2006-11-18 16:46:46 · 3 answers · asked by wondering... 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The other guys are spot on. It's an old term, which has been evolved as a contraction of the phrase "I wish that God may speed you", which (apparently) comes from the Bible. In today's terminology this means: "I wish that God may bless you with success." It hasn't got anything to do with physical motion or 'speed' as such.
Many Hebrew words were translated into strange English alternatives when they revamped the Bible. Especially in the old testament, the original Hebrew word translated as "speed" [pronounced caw-raw] meant 'to land upon', or 'to bring about'.
So the phrase kind of means "good happenings" that God helps you with.
2006-11-18 17:01:35 · answer #1 · answered by frouste 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God speed you:a wish of success to one setting out on a journey or undertaking.
2006-11-19 00:51:39 · answer #2 · answered by kalusz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been used since before the life of Shakespeare. It means,"With God's help, I wish you a speedy (and safe) journey."
2006-11-19 00:50:52 · answer #3 · answered by RG 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋