Meanings of “The Ends of the Earth”
The phrase “the ends of the earth” means to go to the utmost limit for someone, or something. It also refers to the most distant locations of the human world as opposed to heaven.
Origin of “The Ends of the Earth”
The phrase “the ends of the earth” is said to have originated from Bible: Zechariah 9:10, where it is stated as; “And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.” Since then, it has been used in almost the same sense but in different words.
Examples from Literature
Example #1
Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron
“Oh, there’s a river that winds on forever
I’m gonna see where it leads
Oh, there’s a mountain that no man has mounted
I’m gonna stand on the peak
Out there’s a land that time don’t command
Wanna be the first to arrive
No time for ponderin’ why I’m-a wanderin’
Not while we’re both still alive
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me
There’s a world that was meant for our eyes to see
To the ends of the earth, would you follow me
If you will have a say my goodbyes to me.”
The above stanza shows the utmost desires of the speaker who wants to make it impossible possible to be with his beloved. He wants to discover the endless direction of the river and climb the mountain that no one has ever climbed. He believes that there is a land created for him and his beloved. Therefore, he asks if she would follow him to chase his dreams. The phrase has been used as a metaphor of love as given in the second last line.
Example #2
To The Ends of The Earth by Peter Strugnell
“and I’d go to the ends of the earth for you,
down narrow streets and the wide avenues,
across desert plains, beyond the hills,
through tulip fields, and the daffodils,
and even when we’re far apart,
you’ll be on my mind and close to my heart.”
The above-stated stanza presents us with the figurative use of the phrase. The desperate speaker intends to touch the ends of the earth for his beloved. He determines to visit all enchanting places for his beloved. No matter she is with him or not, he will always keep her close to his heart. The phrase has, once again, been used as a metaphor.
Example #3
Walk to the Ends Of The Earth by Amber Millar
I would walk to the ends of the earth for you,
Or with you if need be,
Hold your hand as you plunge into reality,
And when you are scared I will comfort you,
And keep you safe from harm,
In the worst of times, I will be there,
As soon as you call my name,
And I will be there until you want me to leave,
I will be with you,
Until you reach the ends of the earth.
This poem reflects the literal meanings of the phrase, the ends of the earth. Filled with love and care, the speaker says that she is going to be with her lover through thick or thin. She promises to provide him comfort, love, and care he needs. She intends to stay with him until they reach the ends of the earth. The poet explains the meaning of the phrase that despite the fragility of life, the speaker wants to stay with her lover.
Example #4
The Ends of the Earth by Robert Goddard
The novel, The Ends of the Earth, tells the story of a man who intends to uncover the mystery behind his father’s death. His father was murdered while leading a delegation to the Paris peace conference. The delegation seemingly ended in vain and brought a bitter end for the man, too. Now, being revengeful, his son devises a plan to reach the true story behind his father’s death. The phrase shows its meanings clearly when used as the title of the novel.
Examples in Sentences
Example #1: “He loved her so much that he would not hesitate to go to the ends of the earth for her.”
Example #2: “He stood up against the illegal activities and terrorism and decided to go to the ends of the earth to nip these evils in the bud.”
Example #3: “Last year, when a healthy businessman returned to his village, he got disheartened to see the miseries of his people. People were striving even for the necessities of life. He decided to go to the ends of the world to bring joy in their lives.”
Example #4: “Like many other students, Brandon decided to go to the ends of the earth to achieve his goals.”
Example #5: “My brother is lost since yesterday; I will go to the ends of the earth to get him back home.”