Generally if you’re gonna call yourself biblically literate, you oughta at least know these quotes from the bible. Probably already do; you just didn’t realize they were from the bible.
ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. Or “come short” in the
ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE. Or “all men” (
ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD. In context, “to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
ALL WE, LIKE SHEEP, HAVE GONE ASTRAY. Isaiah’s warning to his people: They turned away from God, like sheep who disregard their shepherd.
AM I MY BROTHER’S KEEPER? Cain’s excuse to God for not knowing where Abel was,
ASK AND IT’LL BE GIVEN YOU. Jesus’s teaching that the Father wants to give good gifts to his kids.
BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY. God’s directives to his animals after creating them.
BE SURE YOUR SIN WILL FIND YOU OUT. Moses’s warning to two tribes who promised they’d fight with the other ten; that if they broke their promise they’d get caught.
BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES. A prophecy about future peace—or not—found in multiple books of the prophets.
BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL. A line from Psalms 103 and 104.
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. Comes from one of
BLIND LEADING THE BLIND. Which doesn’t work without tragic consequences.
BY THEIR FRUITS YOU’LL KNOW THEM. Or “ye shall know them” (
CAMEL THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE. Jesus compared getting the wealthy into heaven with shoving a camel through a needle’s eye.
CAN THE ETHIOPIAN CHANGE HIS SKIN OR THE LEOPARD HIS SPOTS? Jeremiah’s objection that Jerusalem was unlikely to change its sinful behavior.
CAST THE FIRST STONE. Jesus’s ruling when Pharisees brought him an adulterer to judge.
CAST YOUR BREAD UPON THE WATERS. An expression from Ecclesiastes about generosity;
CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS. Paul’s instructions,
COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR. Or “all who are weary.” Jesus offers rest and peace of mind to the physically and spiritually burdened.
CONSIDER THE LILIES OF THE FIELD. Part of Jesus’s instructions that we not worry about food or clothing; God provides. Lilies don’t fret about clothes, yet look good.
CUP OF COLD WATER. Jesus’s point that small acts of generosity—like giving cold water to a thirsty child—get rewarded too.
CUP RUNNETH OVER. Part of Psalm 23, about
DEEP CALLS UNTO DEEP. Properly, “waters call waters”—the psalmist’s description of the echoes of noise produced by a waterfall.
DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME. Or “This do,” if you wanna sound pretentious. Jesus’s instruction when, at the last supper, he handed out bread and wine to his students.
DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.
DUST TO DUST. Based on God’s statement to Adam and Eve in judgment, “For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
EVERY ONE OF US WILL GIVE AN ACCOUNT TO GOD. Paul’s instructions against condemning one another, for each of us answer to God.
THE EARTH WAS WITHOUT FORM AND VOID. The state of the world right after God initially created it.
EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY. The recommendation of Ecclesiastes—to enjoy life while it lasts.
EYE FOR AN EYE, TOOTH FOR A TOOTH. The Law’s
FAITH AS SMALL AS A MUSTARD SEED. Which, Jesus says, is enough to move a mountain.
FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE. Or “faith, hope, and charity” (
FATHER FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO. Jesus’s prayer about the soldiers who were crucifying him.
FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. A statement in both Psalms and Proverbs;
FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE. Properly, “solemnly, miraculously made.” The psalmist’s description of how God created him within his mother.
THE FIRST SHALL BE LAST. In Jesus’s kingdom, priority is given to those who serve others, not those who get served;
FISHERS OF MEN. After
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD and the rest of
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS. When Esther, consort of the shah of Persia, balked at talking to the shah about rescuing her people, her cousin reminded her this was probably why she was in the place she was.
FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES. Part of
GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN. Jesus’s order to Satan
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. Part of
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST. In Latin, Gloria in excelsis Deo (and everybody pronounces in excelsis wrong; it’s
GO AND SIN NO MORE. What Jesus told the adulterer after her accusers left.
GO INTO ALL THE WORLD. Part of Mark’s version of Jesus’s “great commission,” in which he sent his students to spread the gospel.
GO THE SECOND MILE. Roman soldiers could order any non-Roman to carry their gear for a mile. Jesus
GO TO THE ANT, THOU SLUGGARD. A proverb about how the ant behaves wisely,
GOD IS LOVE. Part of John’s description of God,
GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY. Sometimes “glad tidings,” from a Christmas song which mixes up Gabriel’s statement
HE WHO IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME. Jesus’s statement that if we’re not on his team, we’re not helping.
HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD. Or “coals of fire” (
HEAR O ISRAEL: THE LORD IS OUR GOD; THE LORD IS ONE. The shemá, the Hebrew declaration of faith in the One God,
THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF GOD. A reminder that creation reflects the greatness of its Creator.
HONOR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. One of
A HOUSE DIVIDED AGAINST ITSELF CANNOT STAND. Jesus’s explanation for why the Pharisees’ accusation
I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK. Jesus’s offer to have a relationship with Christians who want it.
I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. Based on Moses’s statement about God going with the Hebrews,
IF I PERISH, I PERISH. Esther’s statement when she steeled herself to approach the shah of Persia.
IF YOU LOVE ME KEEP MY COMMANDS. Or “commandments.” Jesus’s instruction to his students
IN HIS OWN IMAGE or IN THE IMAGE OF GOD. A description of how God created humans, both male and female.
IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE ARE MANY MANSIONS. Jesus’s description of the kingdom he’s preparing for us.
IN THE BEGINNING. How Genesis, and therefore the bible, starts.
INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT. Or “commend” (
AS IRON SHARPENS IRON so one person sharpens another;
IT IS FINISHED. Jesus’s
IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE. Something Jesus taught which Paul quoted,
JUDGE NOT LEST YOU BE JUDGED. Or “that ye be not judged” (
THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH. Paul’s idea that people are made right with God through trusting him,
KILL THE FATTED CALF. A fatted, or fattened steer is the one a rancher intends to eat next, and is feeding well so it’s got some meat (and fat) on its bones. In Jesus’s Prodigal Son Story,
THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST. In Jesus’s kingdom, priority is given to those who serve others, not those who get served;
LAY NOT UP TREASURES ON EARTH. The
LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. Part of
LET MY PEOPLE GO. Moses’s order to Egypt’s pharaoh,
LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR DEAD. Jesus’s statement to a wavering follower who wanted to bury his father first.
LET THERE BE LIGHT. God’s first statement in Genesis, and therefore the bible.
THE LETTER KILLS BUT THE SPIRIT GIVES LIFE. Paul’s explanation that following the Law by its wording, not by God’s intent, was doing it wrong.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
THE LION SHALL LIE DOWN WITH THE LAMB. Actually an abbreviation of “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”
LIVE BY THE SWORD, DIE BY THE SWORD.
THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU. Part of Aaron’s priestly benediction.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD. The start of
LOVE THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, SOUL, MIND, AND STRENGTH. The command Jesus considered the most important.
LOVE YOUR ENEMIES.
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. The command Jesus considered the second-most important.
MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE UNTO THE LORD. The start of
MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE. But by every word which comes from God’s mouth; part of
MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN. Jesus’s ending to his parable of the wedding.
THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH. Comes from one of
MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. Really,
MY GOD MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME? Jesus’s quote from the psalms
NO MAN CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS. Namely God and
NOT BY MIGHT NOR BY POWER, BUT BY MY SPIRIT. Zechariah’s prophecy describing how Judea’s governor Zerubbabel was gonna achieve his promises:
NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN. As Ecclesiastes regularly put it.
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN. The start of
PEARLS BEFORE SWINE. Not the comic strip; Jesus’s teaching
PHYSICIAN HEAL THYSELF. A first-century saying Jesus quoted,
A PROPHET IS NOT WITHOUT HONOR, SAVE IN HIS OWN COUNTRY. Jesus’s comment about how people think about locals who achieve distinction; himself in particular.
THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. Jesus’s description of himself;
REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY, TO KEEP IT HOLY. One of
RENDER UNTO CAESAR WHAT IS CAESAR’S, AND TO GOD WHAT IS GOD’S. Jesus’s ruling when the Pharisees wanted to know if it violated the Law to pay Roman taxes.
SALT OF THE EARTH. What Jesus called his followers,
SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND. Jesus’s teaching that the Father wants to give good gifts to his kids.
THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS. Jesus compared judgment day to a shepherd
THE SKIN OF MY TEETH. A phrase Job used to describe barely escaping disaster.
A SOFT ANSWER TURNS AWAY WRATH. A reminder to be tactful.
THE SPIRIT IS WILLING BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK. Jesus’s description of his students when they couldn’t stay awake to pray with him
A STILL SMALL VOICE. How God was described as speaking to Elijah.
STRAIGHT IS THE GATE AND NARROW IS THE WAY which leads to life
STRAIN OUT A GNAT AND SWALLOW A CAMEL. Jesus’s complaint the Pharisees nitpicked minor details in the Law,
SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN to come unto me: It means permit the children to approach Jesus; he was outraged his students prevented people from bringing their kids to him.
THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. Declaration of the Father
THIS IS MY BODY WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU. How Jesus described
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT. A popular verse.
THOU ART THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. Simon Peter’s declaration of who Jesus is.
THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME. One of
THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR. Another of
THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. Another of
THOU SHALT NOT COVET. Another of
THOU SHALT NOT KILL. Another of
THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE. Another of
THOU SHALT NOT STEAL. Another of
THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN. Another of
A THREEFOLD CORD IS NOT QUICKLY BROKEN. A proverb about teamwork.
THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY. Paul’s description of how we currently view the universe as if looking through a not-so clear mirror (or looking-glass).
THY WILL BE DONE. Part of
THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET. The psalmist’s description of God’s Law.
A TIME TO BE BORN AND A TIME TO DIE. In Ecclesiastes, part of the description of how various things happen in life.
TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON. Often known from the Byrds song “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, but how Ecclesiastes begins its description of how various things happen in life.
TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO and when he’s old he won’t depart from it.
TURN THE OTHER CHEEK. Jesus’s instruction
THE TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH. A description of marriage, or at least marital relations.
UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN. Part of Isaiah’s prophecy of Messiah.
VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. Part of Psalm 23, about
VANITY OF VANITIES; ALL IS VANITY. How Ecclesiastes begins in the King James Version.
VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS. Properly, “voice of one calling” (
THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. But God’s gift is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. Jesus’s description of himself; namely how nobody gets to God the Father other than through him.
WHAT GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER, LET NO MAN PUT ASUNDER. Or “let no man separate.” Jesus’s ruling about divorce,
WHEN I WAS A CHILD I SPOKE AS A CHILD. Paul’s description of growing up, of maturity, namely in spiritual matters.
WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED IN MY NAME. Jesus states when Christians agree in his name, he’s there among us.
WHERE YOU GO I GO. Or “Whither thou goest, I will go” (
WIDE IS THE GATE AND BROAD IS THE WAY THAT LEADS TO DESTRUCTION. Jesus’s warning that it’s easier to go nowhere than somewhere.
WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING. Jesus’s
YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON. Jesus’s reminder we’d wind up choosing one master or the other; God or
