What are some examples of euphemism in the Bible?

A euphemism is a tactful, indirect expression used in place of a harsh, blunt, or socially uncomfortable term. Rather than confronting a difficult truth head-on, it wraps that truth in gentler language. Humans have always needed ways to talk about sensitive topics—death, bodily functions, sex, illness, conflict, or anything that might cause embarrassment or emotional pain. Euphemisms span languages, cultures, and historical periods, including the Bible. Biblical euphemisms are not attempts to obscure the truth but to communicate it with reverence, hope, or modesty.

A common New Testament euphemism is “falling asleep” to describe Christian death. Rather than emphasizing death’s finality, “sleep” spotlights the hope of resurrection to eternal life. It also suggests rest and peace for those who have labored and the guarantee of waking beyond the grave. The apostle Paul writes, “We do not want you to be uninformed … about those who are asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13, ESV). Jesus uses the same language when speaking of Lazarus: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up” (John 11:11). The disciples misunderstand, thinking Lazarus was literally sleeping. So, Jesus clarifies: “Lazarus is dead” (John 11:14). This euphemism communicates that death is not the end and that God can raise the dead as easily as one can wake a sleeper.

Other euphemisms for death or dying include “going to your fathers” (Genesis 15:15), “lying down with your fathers” (Genesis 47:30; Deuteronomy 31:16; 2 Samuel 7:12), “being gathered to your people” (Genesis 25:8; Numbers 20:24), and “gathered to your fathers” (Judges 2:10; 2 Kings 22:20). These expressions embody ancient Israel’s belief that death brings individuals into the presence of previous generations, strengthening their sense of national identity and ancestry.

The Bible employs “feet” or “foot” as a euphemism for genitals. In Isaiah 7:20, “hair of the feet” refers to the shaving of pubic hair, while Ezekiel 16:25 describes Jerusalem’s sexual promiscuity as “opened thy feet” (KJV) or “spreading your legs” (NIV). Urine is called “foot water” (2 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 36:12), and Ruth’s act of uncovering Boaz’s feet constituted a marriage proposal (Ruth 3:7). The feet also appear in descriptions of childbirth, as in Deuteronomy 28:57, where the placenta comes “out from between her feet” (NKJV).

“Knowing” is a modest way to describe sexual intimacy in the Bible. The original Hebrew term conveys deep relational closeness without explicit physical detail. Genesis 4:1 says, “Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived” (ESV). The expression emphasizes relational unity rather than biological mechanics. Additionally, it highlights the covenantal nature of marital intimacy as something known, shared, and personal, not just physical. This euphemism appears throughout Scripture, especially in genealogical or narrative contexts in which decorum is culturally important (Genesis 4:17, 25; 19:8; Numbers 31:17–18; Judges 21:11–12; 1 Samuel 1:19; Matthew 1:25).

“Uncovering nakedness” serves as a euphemism for prohibited sexual acts. Rather than listing detailed behaviors, the text preserves modesty while clearly communicating moral boundaries. For example, Leviticus 18 repeatedly warns, “You shall not uncover the nakedness of…” followed by various close relatives. The phrase refers not to literal nudity but to forbidden sexual relations. After humanity’s fall, nakedness became associated with shame—a sharp contrast to Adam and Eve’s innocence before sin entered the world (see Genesis 2:25; c.f. Genesis 3:7–11). For this reason, the euphemism of exposing nakedness carried great moral weight in Israelite law.

Other common euphemisms to describe sexual encounters in narrative contexts are “come in to” and “lie with.” In Genesis 38:16, Judah says to Tamar, “Let me come in to you” (ESV). Similarly, Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, saying: “Lie with me” (Genesis 39:7, ESV). These phrases soften the description yet still convey the essential meaning. They also allow biblical authors to discuss morally complex situations without needless detail.

Euphemisms are evidence of the Bible’s careful attention to human experience, compassion, and cultural wisdom. They were originally used to protect the reader’s dignity while avoiding graphic descriptions. To this day, they remind readers that Scripture is rich in literary nuance. Puzzling out these expressions will help us interpret difficult passages more clearly and read the ancient text more accurately.