Godspeed
Textsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The word 'Godspeed' originates from the Middle English phrase 'God spede,' meaning 'may God prosper you,' and does not appear in the Bible. It is frequently misattributed to the Greek word chairein in 2 John 1:10-11, where chairein actually translates to 'rejoice' or 'greet.'
What is the meaning of Godspeed in the Bible?
The word 'Godspeed' originates from the Middle English phrase 'God spede,' meaning 'may God prosper you,' and does not appear in the Bible. It is frequently misattributed to the Greek word chairein in 2 John 1:10-11, where chairein actually translates to 'rejoice' or 'greet.'
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing that 'Godspeed' is a later English idiom rather than a biblical term allows readers to accurately interpret scriptural greetings and distinguish between original New Testament language and subsequent cultural expressions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Godspeed in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Godspeed clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.