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What does the Bible say about saying goodbye?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that saying goodbye is a fitting part of life’s changing seasons, to be met with trust in God’s faithful care and hopeful prayer for one another. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 reminds us that God appoints times and seasons, while Genesis 24:56 shows that departures may serve His purposes. In farewells, believers can bless one another with the words of Numbers 6:24-26 and seek the peace urged in 2 Corinthians 13:11. God directs the steps of His people, as Psalm 37:23 declares, and watches over their going out and coming in according to Psalm 121:1-8. Even when parting is painful, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 15:13 call us to rest in His good purposes and abounding hope.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

    [1] For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: [2] A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck up that which is planted; [3] A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; [4] A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; [5] A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; [6] A time to seek, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to cast away; [7] A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; [8] A time to love, And a time to hate; A time for war, And a time for peace. [9] What profit has he who works in that in which he labors? [10] I have seen the burden which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. [11] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end. [12] I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. [13] Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God. [14] I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that men should fear before him. [15] That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

  • Numbers 6:24-26

    [24] 'Yahweh bless you, and keep you. [25] Yahweh make his face to shine on you, And be gracious to you. [26] Yahweh lift up his face toward you, And give you peace.'

  • Ephesians 6:10

    Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

  • Psalms 37:23

    A man's goings are established by Yahweh. He delights in his way.

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

  • Psalms 21:6

    For you make him most blessed forever. You make him glad with joy in your presence.

  • Psalms 121:1-8

    [1] > I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from Yahweh, Who made heaven and earth. [3] He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. [4] Behold, he who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. [5] Yahweh is your keeper. Yahweh is your shade on your right hand. [6] The sun will not harm you by day, Nor the moon by night. [7] Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. [8] Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, From this time forth, and forevermore.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11

    Finally, brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

  • Romans 15:13

    Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

  • Genesis 24:56

    He said to them, "Don't hinder me, seeing Yahweh has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master."

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