by the Grace of God: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by the Grace of God’ mean?
"By the Grace of God" means that something happened or was achieved solely due to the guidance or assistance of a higher power or divine intervention.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "say grace" means to recite a prayer before eating a meal as an act of thanks or blessing.
The idiom "let go and let God" means to surrender control and trust in a higher power or fate to handle a situation. It suggests releasing worries and anxieties, accepting things that cannot be changed, and having faith in a divine plan or intervention.
The idiom "in heaven's name" is used to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief about something. It is often used when asking a question with an emphasis on the incredulity or urgency of the situation.
The idiom "hand to God" is used to emphasize the truthfulness or sincerity of a statement, with the implication that one is being completely honest to the point of invoking divine witness.
The idiom "goodness gracious me" is used to express surprise, shock, or astonishment.
The idiom "goodness gracious" is an exclamation expressing surprise, shock or agitation. It is used to convey strong emotions in a lighthearted or humorous manner.
The idiom "good job" is used to express approval or praise for someone's work or accomplishment.
The idiom "good gracious" is an expression typically used to convey surprise, shock, or disbelief. It is often used as an interjection to show astonishment or to express mild frustration or annoyance.
The idiom "good graces" means being in someone's favor or approval. It implies having positive regard or being on good terms with someone.
Divine Intervention
The idiom "by the Grace of God" is a common phrase used in English language. It is believed to have originated from biblical scriptures and has evolved over time to hold a metaphorical meaning in contemporary usage.
Historically, the phrase can be traced back to the Bible, particularly to the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 15:10, the Apostle Paul states, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain." This passage highlights the concept of God's intervention or favor that brings about a desired outcome or attributes success to the intervention of God.
Over the centuries, the phrase has become more widely adopted and is now used in a non-religious, metaphorical sense. It is often used to acknowledge a fortunate or serendipitous event that cannot be solely attributed to personal effort or planning. It conveys a sense of gratitude or humbleness towards a higher power or unknown forces that have influenced the outcome.
Furthermore, the phrase is often used to express a feeling of relief or gratitude after narrowly avoiding a dangerous or disastrous situation. It highlights the unexpected nature of the outcome and emphasizes the belief that one has been saved or protected through divine intervention or luck.
Additionally, the phrase has been incorporated into various cultural expressions and proverbs, further demonstrating its widespread usage and familiarity. It has also been used in literature, music, and other forms of popular media, solidifying its place in modern idiomatic language.
The idiom "by the Grace of God" is closely related to the idioms "by the Grace of Allah," "God's work," and "gift from above." These idioms share the underlying concept of acknowledging a higher power or force that influences positive outcomes. While "by the Grace of God" is rooted in Christian beliefs, "by the Grace of Allah" represents a similar concept in Islamic beliefs. Both idioms convey a sense of gratitude and humbleness towards a divine entity. Similarly, "God's work" and "gift from above" emphasize the belief that positive outcomes are the result of a higher power's influence.
The idiom "by the Grace of God" has a rich history rooted in biblical scripture and has evolved over time to encompass a metaphorical meaning in contemporary usage. It conveys a sense of gratitude, humbleness, and acknowledgment of a higher power or unknown forces that have influenced a fortunate outcome. The idiom's versatility and widespread usage highlight its impact on the English language and its enduring relevance in both religious and secular contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "by the Grace of God" can be used in a sentence:
- He survived the car accident by the Grace of God.
- By the Grace of God, she was able to find her lost engagement ring just in time for the wedding.
- By the Grace of God, the launch was a success and the spacecraft safely reached its destination.
More "Religion" idioms
