12 Common Sayings from the Bible and Their Origins

Key facts

• The Bible is the best-selling and most widely distributed book in the world.
• 'Going the extra mile' comes from Matthew 5:41, where Jesus says to go two miles if forced to go one.
• 'Putting words in my mouth' appears in Deuteronomy 18:18, Isaiah 59:21, and Jeremiah.
• 'A leopard never changes its spots' is from Jeremiah 13:23.
• 'Apple of his eye' is found in Deuteronomy 32:10 and Psalm 17:8.
• 'Cross to bear' originates from Luke 14:27, referring to following Jesus.
• 'The blind leading the blind' is from Matthew 15:14, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees.
• 'Wash my hands of the matter' comes from Pontius Pilate in Matthew 27:24.
• 'Turn the other cheek' is from Matthew 5:39 in the Sermon on the Mount.
• 'Labor of love' is from 1 Thessalonians 1:3 by the Apostle Paul.
• 'Writing on the wall' is from Daniel 5:5-6, about King Belshazzar's feast.
• 'Catch my breath' is from Job 9:18, where Job pleads for respite.
• 'Am I my brother's keeper?' is from Genesis 4:9, spoken by Cain after killing Abel.