Idioms in the Scriptures

For those who speak a foreign language idioms are probably the most exciting thing to learn. Knowing the different idioms of a specific language is probably the ultimate test of true proficiency and fluency. Yesterday, around our diner table, we were discussing idioms and how funny it is when you try to interpret one literally, and one of our guests asked, “So… what is an idiom, exactly?”

Here’s a definition, straight from Wikipedia:

“An idiom (Latin: idioma, “special property”, f. Greek: ἰδίωμα — idiōma, “special feature, special phrasing”, f. Greek: ἴδιος — idios, “one’s own”) is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made. There are estimated to be at least 25,000 idiomatic expressions in American English.”

Let me give you a few examples. When someone dies, there is an expression you may have heard, “He kicked the bucket.” If you are not a native speaker of the English language, this may have you wonder why this person was kicking a bucket, and more so why was is everyone so upset about it! This is an idiom (and the person wondering is not necessarily an idiot!). In Portugal, where I am originally from, the following expression, “Ele enforcou-se!” is usually heard during or after a wedding. When translated directly to English it means “He hanged himself!”, but if you know the idiom you know it really refers to someone who got married.

As we read the scriptures we often come across idioms that were part of the Hebrew language and culture, and a proper understanding of these idioms will greatly enhance our comprehension of the sacred story and will often give a whole new meaning to many stories we may have wondered about. Again, let me give you a few examples and explain some of the consequences of reading the idiom and interpreting it correctly.

Forty

Have you ever noticed how often the number forty is mentioned in the scriptures? During the flood, it rained during forty days and forty nights. The waters of the flood were up for forty days. Moses started his ministry to the Hebrews when he was forty years of age. He fled the Egyptians and went to Midian, and after forty years he was visited by an angel. Israel wondered in the desert for forty years. Moses went up to the mountain of the Lord and stayed there for forty days and forty nights. Joshua was forty years old when Moses called him to go to Canaan. Jesus Christ fasted for forty days. A group of Nephites searched for the land of Lehi-Nephi, and wondered in the desert for forty days. And so on, and so forth.

 Is it just a coincidence or is there a sacred meaning to this number? I believe neither is the answer.

You see, the number forty is part of a Hebrew idiom that means many, and so when we read that it rained for forty days and forty nights the author was really saying that it rained for a long time, or for many days, which could perfectly be less than forty or even more than forty days. In the same way, when the Gospel tells us the story of Jesus fasting for forty days, it really means that he fasted for may days, not necessarily that exact number of days. Interesting enough, even the Book of Mormon follows this pattern, with the Nephites being of Hebrew origin, of course.

Milk and Honey

Another common theme in the Old Testament is the land “flowing with milk and honey.” This too is an idiom, in which “flowing with milk and honey” means fertile. Canaan was presented to the Hebrews as a land “flowing with milk and honey” because this was a fertile land.

Here are a few other examples:

Hide your face – refuse to answer
Number days – use time wisely
Good eye – generous
Lamp will go out – die
City great to God – very large city
Lift up my soul – pray
Sons of the groom – guests of the bridegroom
Kick against the pricks – getting hurt by actively resisting
Hear heavily with the ears – to be slow to understand
From faith to faith – from start to finish
To heap coals of fire on one’s head – to be very kind to someone

Try reading the scriptures with these meanings in mind, and you may find new meanings and insights.