Understand the language of Scripture Explore idioms, metaphors, euphemisms, hyperbole, and other figures of speech in clear, everyday language. Religious leaders exploited vulnerable widows and consumed their property or resources. Do not keep offering sacred truth in a way that invites hardened mockery, trampling, or violent abuse. “Dogs” can label shameless, unclean, hostile, or outsider behavior. A person was divided, insincere, or speaking one way while intending another. A divided, unstable person is pushed back and forth rather than trusting God steadily. The great dragon represents the devil, Satan, the deceiver and accuser. A person commits sin eagerly, habitually, and without restraint. Someone experienced judgment completely, down to the last bitter part. The scattered, hopeless bones represent Israel in exile, whom God promises to restore and revive. People were slow, resistant, or unable to understand and respond to what they heard. A person expressed mortality, humility, grief, repentance, or utter lowliness. People dispersed to their homes, tribes, or customary living places. People will be shocked or horrified by the news they hear. The ground receives blood, swallows people, or takes in destructive waters. The land is shaken violently and cannot remain stable under divine judgment. To eat food or share a meal. Rulers, enemies, or oppressors cruelly exploit and destroy people. The prophet receives, internalizes, and must proclaim God’s message, whether sweet to receive or bitter in effect. A person was stingy, envious, resentful, or unwilling to see another receive good. A person’s sight, strength, or hope failed through age, sorrow, or prolonged longing. Someone was too sleepy, exhausted, grieved, or unresponsive to keep alert. To receive understanding, renewed strength, or awareness. A person is constantly looking at others with sexual lust and is practiced in unfaithfulness. Christ is portrayed as penetrating in judgment, firm and glorious in authority, and overwhelming in voice.Biblical Expressions
Devour widows’ houses
Do not cast pearls before swine / holy things to dogs
Dogs as contemptuous label
Double heart / heart and heart
Doubter like a wave
Dragon is the devil and Satan
Drink iniquity like water
Drink the dregs
Dry bones are the house of Israel
Dull/heavy ears
Dust and ashes
Each to his tent
Ears tingle
Earth opens its mouth
Earth reels like a drunkard
Eat bread
Eat the flesh of people
Eat the scroll
Evil/bad eye
Eye consumed/dimmed
Eyes are heavy
Eyes enlightened
Eyes full of adultery
Eyes like flame; feet like bronze; voice like waters
Biblical Expressions
483 expressions
Plain explanations with linked Scripture passages