...relishes in the blood of Biblical quotation
What does "relishes in the blood of Biblical quotation" mean? Does it literally mean that recounting verses of bible he gives flavor to the blood?

Context:

Jordan Baseman’s film of open-heart surgery at Papworth Hospital, called Under the Blood, is ostensibly a documentary record but the contrast of light and darkness in the composition is reminiscent of a Caravaggio, and its mesmeric soundtrack, in which the voice of evangelist Billy Graham relishes in the blood of Biblical quotation, makes a tenuous link with the rituals of surgical preparation where death is a hovering presence.

Question

...relishes in the blood of Biblical quotation
What does "relishes in the blood of Biblical quotation" mean? Does it literally mean that recounting verses of bible he gives flavor to the blood?

Context:

Jordan Baseman’s film of open-heart surgery at Papworth Hospital, called Under the Blood, is ostensibly a documentary record but the contrast of light and darkness in the composition is reminiscent of a Caravaggio, and its mesmeric soundtrack, in which the voice of evangelist Billy Graham relishes in the blood of Biblical quotation, makes a tenuous link with the rituals of surgical preparation where death is a hovering presence.

Answer

Unless there's food in the context, "to relish" usually means "to enjoy greatly". The "blood of biblical quotation" is metaphorical; it refers to how many Bible stories (particularly in the Old Testament) are very violent, or "bloody".

So when it says Billy Graham "relishes in the blood of biblical quotation", it means he is reading out violent biblical passages, and clearly enjoying how bloody they are.

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!