Language
Fact-checked

At LanguageHumanities, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does Godspeed Mean?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

To wish someone Godspeed is to ask for God's blessings on his or her endeavor, most notably a long journey or a risky but potentially rewarding venture. Some view godspeed as a more reverent alternative to "good luck," which arguably introduces chance and randomness into the mix, not divine providence. One might wish Godspeed on a relative embarking on a long business trip overseas, for example.

The confusion over the meaning of Godspeed, which may also be rendered as god-speed or even goodspeed, lies in the definition of speed. The original meaning of the Old English word speed had nothing to do with velocity, but rather prosperity and good fortune. The addition of God to the concept of financial bounty may sound jarring at first, but the word Godspeed was an acknowledgment of God's generosity and blessing. Speed in that sense was the righteous acquisition of wealth and property through hard work and reverent behavior.

Most people wish others a safe voyage and a farewell for a trip.
Most people wish others a safe voyage and a farewell for a trip.

Some sources suggest that the word Godspeed may have been a corruption of "good speed," a wish for a speedy journey aided by favorable winds and sailing conditions. Under this theory, the expression good speed eventually became god-speed and ultimately Godspeed. The application of a Deity's name was simply a happy accident. Indeed, there are some recorded incidents of "good speed" being used as a blessing for ship-bound passengers.

In many dictionaries, the term "Godspeed" is labeled as archaic.
In many dictionaries, the term "Godspeed" is labeled as archaic.

The Middle English translators of the Holy Bible also used the term Godspeed in several passages, primarily in the Old Testament to indicate a God-inspired prosperity. This would suggest two separate evolutions of the expression, based on two different translations of the word speed. To wish someone Godspeed would be to wish him or her a prosperous journey or successful endeavor, while to wish someone goodspeed would suggest a swift and safe trip.

Godspeed is used in several passages of the Bible in Middle English translations.
Godspeed is used in several passages of the Bible in Middle English translations.

The expression Godspeed has largely fallen out of popular usage, and is generally listed as archaic in many dictionaries. Some still use it as a more theological blessing than a simple "good luck" or "bon voyage," although the original meaning has been forgotten in the mists of time.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular LanguageHumanities contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular LanguageHumanities contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon262074

It's used a lot at the start of space missions (at least in movies).

anon243300

All military movies use it, and now I'll start using it.

anon241040

This term I came across in the "Angels and Demons" movie.

anon193845

To FB 653178229: Austin Powers - The Spy that Shagged me, uses this term.

anon173589

God's speed is much more than the human mind can comprehend. It relates to space/time travel which can be abundantly found in scriptural code. A good place to start, in relation to this article, would be where the master in the new testament gave talents and "went on a long journey." That's all that I am at liberty to say. Blessings.

anon157596

While I was in the Marine Corps, we used it all the time. It was said to deploying units by other units that had just come back from over seas. I have since gotten out and I hear it every now and then.

anon148191

For example, my college friend would say this to me before we went on a spring break trip.

anon147929

Godspeed is a term used as a sentiment that you wish someone well on their journey. It should be taken as a compliment if someone says it to you.

Ondrelique Ouellette

Oh, it's definitely still in use. I've heard more than a few people say it, which is why I had to look up the meaning in the first place. I've also heard the term in movies, though I can't recall which ones.

anon114045

Thanks very much for the info.

love2learn

Bartholomew Gosnold was the captain of the ship Godspeed which was one of the ships which sailed to America to colonize Jamestown, Virginia. Gosnold is considered to be the principle figure in the colonization of Virginia.

tellastory

I found online that there are several media forms with Godspeed as the title. 4 novels, 4 bands, 18 songs, and 5 albums. The dictionary may label the term as archaic, but it is still in use, if in a different form.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Most people wish others a safe voyage and a farewell for a trip.
      By: rodjulian
      Most people wish others a safe voyage and a farewell for a trip.
    • In many dictionaries, the term "Godspeed" is labeled as archaic.
      By: Sebastian Crocker
      In many dictionaries, the term "Godspeed" is labeled as archaic.
    • Godspeed is used in several passages of the Bible in Middle English translations.
      By: justinkendra
      Godspeed is used in several passages of the Bible in Middle English translations.