The influence of the Bible in English literature and language
The Bible is influential worldwide.
“It is commonly known that the Bible, in its hundreds of different translations, is the most widely distributed book in human history. Moreover, in all its forms, the Bible has been enormously influential, and not only among the religious communities that hold it sacred. The literature, art, and music of Western culture in particular are deeply indebted to biblical themes, motifs, and images. Translations of the Bible… not only influenced literature but also shaped the development of languages. Such effects continue to be felt in emerging nations, where translations of the Bible into the vernacular help to shape language traditions.” Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000
“Translated in whole or in part into more than 1,500 languages, the Bible is the most widely distributed book in the world. Its influence on history and culture, including literature and the other arts, is incalculable.” Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia
In art consider Michelangelo’s David and the Sistine Chapel paintings.
In music consider Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring.
Examples of the influence of the Bible on conversational English and English literature
“Through all its many editions, the Bible has had an enormous impact on our literature and our everyday language. Indeed, some of the greatest literary works of Western Civilization, such as Paradise Lost, are based squarely on the Bible. Other classics, such as the plays of Shakespeare, do not incorporate Biblical themes per se, but, many of the plays are infused with Biblical symbolism and imagery… The Bible’s influence on American writers has been equally profound. Moby Dick, to cite just one example, is laced with allusions to the Books of Genesis, Job, Jonah and Kings.
“The language of the Bible is not just reflected in great books, of course. It has influenced our spoken language as well. When Abraham Lincoln, for example, warned that the institution of slavery had created ‘a house divided against itself’ he was paraphrasing Luke 11:17. More than a century later, when Ronald Reagan likened American to ‘city upon a hill,’ he was reviving an idea first put forth by the Puritan leader John Winthrop. The great Puritan leader had, in turn, borrowed the phrase from the New Testament.” Charlton Heston Presents the Bible
Common conversational English words and phrases from the Bible
“baptize” -- to immerse something or someone; usually in water
“baptism by fire” – a very difficult challenge; a test of worthiness
a “Judas kiss” -- to be betrayed by a friend
a “pearl of great price” – something very valuable for which a person gives up everything he has to obtain it
like “sheep without a shepherd” -- people in a state of confusion because they have no leadership
to “crucify” someone – to make a person (usually unfairly) an object of ridicule and abuse
“scapegoat” – a person who is accused (usually unfairly) of being the reason for problems; usually to deflect attention from the real causes
“apple of my eye” – a term of endearment that describes someone as the center of one’s affection, interest and delight
“let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die” -- an invitation to party
“drop in the bucket” – something that is too insignificant to count or consider
“prodigal” – adjective describing a person, usually a son or daughter, who is disobedient, wild and usually away from home
“good Samaritan” -- the name given to a person who helps someone in trouble, usually in an emergency
a “doubting Thomas” – a skeptic; a person who demands proof of everything
“patience of Job” – a phrase used to describe a person with great patience in the midst of great problems and difficulties
“writing on the wall” – bad news that has become obvious
“Delilah” or “Jezebel” -- a deceitful or evil woman
“Adam’s apple” – common name for the lump at the front of the throat
Selections from the Bible familiar to the average American
Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd”
1 Corinthians chapter 13 – “the love chapter”
Adam and Eve – Genesis chapters 1 - 3
Noah and the Flood – Genesis chapters 6 - 9
Moses and the Ten Commandments – Exodus chapters 2 - 20
David and Goliath – 1Samuel chapter 17
many sections of the life of Jesus, for example:
the birth of Jesus (Luke chapter 2),
the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapter 5),
Jesus’ death and resurrection.
The contrast of current American attitudes toward the Bible
73 % of Americans believe people should read the Bible.
57 % read the Bible only in church services.
The vast majority of Americans regard the Bible as the word of God.
More than 1 in 3 believe every scriptural word is true.
Books in Print requires 55 pages to list all Bible-related entries.
(By comparison, only 14 pages are required to list all books on sex; 15 pages to list all books on food.) Newsweek Dec.27, 1982
Over $200,000,000 spent in U.S. each year on Bibles alone
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