to believe something.
Origin: Named after Thomas, the disciple who doubted Jesus’s resurrection until he could see and touch his wounds.
Example: “I doubted Thomas about the new procedure until I saw the impressive results firsthand.”
7. “Road to Damascus moment”
Meaning: A sudden, dramatic change in perspective, belief, or understanding.
Origin: Refers to Saul’s (later Paul) conversion to Christianity after encountering the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Example: “Reading that book was my road to Damascus moment—it completely transformed how I understand economic inequality.”
Learn More >>
31 Similes for Jesus: Meaning & Examples
8. “Good Samaritan”
Meaning: Someone who helps others, especially strangers, without expectation of reward.
Origin: From Jesus’s parable about a Samaritan who helps a wounded traveller when others pass by.
Example: “A good Samaritan stopped to help change my tyre when I was stranded on the highway.”
9. “Faith can move mountains”
Meaning: Strong belief and determination can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles.
Origin: Jesus told his disciples, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move” (Matthew 17:20).
Example: “She approached her cancer treatment with the conviction that faith can move mountains.”
10. “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Meaning: Having good intentions but lacking the ability or discipline to follow through.
Origin: Jesus said this to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane when they fell asleep while he prayed (Matthew 26:41).
Example: “I plan to wake up early for a workout every morning, but the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”
Moral and Ethical Idioms
11. “Do unto others”
Meaning: Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Origin: A shortened version of Jesus’s Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12).
Example: “The company’s ethical framework is built on the principle of ‘do unto others.'”
Learn More >>
31 Powerful Metaphors for Jesus: Explained in Simple Terms
12. “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Meaning: Don’t criticize others if you’re not perfect yourself.
Origin: Jesus’s response to those who wanted to stone a woman caught in adultery (John 8:7).
Example: “Before you criticize your colleague’s mistake, remember: let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
13. “The salt of the earth”
Meaning: A person or group considered honest, reliable, and unpretentious.
Origin: In Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, he tells his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).
Example: “Farmers are the salt of the earth—hardworking people who provide food for our tables.”
14. “Pearls before swine”
Meaning: Offering something valuable to someone who doesn’t appreciate it.
Origin: From Jesus’s warning: “Do not throw your pearls before swine” (Matthew 7:6).
Example: “Explaining quantum physics to them was like casting pearls before swine—they weren’t interested in understanding.”
15. “The truth shall set you free.”
Meaning: Knowing and accepting the truth brings liberation from ignorance or deception.
Origin: Jesus told his disciples, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Example: “After years of denial, she finally confronted her addiction, discovering that the truth shall set you free.”
Sacrifice and Redemption Idioms
16. “Lamb of God”
Meaning: A person who is sacrificed or suffers for the greater good of others.
Origin: John the Baptist describes Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Example: “The whistleblower became the lamb of God for the industry, sacrificing his career to expose corruption.”
17. “Born again”
Meaning: A profound transformation or new beginning.
Origin: Jesus told Nicodemus, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3).
Example: “After recovering from his illness, he felt born again and approached life with renewed passion.”
18. “Fisher of men”
Meaning: Someone who brings others to a cause, belief, or organization. Origin: Jesus told his disciples, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
Example: “The charismatic recruiter was a true fisher of men, attracting top talent to the startup.”
19. “Lost sheep”
Meaning: A person who has gone astray or separated from their community.
Origin: From Jesus’s parable about a shepherd who leaves his flock to find one lost sheep.
Example: “The mentorship program aims to bring lost sheep back into productive society after incarceration.”
20. “Crown of thorns”
Meaning: A painful burden or suffering endured with dignity.
Origin: The crown of thorns placed on Jesus’s head during his crucifixion.
Example: “Her fame became a crown of thorns as she struggled with the constant invasion of privacy.”
Divine Judgment Idioms
21. “Day of reckoning”
Meaning: A time when one must face the consequences of one’s actions.
Origin: Based on Jesus’s teachings about judgment day.
Example: “The financial crisis was a day of reckoning for banks that had engaged in risky lending practices.”
22. “Separate the wheat from the chaff”
Meaning: To distinguish valuable from worthless elements.
Origin: John the Baptist’s description of Jesus: “His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff” (Matthew 3:12).
Example: “The rigorous interview process helped separate the wheat from the chaff among job applicants.”
23. “Fire and brimstone”
Meaning: Rhetoric about divine punishment and the torments of hell.
Origin: References to Jesus’s teachings about judgment, combined with Old Testament imagery.
Example: “The preacher’s fire and brimstone sermon warned of the consequences of immoral behavior.”
24. “Judgment day”
Meaning: A time of reckoning or final evaluation.
Origin: Jesus’s references to the final judgment when he would return.
Example: “Election day is judgment day for politicians as voters evaluate their performance in office.”
25. “Eye for an eye”
Meaning: Retribution in which the punishment matches the crime.
Origin: Although this concept is from the Old Testament, Jesus specifically addressed it in his teachings about forgiveness and turning the other cheek.
Example: “The legal system has evolved beyond ‘an eye for an eye’ to focus on rehabilitation.”
Modern Christian Expressions
26. “WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)”
Meaning: A reminder to act in a way that Jesus would approve of.
Origin: Popularized in the 1990s based on Charles Sheldon’s 1896 book “In His Steps.”
Example: “When faced with ethical dilemmas at work, she often asks herself ‘WWJD’ before making decisions.”
27. “Come to Jesus moment”
Meaning: A crucial or decisive moment of truth, reckoning, or transformation.
Origin: Modern evangelical expression referring to conversion experiences.
Example: “The company’s financial crisis led to a come to Jesus moment where executives had to honestly confront their flawed business model.”
28. “Cleanse your temple”
Meaning: To purify oneself physically, mentally, or spiritually.
Origin: Jesus’s cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem.
Example: “January is when many people try to cleanse their temple through diet and exercise resolutions.”
29. “Walk on water”
Meaning: To perform an extraordinary or seemingly impossible feat. Origin: Jesus walking on water as described in the Gospels.
Example: “The new CEO isn’t expected to walk on water, but shareholders do anticipate significant improvements.”
30. “Break bread together”
Meaning: To share a meal and fellowship with others.
Origin: Jesus breaking bread with his disciples, particularly at the Last Supper.
Example: “Despite their political differences, the families regularly break bread together, focusing on their shared values.”
Common Words and Phrases for Jesus
Throughout history and across different Christian traditions, numerous titles and names have been used to refer to Jesus. Each emphasizes different aspects of his identity and mission:
Traditional Names
- Christ: From the Greek “Christos,” meaning “anointed one,” equivalent to the Hebrew “Messiah.”
- Messiah: The promised deliverer in Jewish prophecies
- Saviour: One who saves humanity from sin and its consequences
- Redeemer: One who pays the price to free others from bondage
Biblical References
- Son of God: Emphasizing Jesus’s divine nature
- Son of Man: Highlighting his human nature and fulfilment of prophecy
- Emmanuel: Meaning “God with us,” referring to the incarnation
- The Word or Logos: From John’s Gospel, representing divine reason and creative order
Cultural References
- The Good Shepherd: Depicting Jesus as one who cares for his followers
- The Light of the World: Representing spiritual illumination and guidance
- The Prince of Peace: Emphasizing his role in bringing spiritual peace
- Alpha and Omega: The beginning and the end, emphasizing eternity
According to Dr. Michael Thompson, a professor of Religious Studies at Princeton University, “The multiplicity of Jesus’s names reflects the complexity of his identity in Christian theology and the various ways communities have related to him throughout history.”
Synonyms for Jesus
While not technically synonyms in the strictest sense, these terms are often used reverentially to refer to Jesus in various contexts:
- Lord: Denoting authority and sovereignty
- Master: Teacher and guide
- Rabbi: Jewish title meaning teacher (used for Jesus in the Gospels)
- The Nazarene: Referring to his hometown
- The Carpenter’s Son: Referring to Joseph’s profession
- King of Kings: Emphasizing supreme sovereignty
- Lamb of God: Highlighting his sacrificial role
- The Bread of Life: Representing spiritual sustenance
- The Living Water: Symbol of spiritual refreshment
- The True Vine: Source of spiritual vitality
Different Christian denominations tend to emphasize certain names over others. For Example, Evangelical Christians often emphasize “Savior” and “Lord,” while Orthodox Christians frequently use “Christ” and “Pantocrator” (ruler of all).
Antonyms for Jesus
When discussing conceptual opposites to Jesus in theological contexts, several contrasts emerge:
Theological Opposites
- Antichrist: In Christian eschatology, a figure who opposes Christ
- Deceiver: As opposed to Jesus as “the Truth.”
- False Prophet: Contrasted with Jesus as the fulfilment of prophecy
- Darkness: Contrasted with Jesus as “the Light of the World”
Cultural Contrasts
- Worldliness: Opposed to Jesus’s teachings about spiritual values
- Pride: Contrasted with Jesus’s humility
- Selfishness: Opposed to Jesus’s selfless love and sacrifice
- Hatred: Contrasted with Jesus’s commandment to love
According to religious scholar Dr. Elaine Pagels of Harvard Divinity School, “These oppositions aren’t merely linguistic—they represent fundamental theological concepts in Christianity about the nature of good and evil, truth and falsehood.”
How These Idioms Appear in Modern Culture
Jesus-related idioms permeate modern culture far beyond religious contexts. According to a 2023 study in the Journal of Linguistics, references to Jesus-related idioms appear approximately 35% more frequently in mainstream media than other religious references.
Media References
Television shows like “The Good Place” frequently incorporate phrases like “good Samaritan” and “road to Damascus moment” to describe character development. These idioms provide a shorthand for complex moral concepts, even in predominantly secular programming.
Literary Examples
Contemporary authors from Marilynne Robinson to Cormac McCarthy employ biblical idioms to add depth and resonance to their narratives. McCarthy’s “The Road” uses numerous Christ-figure allusions and biblical motifs without being explicitly religious.
Everyday Speech
A 2024 survey by the American Dialect Society found that 87% of respondents regularly used at least five Jesus-related idioms, often without awareness of their biblical origins.
The phrase “the writing on the wall” was the most commonly used (93% recognition), followed by “washing one’s hands of something” (89%).
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Jesus-Related Idioms
Test your understanding of these idioms with the following quiz questions:
- What does the idiom “turn the other cheek” encourage people to do? a) Avoid looking at someone b) Respond to offence with forgiveness rather than revenge c) Change one’s perspective d) Physically rotate one’s face
- Which idiom refers to someone who is sceptical and needs physical evidence? a) Road to Damascus b) Doubting Thomas c) Good Samaritan d) Lost Sheep
- The phrase “the writing on the wall” indicates a) Graffiti, b) A warning sign of impending danger, c) A beautiful mural, and d) Ancient hieroglyphics.
- What does it mean to “wash your hands of something”? a) Clean up after a project b) Refuse responsibility for a situation c) Complete a task thoroughly d) Sanitize before eating
- A “good Samaritan” is someone who a) Travels frequently, b) Studies ancient languages, c) Helps others without expectation of reward, and d) Lives in Samaria.
- What does the idiom “separate the wheat from the chaff” mean? a) To harvest grain b) To distinguish valuable from worthless elements c) To divide food equally d) To create different categories
- The expression “crown of thorns” refers to a) A painful burden endured with dignity, b) A beautiful but dangerous object, c) A royal punishment, d) A type of desert plant.
- What does it mean to have a “come to Jesus moment”? a) Attend church b) Experience a decisive moment of truth or transformation c) Pray for guidance d) Convert to Christianity
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-b, 5-c, 6-b, 7-a, 8-b
Final thoughts
The enduring presence of Jesus-related idioms in modern language demonstrates the profound impact of biblical narratives on our cultural consciousness. These expressions transcend religious boundaries, providing rich metaphors that help us articulate complex moral, ethical, and spiritual concepts in everyday speech.
Dr. Robert Alter, professor of Hebrew and Comparative Literature at UC Berkeley, notes: “Biblical idioms serve as a kind of shared cultural shorthand, allowing even secular societies to express profound ethical ideas through metaphors with deep historical resonance.”
Whether you use these expressions for their religious significance or simply as part of your everyday vocabulary, understanding their origins and meanings enhances appreciation for the historical and cultural forces that have shaped our language.
What other Jesus-related idioms do you use in your everyday speech? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
