Do you know that “Goodbye” is a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye”?
“Goodbye” as it is now comes from “Godbwye”.The first documented use of the word “Godbwye” was in 1573.
The Merriam-webster confirms the etymology of ‘Goodbye’ thus: It is an alteration of God be with you -Date: circa 1580.
“As time went on, it is believed the phrase was influenced by terms like “good day” and “good evening”, transitioning then from “God be with ye” to God-b’wye to good-b’wy and finally ending in today’s blessing of goodbye.” ¹
Whaoooo… So there was a time when friends at parting looked at each other, and said, “God be with you”; but now they say “Good-bye”.
Even though “Good bye” is a contraction of “God be with you”,they have different meanings.Apart from removing “God’s” factor from it,”Goodbye” has become a mere wish!
“Goodbye” is a farewell statement,but when you say “God be with you” to someone, you are committing the person into the Hands of an invisible and powerful God that follows him/her wherever he/she goes to.It reechoes in his/her mind when faced with challenges on the way.
“God be with you” is not a wishful statement,it is both a prayer and a reminder of God’s faithfulness to the person you say it to.
Will it be good when seeing someone off and you look at his /her face and you prophesy:
Did God ever promise to be with us?
Let’s see the phrase in the Bible:
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).-Matt 1:23
God is with you…As you embark on that journey/trip,I do not just say ‘Goodbye’,rather I remind you of God’s promises that Emmanuel is with you.Isn’t that fantastic? Halleluyah.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”-Psa 23:4
As you are about leaving for that job/visa interview,village outreach etc,I remind you of God’s faithfulness:”God is with you”!
“Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do”-Gen 21:22
Oh ok,you told me about the project you have started and as we are parting,I don’t just say ‘Goodbye’,rather I remind you that God who has begun this good work in you will be with you in all you do.Hence,I say:”God be with you”
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”-Joshua 1:9
Whether the journey is far or near,whether it is within the neighborhood or abroad,whether the road is safe or full of perils : “God be with you”.
“and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”-Matt 28:20
“God be with you” is not just for now ,it extends till the end of the age! Not “Goodbye” yet!
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.-Rev 21:3
“God be with you” is not just a prayer,it is an affirmation of the promises of God for His children.
Should the word ‘Goodbye’ be used at all? Yes!!!
Wave ‘Goodbye’ to past problems, mistakes,regrets,evil association,self criticism,guilt,unforgiveness,past hurts,secret sins etc.
Forget what is behind, and strain towards what is ahead.
Wave goodbye to your sordid past! Wave goodbye to evil!! Wave goodbye to the works of the flesh!!!
Say “God be with you” to friends,associates etc when parting with them and wave ‘Goodbye’ to trash,sin,devil’s work etc.
In conclusion,I am not ashamed to mention God in my conversations.So when next I see you don’t feel awkward when we are parting in person or ending a conversation and I say:
#Godbewithyou#
REFERENCE:
¹Where the term Goodbye comes from by Scott:http://www.todayifoundout.com.
