The word “Good-bye” dates from the 1590’s.  It is a contraction of “godbwye,” which was itself a contraction of “God be with you,” which dates from the late 15^th century, which itself was a derivation of such phrases as “good day” and “good evening.”  (good-bye)  When the word first came into vogue, it was considered using the Lord’s name in vain.  God, apparently, does not like us to shorten his name.  So here’s my question:  Why isn’t it still considered using the Lord’s name in vain?  Certainly, the word “good-bye” has been well accepted into modern usage, and it would probably be safe to assume that many of those who use it haven’t a clue what its origins are… but does that make any difference to God?  Does God not get offended over “Goll Durn it?”  Or did God just quit caring?  Or were we wrong to begin with?  Were we wrong in ever thinking it was offensive to God?  And if that’s the case, then how many other words that we believe are offensive to God simply aren’t?  But what if it is offensive to God…  Then how many other hell-worthy phrases are we using every day?

Work Cited

“good-bye.”  2012.  Online Etymology Dictionary.  19 Mar. 2012.  http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=good-bye