The term "good-bye" is a contraction of the phrase "God be with ye," reflecting a blessing or prayer for God's presence and protection as individuals part ways. While the specific word "good-bye" does not appear in the Bible, the concept of parting blessings and farewells is present throughout Scripture. These farewells often carry a deep spiritual significance, reflecting the faith and hope of the individuals involved.

Biblical Farewells

1. Old Testament Examples:
· Jacob and Laban: In Genesis 31, Jacob departs from Laban with his family. Before leaving, Laban blesses his daughters and grandchildren. Genesis 31:55 states, "Early the next morning, Laban kissed his grandchildren and daughters and blessed them. Then he left and returned home."
· Moses' Farewell to Israel: In Deuteronomy 31, Moses gives a farewell address to the Israelites, encouraging them to be strong and courageous as they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."

2. New Testament Examples:
· Jesus' Farewell to His Disciples: Before His crucifixion, Jesus offers words of comfort and promise to His disciples. In John 14:27 , He says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid."
· Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders: In Acts 20, Paul bids farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus, knowing he will not see them again. Acts 20:36-38 recounts, "When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship."

Spiritual Significance

Farewells in the Bible often include prayers, blessings, and expressions of hope, reflecting a trust in God's providence and care. These partings are not merely social customs but are imbued with spiritual meaning, acknowledging God's sovereignty over the future and His presence with His people.

Cultural Context

In biblical times, farewells were significant events, often involving extended family and community gatherings. They provided an opportunity to express love, gratitude, and faith, reinforcing communal bonds and shared beliefs. The act of blessing during a farewell was a way to invoke God's favor and protection over those departing.

Theological Implications

The practice of saying good-bye with a blessing underscores the Christian belief in God's omnipresence and His active role in the lives of believers. It reflects a worldview that sees all of life, including departures and separations, as under God's care and guidance. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's plan and to remain connected through prayer and spiritual fellowship, even when physically apart.(n. / interj.) Farewell; a form of address used at parting. See4517. rhonnumi -- to strengthen, be strong
... from rhoomai (to dart; probably akin to rhoumai); to strengthen, ie (impersonal
passive) have health (as a parting exclamation, good-bye) -- farewell. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4517.htm - 6k

657. apotasso -- to set apart, take leave of
... Word Origin from apo and tasso Definition to set apart, take leave of NASB Word
Usage bidding...farewell (1), give (1), say good-bye (1), taking...leave (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/657.htm - 6k

Brother Hugh
... Goodbye to beef, butter, and good red wheat; white corn, sad vegetables, cold water,
sackcloth take their place, with fasts on bread and water, and festivals ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ii brother hugh.htm

Triumphant Death of a Little Child
... one in turn, telling them in substance, the same she had told her papa and mama,
asking each one to make her the same promise, and kissing each one good-bye. ...
/.../triumphant death of a little.htm

He Has You on his Heart.
... He said, "Why, Mr. Taylor, that won't make the connection." And Mr. Taylor smiled
and in his very quiet way said, "Good-bye, Doctor, my Father runneth the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/he has you on his.htm

I am So Glad, Dearest Celine
... It has much need of these perfumes to purify the unwholesome air it breathes.
For a while only, good-bye, dearest sister. ... Good-bye! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/xx i am so glad.htm

Little Jennie's Sickness and Death
... I:said: "Ollie, let go of her hand, that is the Lord's doings." After I finished,
she kissed her father, mother, and sister and bade them goodbye; then called ...
/.../little jennies sickness and death.htm

The Cardinal was Still in his Room Alone with the Boy Manuel...
... Good-bye!". "Good-bye, my child ... the forehead. "Good-bye, dear little brother!"
he said smiling""Do not be sad! Have patience! In all ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/vi the cardinal was still.htm

Backsliding.
... If I were in a town for a single week I should not think of going away without shaking
hands with the friends I had made, and saying "Good bye" to them. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter ix backsliding.htm

Conclusion by the Editor. Tokens of Love from Many. Keeps Writing. ...
... and let no strife or discord spring up among you." Taking the hand of each of his
daughters, he asked them to meet him in heaven, and then kissed them good-bye ...
/.../chapter xx conclusion by the.htm

Moody's Stories
... When I go away from home I bid my wife and children good-bye; I bid my friends and
acquaintances good-bye; but I never heard of a poor backslider going down on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

The Grave of John, and Another Grave
... the rest. "Good-bye!" "Good-bye!" And so the little band separated, never
to meet in a common corporate existence again. When Jesus ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xv the grave of john.htm

Goodbye (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Goodbye (1 Occurrence). Acts 21:6 After saying goodbye
to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again. (WEB). ...
/g/goodbye.htm - 6k

Good-bye (1 Occurrence)
Good-bye. Goodbye, Good-bye. Good-day . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n. / interj ...
WEY NAS). Goodbye, Good-bye. Good-day . Reference Bible.
/g/good-bye.htm - 6k

Good-by (8 Occurrences)
... yet another, "I will follow you; but allow me first to go and say good-bye to my ...
Acts 21:6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and ...
/g/good-by.htm - 8k

Good-day (2 Occurrences)
Good-day. Good-bye, Good-day. Good-for-nothing . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Good-bye, Good-day. Good-for-nothing . Reference Bible.
/g/good-day.htm - 7k

Friends (152 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Luke 9:61 "Master," said yet another, "I will follow you; but allow me
first to go and say good-bye to my friends at home." (WEY). ...
/f/friends.htm - 38k

Farewell (13 Occurrences)
... (2) As equivalent to our saying "good-bye," it represents the Greek apotassomai,
"to separate one's self," "to take leave," "to bid farewell" (Luke 9:61, "to ...
/f/farewell.htm - 11k

Aboard (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV). Acts 21:6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went
on board the ship, and they returned home again. (See NIV). ...
/a/aboard.htm - 9k

Board (47 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Acts 21:6 After saying goodbye
to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again. ...
/b/board.htm - 23k

Returned (328 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they
returned home again. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/returned.htm - 34k

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