Lesson Thirty-Two: Shakespeare’s Allusions to the Book of Genesis

LESSON THIRTY-ONE IDIOMS FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS

Lesson Overview:

An idiom is language distinct to a group of people or to a district, community, or class. All languages have idioms. In the Western tradition, idioms have become an essential element of literature and descriptions of everyday life. The phrasing of words and inflections from the King James Bible has left a profound impact on our society. In this lesson, students will examine common idioms derived from the Book of Genesis. Key Concepts: biblical idioms, puns, metaphors, allegory

Lesson Objectives:

Students will:

 examine everyday expressions whose meanings are derived from the Book of Genesis.  demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.  engage in collaborative discussions building on others' ideas while expressing their own thoughts accurately and clearly.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this lesson, students will:  demonstrate an understanding of idiomatic expressions derived from the Book of Genesis.  distinguish between figurative and literal language.  understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.  exchange ideas accurately and clearly.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Materials:

 Video: English Idioms (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdSNNy9KkEI)  Book: Idioms in the Bible Explained and a Key to the Original Gospels (Chapter 5: The Book of Genesis) (https://zoboko.com/text/zo8mqm68/idioms-in-the-bible-explained-anda-key-to-the-original-gospels/5)  Article: “Biblical Idioms” by Maymie Hayim  (http://www.mayimhayim.org/Hebrew%20Perspectives/Biblical%20Idioms.RX5.htm)

Procedure:

Use the materials as shown to respond to the study questions/follow-up activities.

Activity 1

Resource: Idioms in the Bible Explained and a Key to the Original Gospels (Chapter 5: The Book of Genesis) (https://zoboko.com/text/zo8mqm68/idioms-in-the-bible-explained-and-a-keyto-the-original-gospels/5)

Directions: Select the best explanation for the idioms.

1. “Let there be light.” (Gen.1:3) A. Let there be enlightenment/ knowledge. B. Let there be order. C. Let there be peace. D. Let there be an abundance. E. None of the above

2. “The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil” (Genesis 2–3) A. Moral law B. Eternity C. Lack of knowledge D. Ignorance E. None of the above

3. “Thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:17-18) A. Weary and impatient B. Straits and trials C. Shame D. Fear E. None of the above

2. “The serpent” (Gen. 3:1) A. A competitor B. An enemy C. A mystery D. Exposure E. None of the above

3. “My spirit shall not dwell in man forever.” (Gen. 6:3) A. “I shall not live with you.” B. “I shall not hear you.” C. “I have become weary and impatient.” D. “I have another plan.”

E. None of the above

4. “Naked” (Gen. 2:25) A. Banned B. Afraid C. Tempted D. Exposed E. None of the above

5. “I set my bow in the clouds.” (Gen. 9:13) A. “I make a promise.” B. “I establish the evening.” C. “I set the rainbow in the sky.” D. “I establish plans.” E. None of the above

6. “I have lifted up my hands.” (Gen.14:22) A. “I am ready to fight.” B. “I am leaving.” C. “I am ready.” D. “I am taking a solemn oath.” E. None of the above.

7. “Thy seed” (Gen. 17:7) A. Your offspring; descendants B. Your land; ground C. Your harvest D. Your ancestors E. None of the above.

8. “As the stars of heaven.” (Gen. 22:17) A. Heavenly B. Angelic C. Scattered D. Innumerable E. None of the above.

9. Hand under thigh. (Gen. 24:2) A. Listening to an elder B. Forgiving an enemy C. Swearing upon the testicles of the master D. Talking to a stranger E. None of the above

10. Looking behind (Gen. 19:17) A. Lifeless; stricken B. Regretting; wasting