Easter’s legacy to the English language

Perhaps, what has earned the English language worldwide popularity is the fact that it has “borrowed” (and benefitted) from many languages. Indeed, one major characteristic of English is its flexibility to ‘co-opt’ words and phrases from other languages into its royal service.

In commemoration of Easter, this article examines the following contributions the Easter story has made to the English language:

• Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem?

Source: The Biblical reference of this rhetorical question is the Gospel according to St. Luke Chapter 24 verse 18, and the quotation is attributed to one Cleopas.

In this passage, sometime after His resurrection, Jesus joined two disciples who were travelling to a village called Emmaus, near Jerusalem.

The two seemed engrossed in conversation, and their countenance reflected sadness.

When Jesus asked what they were discussing, Cleopas replied, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?”

Application: The phrase (the first part of the quotation) is usually used to express surprise, nay amazement, at someone who does not seem to be abreast with some information or fact that is supposed to be in the public domain.

In these days when information dissemination is on a real-time basis (thanks to the internet and other social media), the phrase is likely to be directed at someone who does not seem to be aware of some important or ‘breaking’ news that has been circulating, even if for a few hours.

In straightforward language, a person who seems to be ignorant of information, such as the type described above, may be said to be not current.

• Nicodemus:

Source: The first mention of Nicodemus in the Bible is recorded in the Gospel according to St John Chapter 3 verses 1&2.

In the passage, this man, who is described as “a man of the Pharisees” and “a ruler of the Jews”, went to see Jesus at night.

However, his connection with the Easter story is recorded later in St John’s Gospel Chapter 19 verse 39: “... and Nicodemus, who at first went to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes…”  – his contribution towards a decent burial for the crucified Jesus.

Application: ‘Nicodemus’ has come to be associated with an enterprise or any activity carried out in secret, surreptitiously or in a clandestine manner to avoid detection or discovery by others:

The scientists nicodemously passed on information about the new weapon to the enemies of the State.

It is instructive to note that even though in the first instance, Nicodemus’ desire to see Jesus at night was not born out of any diabolical intention (he probably feared being ridiculed, or worse, he dreaded the nightmare of losing his position as a member of the ruling Jewish Council, the Sanhedrin), the usage of his name as a word has assumed a pejorative connotation. 

• Judas

Source: Judas, one of the original (twelve) disciples of Jesus, bears the infamous and singular ‘honour’ of being the one who betrayed Jesus, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.

His infamous betrayal of Jesus is recorded in St Luke’s Gospel Chapter 22 verse 48 “… Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Application: ‘Judas’ is usually used to describe a traitor, a person who can carry out his nefarious and treacherous activities due to his close association or relationship with the victim(s) of his betrayal: “Please, let’s make sure there is no Judas in our midst” is a prudent precaution to exercise, in the light of the Judas experience.

 “Nearest is dearest”, but it may also be the source of “the unkindest cut”.

• Doubting Thomas

Source: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, according to John Chapter 20 verses 19-27.

Thomas, one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, who was not present during Jesus’ initial appearance to the disciples, did not believe it when he was informed of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.

Eight days later, Jesus reappeared to the disciples (on this occasion Thomas was present) and subsequently invited Thomas to touch Him as proof of His resurrection.

For doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead (without physical evidence), Thomas has earned the unenviable accolade, and subsequently bequeathed “doubting Thomas” to the English language.

Application: “Doubting Thomas” has come to be associated with a sceptic or someone who expresses doubt about an issue and is only convinced after strict proof.

Note

The word “Easter” is itself part of the legacy Easter has bequeathed to the English language – Acts 12:4 (King James Version) – “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people”.

Quotes of the season:

• One of the thieves was saved (on the cross). It’s a reasonable percentage – Samuel Beckett

• The conscious water saw its Master and blushed – Francis Crashaw – on Jesus turning water into wine.

The writer is an author, a Minister of the Gospel and a lawyer.