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KJV: How it's Shaped Our Language

According to a new book by British linguist David Crystal, the King James Bible has gifted more than 250 commonly used phrases to the English language, including “the salt of the earth,” “giving up the ghost,” “putting words in your mouth,” “by the skin of one’s teeth,” “the land of the living,” and “a law unto himself.” An article by BBC News says no other piece of culture seems to have had more influence on the English language; even Shakespeare has only offered about 100 phrases. Even though only a minority can recall parables and other biblical references correctly, phrases from the KJV have permeated our language so that it isn’t even necessary for English speakers to open a copy to be influenced by it. Crystal says the Bible permeated the English language because it was read aloud so often, and it also had a profound effect on the language of the most influential and popular people—which in turn would have an impact on the way ordinary folks spoke. The KJV is celebrating its 400th anniversary.