from strength to strength

The now commonly-used English idiom “from strength to strength” (for describing something that is increasingly successful or improved) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 289)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

money is the root of all evil

The now commonly-used English idiom “money is the root of all evil” (meaning the desire to obtain and amass money is the ultimate reason humans do evil things) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible (in the spelling (the desire of) money is the roote of all euill). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 283)

In Russian, this phrase (Ибо корень всех зол есть сребролюбие — Ibo koren’ vsekh zol yest’ srebrolyubiye) is also widely-used as an idiom. The wording of the quote originated in the Russian Synodal Bible (publ. 1876). (Source: Reznikov 2020, p. 45)

It is also used in the following languages:

  • Spanish: El dinero es la raíz de todos los males
  • French: L’argent est la racine de tout mal / L’argent est la source de tous les maux
  • Arabic: المال أصل كل الشر (almal ‘asl kuli alshari)
  • Mandarin Chinese: 钱是万恶之源 (qián shì wàn’èzhī yuán)
  • German: Geld ist die Wurzel allen Übels

eye to eye

The now commonly-used English idiom “eye to eye” (for being in agreement with someone) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 275)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

apple of one's eye

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.

In Russian, the phrase хранить/беречъ как зеницу ока (khranit’/berech’ kak zenitsu oka) or “to keep/ guard as an apple of the eye” is also very widely-used with a whole range of meanings, much beyond just a cherished person. The wording of the quote originated in the Russian Synodal Bible (publ. 1876). (Source: Reznikov 2020, p. 5)

In the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) it is translated with the idiom ngati mwanadiso which means “pupil of the eye” — a poetic expression which signifies something that is very delicate and valuable just as the eye pupil. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

stiff-necked

The now commonly-used English idiom “stiff-necked” (meaning haughtily or arrogantly obstinate) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale (in the spelling stife necked). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 284)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

See also stiff-necked / uncircumcised.

holier than thou

The now commonly-used English idiom “holier than thou” (for being sanctimonious) was first coined in 1560 in the Geneva Bible. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 275)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

led as a sheep to the slaughter

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)

In Russian, this phrase (овца на заклание — ovtsa na zaklaniye) is also widely used as an idiom in every-day life. The wording of the quote originated in the Russian Synodal Bible (publ. 1876). (Source: Reznikov 2020, p. 97)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

many are called but few are chosen

The now commonly-used English idiom “many are called, but few are chosen” (for when a lot of people attempt to achieve or attain something, but only a few will actually be successful) was first coined in 1582 in the Douay Rheims Version. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 269)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.