Thursday, January 20, 2011

How the King James Bible changed the English language


No other book, or indeed any piece of culture, seems to have influenced the English language as much as the King James Bible. Its turns of phrase have permeated the everyday language of English speakers, whether or not they've ever opened a copy.

Below are some familiar phrases from the Text and the BBC has a revealing and fascinating article that explains and debates its influence in depth.

Phrases still with us

  • Turned the world upside down Acts 17:6

  • God forbid Romans 3:4

  • Take root 2 Kings 19:30

  • The powers that be Romans 13:1

  • Filthy lucre 1 Timothy 3:3

  • No peace for the wicked Isaiah 57: 21

  • A fly in the ointment Ecclesiastes 10:1

  • Wheels within wheels Ezekiel 10:10

  • The blind leading the blind Matthew 15:13

  • Feet of clay Daniel 2:33

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