The term "adieu" is a French word meaning "goodbye" or "farewell," derived from the phrase "à Dieu," which translates to "to God." While the word itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept of bidding farewell is present in various passages, often with a spiritual or divine connotation.

Biblical Context of Farewells

In the Bible, farewells are often more than simple goodbyes; they carry a sense of blessing, prayer, and divine providence. The act of parting is frequently accompanied by expressions of faith and trust in God's guidance and protection.

Old Testament Examples

1. Jacob and Laban: In Genesis 31, Jacob bids farewell to Laban after serving him for many years. Their parting is marked by a covenant and a heap of stones as a witness between them. Jacob's departure is not just a physical separation but a spiritual journey back to the land promised by God.

2. Moses and the Israelites: In Deuteronomy 31, Moses prepares to say farewell to the Israelites as they are about to enter the Promised Land without him. He encourages them with words of faith, reminding them of God's presence: "The LORD Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8).

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus and His Disciples: One of the most poignant farewells in the New Testament is Jesus' farewell discourse to His disciples in John 14-17. Jesus prepares them for His departure, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit and offering peace: "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" (John 14:27).

2. Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders: In Acts 20, the Apostle Paul bids farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus. His departure is filled with emotion and exhortation, as he commends them to God: "And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified" (Acts 20:32).

Spiritual Significance

Farewells in the Bible often reflect a deep trust in God's sovereignty and care. They are moments of transition where individuals express their reliance on God's promises and His eternal presence. The act of saying goodbye is intertwined with faith, hope, and the assurance of God's continued guidance.

Cultural and Theological Implications

In biblical times, farewells were significant cultural events, often involving blessings, prayers, and the laying on of hands. They were opportunities to express love, gratitude, and hope for the future. Theologically, these moments underscore the belief in God's omnipresence and the eternal nature of His covenant with His people.

While the word "adieu" itself is not found in Scripture, the essence of entrusting loved ones to God's care during farewells is a recurring theme, reflecting the deep spiritual connections that transcend physical separation.1. (interj. & adv.) Good-by; farewell; an expression of kind wishes at parting.

2. (n.) A farewell; commendation to the care of God at parting.

657. apotasso -- to set apart, take leave of
... Middle voice from apo and tasso; literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing);
figuratively, to renounce -- bid farewell, forsake, take leave, send away ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/657.htm - 6k

Adieu to a Departed Christian Friend.
... MOURNING AND CONSOLATION. 600. " Adieu to a Departed Christian Friend. 600.
7s. & 6s. M. C. Wesley. Adieu to a Departed Christian Friend. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/600 adieu to a.htm

Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac
... genuine I now not: but methinks I see the tears trickle down the Patriarch Abraham's
cheeks; and out of the abundance of the heart, he cries, Adieu, adieu, my ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/abrahams offering up his son.htm

The Bliss of the Glorified
... every evil thing about me! My eyes"ah! adieu sweet light, if I might also
say, "Adieu sin! "My mouth"ah! well would I be content ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the bliss of the glorified.htm

The Bereavements of the Christian Home. [A]
... the bell toll on the burial day, I saw the hearse that bore thee slow away, And,
turning from my nurs'ry window, drew A long, long sigh, and wept a last adieu! ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxvi the bereavements of.htm

Paul's Desire to Depart
... I see them even now folding their arms about her a aged neck, and then bidding farewell
to all the friends in the village who had come to bid them adieu. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/pauls desire to depart.htm

Meanwhile, Angela Sovrani was Detained in Her Studio by the ...
... Adieu!". "Adieu!" and Angela returned her loving embrace with equal affection,
"I will announce your departure to the Marquis Fontenelle to-morrow.". "You will? ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xi meanwhile angela sovrani was.htm

A Moment's Flashing Glance of Half-Amused Dismay at Angela...
... I shall listen to a farewell sermon and try to benefit by it,"after that I take
a long adieu of France;"be good enough to say to the Countesse with my ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xii a moments flashing glance.htm

Trials to be Met.
... receive a parting thought. Friends"dear friends and connections, must
receive a last adieu and a lingering look. But O how keen ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

Thirteenth Letter
... He loves us infinitely more than we imagine: love Him then, and seek not
consolation elsewhere: I hope you will soon receive it. Adieu. ...
/.../lawrence/the practice of the presence of god/thirteenth letter.htm

Fourteenth Letter
... at once what He has deferred during many years. Adieu. Pray to Him for
me, as I pray to Him for you. I hope to see Him quickly. ...
/.../lawrence/the practice of the presence of god/fourteenth letter.htm

Adieu (2 Occurrences)
...Adieu (2 Occurrences). Luke 9:61 And another also said, I will follow thee, Lord,
but first allow me to bid adieu to those at my house. (DBY). ...
/a/adieu.htm - 7k

Farewell (13 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/f/farewell.htm - 11k

Adin (2 Occurrences)

/a/adin.htm - 9k

Leave (341 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The act of leaving or departing; a formal parting; a leaving; farewell;
adieu; -- used chiefly in the phrase, to take leave, ie, literally, to take ...
/l/leave.htm - 35k

Bidding (13 Occurrences)
... (ASV). 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit at not finding Titus my brother;
but bidding them adieu, I came away to Macedonia. (DBY). ...
/b/bidding.htm - 10k

Ad'i-el (3 Occurrences)
Ad'i-el. Adiel, Ad'i-el. Adieu . Multi-Version Concordance Ad'i-el (3
Occurrences). 1 ... RSV). Adiel, Ad'i-el. Adieu . Reference Bible.
/a/ad'i-el.htm - 7k

Finding (57 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit at not finding Titus my
brother; but bidding them adieu, I came away to Macedonia. (DBY YLT NAS). ...
/f/finding.htm - 23k

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