Biblical Allusions Flashcards
Abraham and Isaac
Father and son. God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to kill his son, Isaac, which Abraham was willing to do. Both Jews and Arabs trace their lineage to “Father Abraham” : Jews descend from Isaac, Arabs from Abraham’s other son, Ishmael.
Absalom
Third son of David who rebelled against his father.
Adam and Eve
The first man and woman. God drove them from the Garden of Eden after they tasted the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve are the parents of mankind.
Alpha and Omega
The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet; used in conjunction, they represent God, who is the beginning and the end.
Am I my brother’s keeper?
This is from the Bible story of Cain and Abel, Adam’s and Eve’s sons. Upon learning that God had accepted Abel’s sacrifice and not his own, Cain killed Abel. When God asked Cain where his brother was, Cain replied, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Apocalypse
Another name for the Book of Revelation, the last book of the Bible. An apocalypse refers to a final battle or catastrophe; the Apocalypse is the end of time.
Apostles
The original apostles, or followers, of Christ.
Mt. Ararat
Where Noah’s Ark landed.
Ark of the Covenant
a chest described in the Book of Exodus[1] as containing the Tablets of Stone on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed
Armageddon
The final battle between God and the devil at the end of the world, as described in the book of Revelation. Any major, climatic battle is sometimes considered Armageddon - the final battle between good and evil.
Tower of Babel
Originally intended to reach into heaven, was built by the descendants of Noah, who were unified in speech in the city of Babel. Because of their arrogance, God confused their speech, making the people unable to understand one another, thus creating the different languages of Earth.
Babylon
an ancient city of Mesopotamia known for its wealth, luxury, and vice
Barabbas
Barabbas is the insurrectionary whom Pontius Pilate freed at the Passover feast in Jerusalem, instead of Jesus
Bathsheba
The married woman whom David lusted after
Beatitudes
The words of Jesus, spoken during the Sermon on the Mount. Each beatitude begins with, “Blessed are the…”
Beelzebub
Another name for the devil. In Milton’s Paradise Lost, Beelzebub is second in command to Lucifer.
Bethlehem
The birthplace of Jesus; it’s a village near Jerusalem.
Blind leading the blind
The corrupt leading the lost. God saying that no “blind” person should lead potential Christians.
Bread cast upon waters
do good without expecting gratitude or reward.
Burning Bush
The method by which God revealed himself to Moses. Although the bush was on fire, it did not burn.
Cain and Abel
Adam and Eve’s first sons. Cain murdered his brother, and as a result, was exiled by God. God marked Cain to protect him during his wanderings; this mark of Cain is still considered a sign of mankind’s sinful nature.
Coat of many colors
The coat Jacob gave to his son, Joseph. His brothers became jealous, coveting Joseph’s gift, and sold Joseph into slavery.
Covenant
An agreement, or contract, between God and his people.
Crown of thorns
A mock crown, woven cut of thorny branches, that Jesus was forced to wear by Roman soldiers. Anything that causes immense pain and suffering can be called a crown of thorns.
Crucifixion
Refers to the death of Jesus by hanging on a cross, bound by ropes or nailed through the hands and feet.
Delilah and Samson
A man of the Old Testament who had incredible strength. Samson was betrayed by his lover, Delilah, who found out that his hair was the source of his strength and cut it.
Disciples
Followers. Originally, they were the followers of Jesus, but now the term is used to describe anyone who follows a leader.
Doubting Thomas
Refers to the apostle Thomas, who was not present with the others when they saw the risen Jesus Christ. He demanded to see for himself and touch Jesus’ wounds before he would believe that Christ had risen from the dead. Those with little faith are often referred to as doubting Thomases.
Eden
The site of Adam and Eve’s perfect existence, until their transgression and subsequent banishment. Any place of complete peace and happiness can be considered a Garden of Eden.
Elijah
Elijah or Elias was a prophet and a wonder-worker in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Ahab, according to the Biblical Books of King
Exodus
The second book of the Bible. It recounts the journey of Moses and the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The word exodus comes from the Greek, meaning departure.
Fall of man
Adam and Eve’s were commanded by God not to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge. Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience led to the Fall of Man and was famously chronicled in Milton’s Paradise Lost.
Fatted calf
The parable of the Prodigal Son. The fatted calf was sacrificed to celebrate the return of the wayward son.
Forbidden fruit
Refers to the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which Adam and Eve were instructed not to eat. Traditionally, the forbidden fruit is an apple, though this has no Biblical origin. Contemporary forbidden fruits are things that are off-limits. Often, forbidden fruits are sexual in nature.
Four horsemen
Signs from the Book of Revelation. Each rider represents a different form of evil: war, famine, pestilence, and death.
Fruits - you will know them by their fruits
Hard work or products of hard work. Children are the fruits of marriage. A diploma is the fruits of my high school career.
Give - more blessed to give than recieve
People who are more willing to give and not receive in return and going to end up more blessed
Go the extra mile
Do more than you are required
Golden calf
An idol created for the Israelites during the time they roamed the desert in search of the Promised Land. Fearing Moses would not return from Mt. Sinai and needing a god to lead them, they had Aaron create the golden calf out of melted jewelry. When Moses returned with the Ten Commandments, he found the people worshiping this false god.
Good Samaritan
Tells about an enemy, a Samaritan, taking care of a Jewish man who was beaten and robbed. People who perform random acts of kindness are often called good Samaritans.
