Crystal, David. Begat: The King James Bible and the English Language. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2010.
The now commonly-used English idiom “led as a sheep (or: lamb) to the slaughter” (meaning doing something without knowing that something bad is going to happen and therefore act calmly) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 282)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “fight the good fight” (meaning to act in a way that is virtuous or honorable) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale (in the spelling fyght ye good fyght). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 286)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “pearls before swine” (meaning something valuable presented to someone who doesn’t recognize its worth) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale (in the spelling (cast ye youre) pearles before swyne). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 286)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “seek and ye shall find” (meaning that if one searches hard enough for something one will find it) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 286)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “physician heal thyself” (meaning to attend to one’s own faults rather than pointing out the faults of others) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 287)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “apple of one’s eye” (meaning to be a cherished person) was first coined in 1382 in the English translation by John Wycliffe (in the spelling apple of his iye). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 289)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “O ye of little faith” (as an often humorous rebuke of someone who has expressed doubt) was first coined in 1382 in the English translation by John Wycliffe (in the spelling you of litel feith). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 290)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.
The now commonly-used English idiom “flesh and blood” (meaning one’s family member(s) or the human body with its limitations) was first coined in 1382 in the English translation by John Wycliffe (in the spelling fleisch and blood). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 290)
For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.