Topical Encyclopedia The term "bye" does not appear directly in the text of the Bible. However, the concept of parting, farewell, or departure is present throughout the Scriptures, often carrying significant theological and relational implications. In biblical times, farewells were not merely casual goodbyes but were often laden with blessings, prayers, and expressions of hope for future well-being.Farewells in the Old Testament In the Old Testament, farewells often involved blessings and covenants. For instance, when Jacob left his family to flee from Esau, Isaac blessed him, saying, "May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples" (Genesis 28:3). This farewell was not just a goodbye but a transmission of God's promises and blessings. Another poignant farewell is found in the relationship between David and Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 20:42, Jonathan says to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.'" This farewell underscores the deep covenantal bond and mutual commitment before God. Farewells in the New Testament In the New Testament, farewells often reflect the mission and the spread of the Gospel. Jesus, before His ascension, gives a farewell that is both a command and a promise: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). This Great Commission is a farewell that empowers and assures the disciples of Christ's continual presence. The Apostle Paul frequently included farewells in his epistles, often accompanied by prayers and blessings. In his letter to the Corinthians, 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" (2 Corinthians 13:11). Paul's farewells are pastoral, seeking the spiritual growth and unity of the church. Theological Implications Farewells in the Bible are not merely social customs but are deeply theological, reflecting the nature of God's covenant with His people. They often include elements of blessing, prayer, and the assurance of God's presence. The act of saying goodbye is transformed into an opportunity to reaffirm faith, hope, and love within the community of believers. In summary, while the word "bye" itself is not found in Scripture, the biblical concept of farewell is rich with meaning, emphasizing the continuity of God's promises, the importance of community, and the mission of the church. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A thing not directly aimed at; something which is a secondary object of regard; an object by the way, etc.; as in on or upon the bye, i. e., in passing; indirectly; by implication.2. (n.) A run made upon a missed ball; as, to steal a bye. 3. (n.) A dwelling. 4. (n.) In certain games, a station or place of an individual player. Greek 4517. 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 Library Sweet By-And-Bye. Sweet By-And-Bye. Can. Hym'l, No. 255. "There's a Land that is Fairer than Day. " The Hope of Future Bliss But God Wanted not Power to Make Man Such as that He Should Not... Triumphant Death of a Little Child A Hint from a Caribou He Has You on his Heart. I am So Glad, Dearest Celine Index. Thesaurus Bye (1 Occurrence)... 1. (n.) A thing not directly aimed at; something which is a secondary object of regard; an object by the way, etc.; as in on or upon the bye, ie, in passing ... /b/bye.htm - 7k Good-bye (1 Occurrence) Good-by (8 Occurrences) Goodbye (1 Occurrence) Good-day (2 Occurrences) Friends (152 Occurrences) Farewell (13 Occurrences) Bygone (2 Occurrences) Byblus Affirm (7 Occurrences) Resources How can Christian parents deal with empty-nest syndrome? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Laban in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bye: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bye (1 Occurrence)2 Peter 2:1 Subtopics Related Terms |