Quote:
Originally Posted by Sailor Steve
But I think we can be fairly certain that the saying came from the original bible passage, since that outdates all of our modern languages and societies.
Don't mistake me though, I no longer believe either. I just have a strong dislike for partial quotes to prove an opposite viewpoint.
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It is from the bible, no doubt, if I remember correctly, then it was Jesus saying something on people not only needing bread to live by, but also to fulfill the will of god or something like that. However, the quote as I gave it has won independent existence in contemporary language, and as that is no longer given in a strictly biblical context only, also it is used not only by Bible-swingers and Christians. Usually it indicates that not only material but also immaterial needs must be fed in order for man being happy or feeling fulfilled. this can be said in defence of funding arts or a museum or free education, or - as it was my inention - to point out the importance for man to feel being loved and to love himself. It is abiout meaning, and a sense of not only being a materialistic "number".
Sometimes it is even used as a joke!
If you want to use it in it's biblical context anymore, I think you indeed should give the full bible quote then. Else you automatically refer to the popular use and meaning fo it, that is not limited to the bible anymore.
At least I would claim that for German. Maybe it is different in English!?