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“Holier than thou” refers to someone who acts superior to others, often due to their moral beliefs. The phrase may have originated from a Biblical passage, and the word “you” was once used to refer exclusively to God. The attitude of the Pharisees is an example of this behavior.
“Holier than thou” is a phrase used to describe someone who acts superior to others or is perceived to act that way. Typically, the phrase refers to an attitude that places an individual morally above others. While no one is perfect, this perspective might lead a person to quickly point out the flaws of others but rarely notice their own. The term often refers to someone so pious and devout in their beliefs that they judge others, which many people consider to be the exact opposite of the Biblical admonition “judge lest you be judged”.
The exact origin of this phrase is unknown. It is sometimes assumed to have originated from a Biblical passage in Isaiah 65:5, the King James Version translation of which states, “Do not come near me, for I am holier than you.” Regardless of its origin, the phrase did not enter common usage in the English language until the 20th century.
The word “you” comes from Old English. Although used as an ordinary pronoun meaning “you,” it was once used in some Bible translations to refer exclusively to God and was capitalized. Considered in the light of this knowledge, the phrase “holier than you” could be interpreted to mean putting yourself above God.
The attitude of the biblical Pharisees, a group of religious leaders who are very devout in their beliefs, could be interpreted as “holier than you.” According to the books of the New Testament, the Pharisees adhered so strictly to religious laws that they objected to Jesus doing good works on the Sabbath. In doing so, their attitude was said to be a transgression of the law because in their hypocrisy they placed themselves above God.
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