Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "farewell" encompasses both the act of parting and the expressions of blessing and hope for those who are departing. The term is often associated with the end of a journey, mission, or relationship, and it carries significant emotional and spiritual weight. Throughout Scripture, farewells are moments of transition, reflection, and often divine commissioning.Old Testament Farewells In the Old Testament, farewells are frequently seen in the context of blessings and covenants. For instance, when Jacob prepares to leave Laban, he takes his family and possessions, and they part ways with a covenant and a heap of stones as a witness (Genesis 31:44-49). This farewell is marked by a mutual agreement and a recognition of God's oversight. Moses' farewell to the Israelites is another poignant example. As he prepares to die, Moses delivers a series of speeches, blessings, and warnings to the people of Israel (Deuteronomy 31-33). His farewell is not only a goodbye but also a prophetic charge, urging the Israelites to remain faithful to God. New Testament Farewells In the New Testament, farewells often occur in the context of missionary journeys and the early church's expansion. The Apostle Paul, in particular, is known for his heartfelt farewells. In Acts 20:17-38, Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders. He reminds them of his ministry among them, warns them of future challenges, and commends them to God. This passage highlights the deep emotional bonds formed in Christian ministry and the reliance on God's grace for the future. Paul's letters also contain farewell elements. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, he writes, "Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." Here, Paul's farewell includes exhortations for unity and peace, reflecting the communal nature of the Christian faith. Expressions of Farewell Farewells in the Bible are often accompanied by blessings and prayers. The Hebrew word "shalom," meaning peace, is frequently used as a farewell blessing, conveying a wish for wholeness and well-being. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eirēnē" carries a similar connotation. The farewell greeting "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you" is a common Pauline benediction, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:23. This expression underscores the centrality of Christ's grace in the life of believers and serves as a reminder of the spiritual bond that transcends physical separation. Theological Significance Farewells in the Bible often serve as moments of theological reflection and instruction. They remind believers of the transient nature of earthly life and the eternal hope found in God. Farewells are opportunities to reaffirm faith, express love, and entrust one another to God's care. In the broader biblical narrative, farewells point to the ultimate reunion of God's people in His eternal kingdom. The temporary nature of earthly partings is contrasted with the promise of eternal fellowship with God and fellow believers, as depicted in Revelation 21:3-4, where God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death or mourning. Conclusion While farewells in the Bible are often marked by sadness and separation, they are also infused with hope, blessing, and divine assurance. They reflect the deep relational bonds within the community of faith and the enduring presence of God with His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (interj.) Go well; good-by; adieu; -- originally applied to a person departing, but by custom now applied both to those who depart and those who remain. It is often separated by the pronoun; as, fare you well; and is sometimes used as an expression of separation only; as, farewell the year; farewell, ye sweet groves; that is, I bid you farewell.2. (n.) A wish of happiness or welfare at parting; the parting compliment; a good-by; adieu. 3. (n.) Act of departure; leave-taking; a last look at, or reference to something. 4. (a.) Parting; valedictory; final; as, a farewell discourse; his farewell bow. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FAREWELLfar-wel' (chairo), Fare ye, or thou, well: Originally a wish at parting for those faring forth (traveling): Greek 4517. rhonnumi -- to strengthen, be strong ... strengthen, be strong. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: rhonnumi Phonetic Spelling: (hrone'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I strengthen, farewell Definition: I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4517.htm - 6k 657. apotasso -- to set apart, take leave of 5463. chairo -- to rejoice, be glad 537b. apaspazomai -- to take leave of 1515. eirene -- one, peace, quietness, rest. Strong's Hebrew 7971. shalach -- to send... root Definition to send NASB Word Usage again (5), bade his farewell (1), burned* (1), cast (2), cast off (1), casting (1), certainly let (1), certainly let ... /hebrew/7971.htm - 7k Library A Farewell. A Farewell: to CEG The Farewell Farewell to America A Farewell The Minister's Farewell The Farewell The King's Farewell Farewell to a Missionary. The Christian Farewell. Thesaurus Farewell (13 Occurrences)... It is often separated by the pronoun; as, fare you well; and is sometimes used as an expression of separation only; as, farewell the year; farewell, ye sweet ... /f/farewell.htm - 11k Bade (27 Occurrences) Kiss (39 Occurrences) Fare (13 Occurrences) Deuteronomy (1 Occurrence) Bid (35 Occurrences) Adieu (2 Occurrences) Unchastity (5 Occurrences) Obtaining (5 Occurrences) Joshua (211 Occurrences) Resources What is the whole counsel of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Hebrew word shalom? | GotQuestions.org How can a church survive/recover when a pastor leaves? | GotQuestions.org Farewell: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Farewell (13 Occurrences)Mark 6:46 Luke 9:61 Acts 15:29 Acts 15:33 Acts 18:21 Acts 21:5 Acts 23:30 2 Corinthians 2:13 2 Corinthians 13:11 2 John 1:10 2 John 1:11 Genesis 31:28 Exodus 18:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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