Get thee behind me Satan

Definitions

• Reject temptation and evil influences
  To express one's determination to resist negative influences or temptations, often used in a religious or moral context. Can also be used figuratively to reject negative thoughts or behaviors.

• Distance oneself from a person or situation
  To indicate that one wants to have nothing to do with someone or a situation. Can also be used to express a desire to move away from something unpleasant or harmful.

Examples of Get thee behind me Satan

• The ambitious sales executive, determined to close the deal, brushed off her colleague's skepticism and said, "Get thee behind me Satan! I refuse to let doubt and negativity hinder my progress."

  The idiom "Get thee behind me Satan" is a biblical reference, originating from the Gospel of Matthew (16:23) in the Bible. It means to get rid of someone or something that causes doubt, skepticism, or negativity, and typically signifies a person's strong conviction to overcome any impediment that challenges their belief or progress. In this example, the sales executive's use of this idiom highlights her determination to push aside any uncertainty or negativity that might impede her sales success.

• In a heated debate, Sarah accused Tom of being dishonest. Feeling attacked, Tom's confidence wavered, and he found himself entertaining self-doubt. In a moment of frustration, Sarah exclaimed, "Get thee behind me Satan!" referring to Tom's momentary lapse in judgment and willingness to give in to temptation.

  "Get thee behind me Satan" is a biblical phrase taken from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus utters it to reject Satan's tempting suggestions in the desert. In modern-day English, it is used figuratively to mean "go away, temptation!" or "stop trying to lead me astray!" Sarah used this idiom in a heated debate to push Tom away from his doubts and fears, reminding him to stay true to his beliefs and not give in to the devil's suggestions.

Conclusion

The idiom "get thee behind me Satan" is often used to express a strong determination to resist temptation or negative influences. It can also be used to distance oneself from a person or situation.

In a religious or moral context, the phrase is often used to show a rejection of Satan and his temptations. It is a way of reaffirming one's faith and commitment to living a virtuous life. In a more general sense, the idiom can also be used to reject negative thoughts or actions, encouraging one to stay on a virtuous path.

The phrase can also be used in a more literal sense, to indicate a desire to physically move away from something harmful or unpleasant. This could be a person or situation that is causing harm or discomfort. In this way, the idiom can be used as a way to protect oneself and create distance from negative influences.

Origin of "Get thee behind me Satan"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, specifically to the New Testament in the book of Matthew. In chapter 16, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and predicts his own death and resurrection. Peter, one of his disciples, tries to dissuade him from this path, but Jesus responds by saying, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." This phrase is also found in the book of Mark, chapter 8.

The use of this phrase in the Bible shows its religious connotations and the idea of resisting temptation and following a virtuous path. Over time, the phrase has evolved to also be used in a more general sense, indicating a rejection of negative influences and a desire to distance oneself from them.