God’s work: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘God's work’ mean?
The idiom God's work refers to a task or action that is considered to be of great importance or significance, often seen as being carried out with a sense of purpose or divine intervention. It implies that the work being done is on a higher or noble level.
Idiom Explorer
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 the works" means that something is being planned or developed, but it is not yet complete or finalized.
The idiom "house of God" refers to a religious building, usually a church, mosque, or temple, where people gather to worship and practice their faith.
The idiom "heavy lifting" refers to the difficult or hard work needed to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.
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 "grunt work" refers to menial or tedious tasks that require little skill or effort. It is often used to describe work that is necessary but not enjoyable or fulfilling.
The idiom "great job" is used to express approval and appreciation for someone's excellent work or achievement.
The idiom "go to work" means to start doing the necessary tasks or activities to achieve a particular goal or result.
The idiom "good turn" refers to a helpful or kind action done for someone else with the intent of benefitting them. It emphasizes the idea of doing something good or kind without expecting anything in return.
The idiom "good job" is used to express approval or praise for someone's work or accomplishment.
Divine Origins Revealed
God's work is an idiom that is commonly used in English language. It signifies the belief that God's actions and creations are beyond human understanding and are always flawlessly executed. It conveys a sense of awe, admiration, and sometimes resignation towards something that is considered to be beyond human control or influence.
The origins of the idiom "God's work" are unclear, as it is deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs. However, the idiom itself is not limited to any specific religious tradition and is used in a more general sense in everyday language.
When someone says "It's God's work," they are essentially expressing their conviction that the outcome or result is subject to a divine plan. It is often used to suggest that no matter how much effort humans put into something, ultimately it is up to a higher power to determine the outcome. This could be in reference to a natural phenomenon, an extraordinary event, or even an inexplicable occurrence.
"God's work" can also be used to describe something that is exceptionally well done or of exceptional quality. It is often used to express admiration and respect for a person's craftsmanship, creativity, or talent. For example, one might say, "The artist's painting is truly God's work," to convey their appreciation for the artist's skill and artistry.
It is important to note that the idiom "God's work" is not limited to religious contexts. It has become a part of everyday language and is used by people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs. It can be used in different situations to convey various meanings, ranging from religious reverence to admiration for human achievements.
The idiom "God's work" holds a significant place in the English language, regardless of one's religious beliefs, and continues to be used in various contexts.
"as God intended" is another idiom related to the concept of "God's work." It is often used to express the belief that something is happening or has happened exactly as God intended or planned. This idiom suggests that there is a divine purpose or design behind a particular event or circumstance.
When someone says "as God intended," they are acknowledging that they believe the outcome is in accordance with God's will or divine plan. It is a way of surrendering to the belief that there is a higher power at work and that everything happens for a reason.
For example, if a person narrowly avoids a car accident, they might say, "I'm grateful to be alive. It must have been as God intended." In this context, the person is acknowledging that they believe they were spared from harm because it was part of God's plan.
"good job" and "great job" are idioms that are often used to express praise or approval for someone's work or actions. These idioms are not directly related to the concept of "God's work," but they can be used in conjunction with it to emphasize the exceptional quality of a person's achievements.
When someone says "good job" or "great job," they are complimenting someone for their efforts and the positive outcome they have achieved. These idioms convey a sense of appreciation and admiration for a job well done.
For example, if a person completes a difficult task successfully, someone might say, "Good job! Your hard work really paid off." In this context, the person is acknowledging the individual's accomplishment and congratulating them on their exceptional performance.
"gift from above" is another idiom related to the concept of "God's work." It is often used to describe something that is considered to be an unexpected or extraordinary blessing that is seen as coming from God.
When someone refers to something as a "gift from above," they are expressing gratitude and acknowledging the belief that the particular thing or event is a result of divine intervention or favor. It is a way of attributing the positive outcome to a higher power.
For example, if someone wins the lottery, they might say, "This is truly a gift from above." In this context, the person is acknowledging their luck and expressing their belief that it was a result of something beyond their control or influence.
These idioms, "as God intended," "good job," "great job," and "gift from above," can be used in conjunction with the idiom "God's work" to emphasize different aspects of the concept. They all contribute to the understanding that God's actions and creations are seen as perfect, admirable, and sometimes beyond human comprehension.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *God's work* can be used in a sentence:
- She dedicated her life to helping others and considered her charitable work to be God's work.
- After the devastating hurricane, volunteers from different faiths came together to rebuild the community, believing it was God's work.
- The scientist saw her groundbreaking research as a way to improve lives and viewed it as her contribution to God's work.