CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en"><head><meta charset="UTF-8"><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"><title>God forbid meaning, origin, example, sentence, history</title><style>img:is([sizes="auto" i], [sizes^="auto," i]) { contain-intrinsic-size: 3000px 1500px }</style><meta name="description" content="God forbid idiom meaning, origin, examples in a sentence, dark meanings, definition, synonyms, interesting facts, backstory, and the history of the phrase."><meta name="author" content="laddi"><link rel="canonical" href="https://www.theidioms.com/god-forbid/"><link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://www.theidioms.com/god-forbid/"><meta property="og:title" content="God forbid"><meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:url" content="https://www.theidioms.com/god-forbid/"><meta property="og:image" content="https://img.theidioms.com/?=127"><meta property="og:description" content="God forbid meaning, origin, example, sentence, history"><script async crossorigin="anonymous" data-type="lazy" data-src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1567729832356028"></script><link rel="preconnect" href="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://adservice.google.com/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.googletagservices.com/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://tpc.googlesyndication.com/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fundingchoicesmessages.google.com/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.google.com/"><link rel="preconnect" href="https://www.gstatic.com/"><style>html,body,div,span,applet,object,iframe,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6,p,blockquote,pre,a,abbr,acronym,address,big,cite,code,del,dfn,em,font,ins,kbd,q,s,samp,small,strike,strong,sub,sup,tt,var,dl,dt,dd,ol,ul,li,fieldset,form,label,legend,table,caption,tbody,tfoot,thead,tr,th,td,header,nav,main,article,footer,aside,hr{border:0;font-family:inherit;font-size:100%;font-style:inherit;font-weight:inherit;margin:0;outline:0;padding:0;vertical-align:baseline}:focus{outline:0}body{line-height:1}*,:after,:before{-webkit-box-sizing:border-box;-moz-box-sizing:border-box;box-sizing:border-box}ol,ul{list-style:none}table{border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0}caption,th,td{font-weight:normal;text-align:left}blockquote:before,blockquote:after,q:before,q:after{content:""}blockquote,q{quotes:"" ""}a img{border:0}input[type="search"]::-webkit-search-cancel-button{-webkit-appearance:none;height:20px;width:20px;margin-right:10px;background:#fff url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24' fill='%23777'><path d='M19 6.41L17.59 5 12 10.59 6.41 5 5 6.41 10.59 12 5 17.59 6.41 19 12 13.41 17.59 19 19 17.59 13.41 12z'></svg>");cursor:pointer;border-radius:99px;opacity:0.6}body{background:#f9f9f9;font-family:system-ui,-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,Roboto,Helvetica Neue,Arial,Noto Sans,Segoe UI,sans-serif,Apple Color Emoji,Segoe UI Emoji,Segoe UI Symbol,Noto Color Emoji;color:#444}p{line-height:33px;margin:0 0 24px 0}strong,b{font-weight:600;color:#000}a,a strong{color:#0045a0;text-decoration:none}a:hover,a strong:hover{color:#3197fd}.container{position:relative;margin:0 auto}img{max-width:100%;height:auto}input,textarea{-webkit-appearance:none;font-family:'Segoe UI','Cambria','Corbel',Arial,sans-serif;color:#333;font-size:16px}.alignleft{display:inline;float:left;margin-right:1.5em}.alignright{display:inline;float:right;margin-left:1.5em}.aligncenter{clear:both;display:block;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}small{font-size:small}em{font-style:italic}sup{vertical-align:super;font-size:smaller}hr{border:0;margin:50px auto 40px auto;max-width:100%;background-position:50%;box-sizing:border-box;border-width:0 0 1px;color:#2196f3;border-image:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(135,206,235,0),#2196f3 50%,rgba(135,206,235,0) 100%) 0 0 100%;border-style:solid}#content{margin:10px 0 0 0;clear:both}blockquote{padding:22px 15px 0 25px;margin:25px 0;overflow:hidden;background:#e1f5fe;color:#01579b;border-left:2px solid #01579b;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0}blockquote strong{color:#01579b}blockquote a{color:#00b4ff}#hh{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:5;background:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #e8eaed}.lg{width:200px}.tn,.tn ul,.tn ul li,.tn ul li a,.tsb,.tsb form,.sb,.sb input{display:inline;position:relative}.tn{margin:0 0 0 40px;clear:both}.tn ul li a{line-height:65px;padding:0 15px;color:#000;font-size:16px;font-weight:600}.tn ul li+li:before{color:#aaa;content:"\002F";font-size:16px}.tsb{margin:0 0 0 50px}.sb{position:relative;height:40px;vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block;clear:both}.sb input{position:absolute;right:0;top:0;width:44px;height:44px;margin:-2px 0 0 0;border:2px solid #ccc;border-radius:999px;padding:0 20px;vertical-align:middle;color:#666;background-color:#f9f9f9;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml;charset=UTF-8,%3csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' fill='%23999999' width='50' height='50'%3e%3cpath d='M21 3A16.99 16.99 0 0 0 4 20a16.99 16.99 0 0 0 17 17c3.355 0 6.461-.984 9.094-2.656l12.281 12.281 4.25-4.25L34.5 30.281C36.68 27.422 38 23.879 38 20A16.99 16.99 0 0 0 21 3zm0 4c7.199 0 13 5.801 13 13s-5.801 13-13 13S8 27.199 8 20 13.801 7 21 7z'/%3e%3c/svg%3e");background-size:24px;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:7px;transition:all .5s ease}.sb input:focus{width:300px;padding:0 0 0 40px}.sb input::placeholder,.sb input::-webkit-input-placeholder{color:#333}input[type="search"]::-webkit-search-cancel-button{background:#ff0000 url("data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24' fill='%23ffffff'><path d='M19 6.41L17.59 5 12 10.59 6.41 5 5 6.41 10.59 12 5 17.59 6.41 19 12 13.41 17.59 19 19 17.59 13.41 12z'></svg>")}.mbm{position:absolute;top:8px;left:20px;display:none;background-color:transparent;width:40px;height:40px;margin:0;padding:4px;border:0;border-radius:99px;cursor:pointer}.mbm:hover{opacity:.9}#page:after{content:"";display:table;clear:both}.main-block{min-height:450px}.article h2.new,.article h2.top{font-size:165%;margin:55px 0 -20px 0}.idiom{margin:60px 0}.idiom div:first-child{margin:20px 0 60px}.idiom>p{margin:0}p.idt{margin:0 0 7px 0;line-height:1}.article{background:#fff;padding:0 40px 60px;border-radius:10px;border:2px solid #eee;min-height:1104px}.page-heading{font-size:180%;line-height:45px;padding:26px 0 13px 0;text-transform:uppercase;clear:both}.article h2{font-size:150%;margin:40px 0 30px;color:#888}.article h3{font-size:120%;margin:40px 0 30px;color:#666}.article ul,.article ol{margin:30px;line-height:30px}.article ul{list-style:square}.article ol{list-style:decimal}.article ol li{padding:0 0 0 5px}.rm{display:inline-block;font-size:85%;margin:0 0 0 5px;font-style:italic;color:#c71585}.ct{float:right;padding:0 0 0 5px;color:transparent}.ct a,.alphabet li a{color:#fff;width:45px;height:45px;line-height:45px;text-align:center;border-radius:99%;display:inline-block;background-color:#ff6347;margin:-8px -9px 0 -1px;box-shadow:0 1px 1.5px 0 rgba(0 0 0 / 12%),0 1px 1px 0 rgba(0 0 0 / 24%);font-size:110%;font-weight:500}.syt{padding:40px 0}.tho,.res{padding:0 0 0 37px;display:inline-block}.tho{background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 30 30' stroke-width='2' stroke-linejoin='round'%3E%3Cpath d='M24 28H6c-1.1 0-2-.9-2-2h0c0-3.9 3.1-7 7-7h8c3.9 0 7 3.1 7 7h0c0 1.1-.9 2-2 2z' fill='%236c3db7' stroke='%236c3db7' stroke-miterlimit='10'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='15' cy='9' r='6' fill='%236ebaff' stroke='%236ebaff'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:24px;background-position:0 3px}.res{background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='254.782' height='254.782'%3E%3Cpath d='M23.384 30.344c-33.205 22.27-28.035 55.087-3.307 80.888 5.724 5.974 12.032 10.995 18.701 15.515 11.129 7.547 31.201 17.451 43.912 23.635a205.09 205.09 0 0 1 6.441 3.249c12.498 6.604 12.32 5.744 11.191-8.347-2.672-33.196 36.268-59.115 37.318-74.839-.047-14.875-2.589-26.581-7.045-35.688C112.593-2.032 63.408 3.499 23.384 30.344zm127.82 69.747c39.886-14.885 114.67 36.044 102.191 81.215-6.757 24.447-29.922 37.67-51.754 46.772-13.549 5.648-33.401 8.855-49.907 15.039-13.232 4.962-12.141 4.835-9.474-9.045 4.924-25.621-20.313-49.506-23.098-77.659-1.279-12.903 1.737-26.252 8.585-37.016 5.453-8.587 13.357-15.538 23.457-19.306z'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:24px;background-position:0 6px;float:right}.tho:hover{color:#00bfff}.info{padding:40px 0 20px 0;border-top:1px dashed #ddd}.ink{border-bottom:1px dashed #ddd;padding:5px 10px 20px 10px;margin:0 0 30px 0}.author{font-size:85%;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;color:#a6126e;text-transform:capitalize}.date{float:right;font-size:75%;color:#555;font-weight:300;letter-spacing:1px}.cm{color:#ed143d;font-style:italic;background:#fff1f3;padding:15px 25px;border-radius:10px}#comments{margin:0 0 60px 0}.cft{margin:0;padding:12px 0 6px 4px;color:#00255e;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:120%;text-shadow:0 1px 2px #eee}.cff{font:inherit;color:#333;background-color:#fff;border:2px solid #ddd;border-radius:6px;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:30px;transition:0.5s}.cff:focus{border-color:#96cc96;background:#fbfffb}.cta{width:100%;padding:15px;margin:0 0 -9px 0}.etf,.atf{width:60%;padding:9px 15px}.wtf{position:absolute;z-index:-3;visibility:hidden;opacity:0}.btf{background-color:#184ea6;border:1px solid transparent;border-radius:3px;box-shadow:rgba(255,255,255,.4) 0 1px 0 0 inset;box-sizing:border-box;color:#fff;cursor:pointer;padding:9px 30px;text-transform:uppercase}.btf:hover,.btf:focus{background-color:#1a78d6}.btf:focus{box-shadow:0 0 0 4px rgba(0,149,255,.15)}.btf:active{background-color:#483d8b;box-shadow:none}ins.adsbygoogle[data-ad-status="unfilled"]{display:none!important}div.fad > ins.adsbygoogle[data-ad-status="unfilled"]{display:none!important}.article>p.tag{color:transparent;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 280.028 280.028'%3E%3Cpath d='M52.506 0h175.017c9.661 0 17.502 7.832 17.502 17.502v245.024c0 10.212-7.71 17.502-17.502 17.502-8.191 0-70.269-38.81-78.758-43.754-8.497-4.944-8.628-5.233-17.502 0-8.873 5.259-70.409 43.754-78.758 43.754-9.915 0-17.502-7.027-17.502-17.502V17.502C35.004 7.832 42.845 0 52.506 0z' fill='%23e2574c'/%3E%3Cpath d='M227.523 0h-87.509v232.466c2.258-.018 4.419 1.278 8.751 3.807 8.453 4.927 70.086 43.448 78.618 43.728h.411c9.661-.14 17.23-7.359 17.23-17.475V17.502C245.025 7.832 237.184 0 227.523 0z' fill='%23cb4e44'/%3E%3Cpath d='M210.048 105.395l-46.038-3.404-23.995-49.486-24.266 49.486-45.758 3.404 30.628 38.197-8.751 48.9 48.147-22.507 48.147 22.507-8.908-48.9c-.001.001 30.794-38.197 30.794-38.197z' fill='%23efc75e'/%3E%3Cpath d='M188.162 192.501l-8.909-48.899 30.795-38.207-46.039-3.404-23.994-49.486v117.498z' fill='%23d7b354'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:24px;background-position:0 12px;padding:0 33px;margin:0 0 25px 0}.tag a{background:#69778C;color:#fff;font-size:85%;padding:8px 18px;border-radius:999px;line-height:48px}.tag a:hover{background:#8fbc8f;color:#fff}.nxt a,.prv a{padding:9px 18px;text-align:center;border-radius:4px;color:#191970;background:#f5f5f5;font-size:85%;box-shadow:0 0px 2px 0 rgb(0 0 0 / 12%),0 1px 1px 0 rgb(0 0 0 / 24%);word-spacing:1px}.nxt{float:right}.nxt a:hover,.prv a:hover{color:#fff;background:#184ea6}.menu{text-align:center;padding:9px;clear:both}.menu ul li{display:inline-block;line-height:40px;margin:0 15px 0 0}.menu ul li a{color:#1a73e8}.lb{margin:0 0 30px;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;padding:7px 20px 20px 25px;border:2px solid #eee}.lsa{background:transparent;border:0}.lbh{font-size:115%;line-height:30px;padding:12px 0 15px}#iod,.daily p{margin:0;line-height:33px;font-size:90%}.daily p a{font-weight:400}.note{background:#fff;margin:0 0 30px;padding:10px 10px 25px 25px;border:2px solid #eee;border-radius:10px}.rbh{font-size:110%;line-height:50px}.lbh::first-letter,.rbh::first-letter{font-size:110%}h1.page-heading,h2.lbh,h3.rbh,.article h2.new,.article h2.top{color:#333;text-shadow:1px 1px 2px #ccc;text-transform:uppercase}.note ul li{line-height:25px;margin:0 0 12px 0;font-size:90%;background-image:url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' width='24' height='24' viewBox='0 0 24 24'%3E%3Cpath d='m9.005 4 8 8-8 8L7 18l6.005-6L7 6z' fill='%23aaa' fill-rule='evenodd'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");background-repeat:no-repeat;padding:0 20px;background-size:16px;background-position:0px 7px}#ftr{background:#0a1228;color:#ececec;overflow:hidden;border-top:1px solid #ccc}.fth{font-size:110%;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 25px 0;color:#ddd;word-spacing:1px}.fth:first-letter{font-size:110%}.grid div ul li,.grid div ol li{color:#ddd;margin:5px 0 10px 15px;line-height:25px;padding:0 0 0 5px}.grid div ul li{list-style:square}.grid div ol li{list-style:decimal}.grid div ul li a,.grid div ol li a{color:#00bfff}.cau{font-size:14px;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:600}.sbs{text-align:center;margin:20px 0 50px}.sbs p{font-size:85%;color:#aaa;margin:-6px 0 6px 0}.sbi{background:#0b1633;border:2px solid #2d3a5e;padding:10px 50px 10px 25px;border-radius:99px;color:#fff;display:inline-block;height:50px;line-height:50px}.sbb{margin:0 0 0 -45px;padding:0;border:0;background:#ff7f50;color:#fff;border-radius:99px;font-size:105%;display:inline-block;position:relative;top:0;width:40px;height:40px;line-height:40px;cursor:pointer}.fb4 p{margin:24px 0 24px 10px}.smi img{filter:grayscale(100%)}.grid:after{content:"";display:table;clear:both}.cpr{color:#789;font-size:85%;border-top:1px dashed #40485c;display:flex;justify-content:space-between}.cpr p,.btl{margin:15px 50px;line-height:30px}.cpr a{color:#789}.btl li{display:inline-block;margin:0 15px 0}.btl li a{color:#00bfff}#share{position:fixed;bottom:175px;right:10px;background:#fff;padding:4px 10px;border:1px dashed #000;border-radius:9px;text-align:center;font-size:11px;color:#000;cursor:pointer;opacity:.8}.article ul li::marker,.article ol li::marker{color:#999}.article>p.pno{margin:0 0 -20px 0;color:#a9a9a9;font-size:16px;font-weight:600}.pgn{margin:0;padding:40px 0}.reli{margin:60px 0}.reli ul li{list-style:disc}.reli ul li a{font-weight:600}.reli h2{font-size:20px;font-weight:600;color:#a6126e;letter-spacing:1px}.alphabet{text-align:center}.alphabet li{display:inline-block;list-style:none;line-height:60px}.alphabet li a{margin:0 20px 0 0}.alphabet li a:hover,.ct a:hover{background:#789}.breadcrumb{margin:10px 0 0 0;text-align:center}.breadcrumb ol li{display:inline;list-style:none;font-size:75%;text-transform:uppercase;font-weight:600}.breadcrumb ol li+li:before{color:#999;content:"\00BB";font-size:18px;font-weight:normal}.breadcrumb ol li span{padding:0 15px;line-height:30px}.breadcrumb ol li a,.breadcrumb ol li span{color:#666}.fma,.fma *{text-align:center}@media (min-width:1008px){body{font-size:115%}.logo{margin-left:50px}.logo,.logo a{display:inline-block;position:relative;vertical-align:middle}.tn a{color:#5f6368;transition:all .3s ease}.tn a:hover{color:#1a73e8}.sb input:focus{width:333px}.blocks{display:inline-block}.main-block,.left-block,.right-block{border:1px solid transparent;clear:both}.main-block{width:49%;margin:0 0 60px 12px;padding:0;background:transparent}.article>p{margin:20px 0}.article ul li{margin:0 0 9px 0}.article ol li{margin:0 0 18px 0}.lst p{padding:10px 0 0 0;text-align:center}.left-block{width:23%;float:left;margin:0 0 0 36px}.right-block{width:21%;float:right;position:absolute;margin:0 0 0 12px}#ftr{padding:50px 0 5px}.grid{width:1000px;margin:0 auto}.grid>div{display:inline-table;padding:0 0 60px 20px}.fb1{width:520px}.fb2{width:400px;float:right}.fb3{width:520px}.fb4{width:400px;float:right}.sbi{width:400px}}@media (max-width:1007px){body{font-size:120%}.logo{display:block;text-align:center;margin:0;height:55px;line-height:80px}.logo a{position:relative}.logo a img{margin:0 0 0 -5px}.mbm,.tsb,.tsb form,.sb,.sb input{display:block}.tn,.tn ul,.tn ul li,.tn ul li a{display:block;height:0;visibility:hidden;opacity:0;overflow:hidden;transition:height .4s ease-in}.tsb{position:absolute;right:20px;top:8px}.on,.on ul,.on ul li,.on ul li a{height:auto;transition:height .4s ease-out}.on ul li{border-top:1px solid #e8eaed}.on ul li a{line-height:45px;display:list-item;padding-left:30px;letter-spacing:2px;color:#000;font-size:16px;font-weight:600}.on ul li a:hover{background:#efefef}.on ul li:first-child{border-top:0}.on{height:228px}.main-block{width:100%;margin:0 0 30px 0;padding:0 1px}.page-heading{padding:20px 0;text-shadow:none;font-size:140%}.article{padding:0 18px 36px}.article h2{color:#666;font-size:130%}.article ul,.article ol{margin:0 20px}.article ul li,.article ol li{margin:0 6px 10px 0}.tho,.res{padding:0 0 0 30px}.lb{margin:0 1px 30px}#iod,.daily p{font-size:100%}.right-block{margin:0 0 30px 0}.note ul li{font-size:100%}h2{font-size:110%}.sbi{width:90%}.sbb{top:1px}.etf,.atf{width:100%}.fb1,.fb2,.fb3,.fb4{margin:50px 3% 50px 6%}.grid:after{display:block}.reli ul{margin:30px;line-height:30px}}@media (max-width:800px){.cpr{display:block;text-align:center}.btl li{display:block;margin:0 0 5px 0;font-weight:600}}@media (max-width:500px){.article h2.new,.article h2.top{font-size:120%;text-align:center}.ct a{display:block;margin:-8px -5px -15px -1px}}@media (max-width:390px){.breadcrumb ol li span{padding:0 5px}.syt{margin:0 auto;width:265px;padding:0 0 10px 0;text-align:center}.tho,.res{float:none;margin:10px auto 20px}.author,.date{float:none;display:block;text-align:center}}.info div,#respond{scroll-margin-top:100px}@media print{body{background:#fff}.logo,img{display:block!important;margin:5px}iframe,button,form,nav,.ct,#comments,.tag,aside,.grid,.sbs,#share,.pgad,.reli,footer,.google-auto-placed,.ap_container,ins,.ipr-container,.autors-widget{display:none!important}div,.article{border:0;margin:0;padding:0}article:after{content:" Source:www.theidioms.com";font-size:18px;font-weight:600}h1:after{content:" www.theidioms.com";position:absolute;right:50px;font-size:14px;text-shadow:none;letter-spacing:1px}}</style><link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://www.theidioms.com/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon"><link rel="icon" href="https://www.theidioms.com/images/favicon/32x32.png" sizes="32x32"><link rel="icon" href="https://www.theidioms.com/images/favicon/48x48.png" sizes="48x48"><link rel="icon" href="https://www.theidioms.com/images/favicon/96x96.png" sizes="96x96"><link rel="icon" href="https://www.theidioms.com/images/favicon/144x144.png" sizes="144x144"><script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-22CVZ5Y883"></script><script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-22CVZ5Y883');</script></head><body><header id="hh" class="container"><div class="logo"><a title="The Idioms" href="https://www.theidioms.com"><img src="https://www.theidioms.com/wp-content/themes/express/images/logo.png" width="225" height="55" alt="The Idioms"></a></div><button aria-label="Menu" class="mbm" onclick="tog()"><svg focusable="false" viewbox="0 0 24 24"><path fill="#555" d="M3 18h18v-2H3v2zm0-5h18v-2H3v2zm0-7v2h18V6H3z"></path></svg></button><nav id="mn" class="tn"><ul><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com">Home</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/list/alphabetical/">A to Z Index</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/topics/">Idiom Topics</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/list/">All Idioms</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/search/">Search</a></li></ul></nav><div class="tsb"><form method="get" id="nav-sform" action="/search/"><div class="sb"><input title="Search here" type="search" class="field" name="q" id="q" value="" placeholder="Search"></div></form></div></header><nav class="breadcrumb"><ol aria-label="breadcrumb" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/BreadcrumbList"><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"><a itemprop="item" href="https://www.theidioms.com"><span itemprop="name">Home</span></a><meta itemprop="position" content="1"></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"><a itemprop="item" href="https://www.theidioms.com/list/"><span itemprop="name">Idioms List</span></a><meta itemprop="position" content="2"></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"><a itemprop="item" href="https://www.theidioms.com/g/"><span itemprop="name">G</span></a><meta itemprop="position" content="3"></li><li itemprop="itemListElement" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ListItem"><span itemprop="name">God forbid</span><meta itemprop="position" content="4"></li></ol></nav><div id="content" class="container"><main class="blocks main-block"><article id="phrase" class="article"><h1 id="title" class="page-heading">God forbid</h1><p class="ct"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/g/">G</a></p><p><strong>God forbid</strong> (<a title="Interjection" href="https://www.theidioms.com/interjection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>interjection</em></a>)<br>/伞蓱d f蓺藞b瑟d/</p><h2>Meaning</h2><ul><li>used to express a strong wish that something undesirable or bad does not happen.</li><li>a plea that a particular event, often negative, should be avoided or prevented.</li><li>used to emphasize the hope that a feared or harmful situation never occurs.</li><li>a way of saying that something would be disastrous or unfortunate if it were to happen, with the hope that it does not.</li><li>used to invoke divine protection against a feared outcome, often implying a worst-case scenario.</li></ul><h2>Example Sentences</h2><ol><li><strong>God forbid</strong> that we lose the match after working so hard all season.</li><li>If, <strong>God forbid</strong>, something were to happen to the car, we have insurance.</li><li><strong>God forbid</strong> she should miss her flight after all these careful plans.</li><li>We rely on technology now, but <strong>God forbid</strong> it fails during the presentation.</li><li>I hope, <strong>God forbid</strong>, we don’t face another power outage this week.</li></ol><h2>Origin and History</h2><p>The phrase “God forbid” has strong biblical roots, with several references in the Bible, particularly in the King James Version (KJV). One of its most notable occurrences is in <strong>Luke 20:16</strong>, where it is used as a reaction of disbelief or shock. This phrase appears frequently throughout the New Testament, often conveying a wish that something undesirable should not happen or a rejection of a negative possibility. In the <strong>Old Testament</strong>, an example appears in <strong>1 Samuel 20:2</strong>, where Jonathan assures David that God will not allow harm to come to him. These biblical uses emphasize divine intervention to prevent a specific undesirable event. The phrase is found in various forms across multiple books of the Bible, both in Hebrew and Greek texts, and has been used in translations such as the Latin <strong>“Absit”</strong> and the Greek <strong>“Me genoito”</strong>.</p><p><strong>Pre-Biblical and Religious Origins</strong></p><p>Although the Bible serves as the most prominent source for “God forbid,” the phrase likely predates its biblical usage. Some linguistic scholars believe it has ancient roots in prayers or wishes, asking for divine intervention to prevent something bad from occurring. This interpretation makes sense given the religious context in which early speakers invoked God’s protection. The phrase鈥檚 resonance with religious beliefs highlights how people throughout history have called upon higher powers to control the future, reflecting its deep religious and spiritual connotations.</p><p><strong>The Earliest Printed Record</strong></p><p>The earliest formal use of “God forbid” in print is found in the 1611 King James Bible. This edition popularized many phrases, including “God forbid,” which entered the common lexicon thanks to its widespread use in English-speaking Christian societies. However, the phrase may have been used in speech long before it was recorded in writing, as oral traditions often predate written texts. Searching through Google Ngram confirms that “God forbid” appears prominently in 17th-century religious texts, particularly in editions of the Bible and other religious writings.</p><p><strong>Translation and Linguistic Interpretations</strong></p><p>In its biblical context, “God forbid” has been debated for its translation accuracy. Some scholars argue that the phrase might not be the best English equivalent for the original Greek or Hebrew terms, which could imply strong rejection or disbelief rather than a literal request for divine intervention. The Greek <strong>“Me genoito”</strong> often translates as “May it never be!” rather than directly calling upon God. Thus, “God forbid” is seen as a stylistic translation choice by early English translators, one that fit the religious and cultural context of the time but might not perfectly align with the original language.</p><p><strong>Variations and Evolution</strong></p><p>The phrase has evolved beyond its biblical and religious usage and is now commonly used in everyday language to express shock, denial, or hope that something undesirable won’t happen. While still retaining its religious undertones, in modern contexts, “God forbid” is often used colloquially, without necessarily invoking a literal belief in divine intervention. Over time, variations like <strong>“Heaven forbid”</strong> and <strong>“May God prevent”</strong> have also surfaced, offering alternatives that convey similar meanings but with subtle shifts in tone or religious emphasis.</p><p><a title="bottom line" href="https://www.theidioms.com/bottom-line/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>The Bottom Line</strong></a></p><p>“God forbid” is a phrase deeply rooted in religious and biblical traditions, particularly from the King James Bible. Its evolution from a religious plea to a common expression shows how language can shift from sacred to secular over time. Despite this evolution, its origins remain tied to the idea of divine intervention and a higher power preventing an unwanted outcome. The phrase’s journey from ancient prayers to modern expressions highlights the enduring influence of religious language in everyday speech.</p><h2>Synonyms</h2><ol><li>heaven forbid</li><li>let’s hope not</li><li>perish the thought</li></ol><p><strong>Variants</strong></p><ul><li>heaven forbid</li><li>lord forbid</li></ul><div id="comments"><p class="syt"><a class="res" href="#respond">Share your opinions</a><div id="respond" class="comment-respond"><p class="cft">What's on your mind?</p><form action="https://www.theidioms.com/wp-comments-post.php" method="post" id="commentform" class="comment-form"><p><textarea placeholder="Share information, comments, or feedback." id="comment" class="cta cff" name="comment" cols="45" rows="6" aria-required="true"></textarea></p><p><input id="author" class="atf cff" placeholder="Name" name="author" type="text" value="" size="30"></p><p><input id="email" class="etf cff" placeholder="Email" name="email" type="text" value="" size="30"></p><p><input id="url" class="wtf cff" placeholder="Website" name="url" type="text" value="" size="30"></p><p class="form-submit"><input name="submit" type="submit" id="submit" class="btf" value="Submit"> <input type='hidden' name='comment_post_ID' value='4500' id='comment_post_ID'><input type='hidden' name='comment_parent' id='comment_parent' value='0'></p></form></div></div> <p class="tag"> <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/biblical/" rel="tag">Biblical</a>, <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/feeling/" rel="tag">Feeling</a>, <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/god/" rel="tag">God</a></p><nav class="pgn"><span title="Next Idiom" class="nxt"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/under-the-sun/" rel="prev">Next »</a></span><span title="Previous Idiom" class="prv"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/let-the-dust-settle/" rel="next">« Previous</a></span></nav><div class="reli"><h2>Similar Idioms</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/rainbow-baby/">rainbow baby</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/act-of-god/">act of God</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/black-mood/">black mood</a></li></ul></div></article></main><aside class="blocks left-block"><div class="lb"><h2 class="lbh">Idiom of the Day</h2><div class="daily"><p id="iod"><em><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/call-of-duty/"><strong>call of duty</strong></a></em></p><p><strong>Meaning:</strong> something you must do or feel compelled to do</p><p><strong>Example:</strong> Both of my grandfathers felt it was their call of duty to enlist immediately for active service when the war broke out. <a class="rm" href="https://www.theidioms.com/call-of-duty/" title="call of duty">Read more ➺</a></p></div></div><div class="lb lsa"><script async crossorigin="anonymous" data-type="lazy" data-src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1567729832356028"></script><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:block" data-ad-client="ca-pub-1567729832356028" data-ad-slot="9043807941" data-ad-format="auto" data-full-width-responsive="false"></ins><script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});</script></div></aside><aside class="blocks right-block"><div class="note"><h3 class="rbh">Latest Idioms</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/throw-shade/">throw shade</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/risk-it-for-the-biscuit/">risk it for the biscuit</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/let-him-cook/">let him cook</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/move-the-needle/">move the needle</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/many-happy-returns-of-the-day/">many happy returns of the day</a></li></ul></div><div class="note"><h3 class="rbh">English Grammar</h3><div class="textwidget"><ul><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/adjectives/">Adjectives</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/nouns/">Nouns</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/pronouns/">Pronouns</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/verbs/">Verbs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/adverbs/">Adverbs</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/prepositions/">Prepositions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/punctuation/">Punctuation</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/sentences/">Sentences</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/figure-of-speech/">Figure of Speech</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/opposite-words/">Opposite Words</a></li></ul></div></div></aside></div><footer id="ftr" class="container"><div class="grid"><div class="fb1"><h3 class="fth">Reader Opinions</h3><ul><li><span class="cau">Tim</span> ➜ <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/mind-your-ps-and-qs/#comment-2623">mind your ps and qs</a></li> <li><span class="cau">Frank</span> ➜ <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/hard-cheese/#comment-2616">hard cheese</a></li> <li><span class="cau">LWE</span> ➜ <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/kickback/#comment-2583">kickback</a></li> <li><span class="cau">Roger (C- in French 1)</span> ➜ <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/pardon-my-french/#comment-2576">pardon my French</a></li> <li><span class="cau">willie level Jr.</span> ➜ <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/eye-candy/#comment-2573">eye candy</a></li> <li><span class="cau">Zsuzsa</span> ➜ <a href="https://www.theidioms.com/the-devil-is-beating-his-wife/#comment-2566">the devil is beating his wife</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/opinions/">View all opinions</a></li></ul></div><div class="fb2"><h3 class="fth">Popular Idioms</h3><ol class="mpi"><li title="64 Thoughts on the devil is beating his wife"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/the-devil-is-beating-his-wife/">the devil is beating his wife</a> <span class="icn">(64)</span></li><li title="20 Thoughts on raining cats and dogs"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/rain-cats-and-dogs/">raining cats and dogs</a> <span class="icn">(20)</span></li><li title="18 Thoughts on break a leg"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/break-a-leg/">break a leg</a> <span class="icn">(18)</span></li><li title="16 Thoughts on catch-22"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/catch-22/">catch-22</a> <span class="icn">(16)</span></li><li title="13 Thoughts on a bed of roses"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/bed-of-roses/">a bed of roses</a> <span class="icn">(13)</span></li><li title="12 Thoughts on apple of discord"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/apple-of-discord/">apple of discord</a> <span class="icn">(12)</span></li><li title="12 Thoughts on home is where the heart is"><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/home-is-where-the-heart-is/">home is where the heart is</a> <span class="icn">(12)</span></li></ol></div></div><div class="grid"><div class="fb3"><h3 class="fth">More on The Idioms</h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/kids/">Idioms for Kids</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/nursery-rhymes/">Nursery Rhymes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/acquisitions/">Our Acquisitions</a></li></ul></div><div class="fb4"><h3 class="fth">Follow The Idioms</h3><ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.theidioms.com/out/fbp">Facebook</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.theidioms.com/out/instap">Instagram</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.theidioms.com/out/twp"> X </a></li></ul></div></div><div class="sbs"><h3 class="fth">Keep in touch</h3><p>Subscribe to receive new idiom updates by email.</p><form class="subscribe-form" id="subf" action="https://www.theidioms.com/subscribe/" method="post"><input class="sbi" placeholder="Enter Your Email" type="text" name="name"><button class="sbb" type="submit" title="Go" name="subscribe">➔</button></form></div><div class="cpr"><ul class="btl"><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/about/">About Us</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/contact/">Contact Us</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theidioms.com/privacy-policy/">Privacy Policy</a></li></ul><p>Copyrights © 2025 - The <a href="https://www.theidioms.com">Idioms</a>.</p></div></footer><script data-no-optimize="1">function tog(){var n=document.querySelector(".tn, .on");n.classList.contains("tn")?(n.classList.remove("tn"),n.classList.add("on")):n.classList.contains("on")&&(n.classList.remove("on"),n.classList.add("tn"))} function addCopyrightInfo(){var e,t;if(window.getSelection){var n;if((n=window.getSelection()).rangeCount){e=n.getRangeAt(0).startContainer.parentNode;var o=document.createElement("div");o.appendChild(n.getRangeAt(0).cloneContents()),t=o.innerHTML}var i=n.getRangeAt(0);t||(t=""+n),t+=" Source: <a href='"+document.location.href+"' style='color:#333;text-decoration:none'>theidioms.com</a>";var d=document.createElement("div");d.style.position="absolute",d.style.left="-99999px",e.appendChild(d),d.innerHTML=t,n.selectAllChildren(d),window.setTimeout((function(){e.removeChild(d),n.removeAllRanges(),n.addRange(i)}),5)}else console.debug("The text [selection] not found.")}document.addEventListener("copy",addCopyrightInfo); function Sharer(o,t,n,r){var e=(screen.width-n)/2,a=(screen.height-r)/4;window.open(o,t,"toolbar=no, location=no, directories=no, status=no, menubar=no, scrollbars=no, resizable=no, copyhistory=no, width="+n+", height="+r+", top="+a+", left="+e)} var myForm=document.getElementById("subf");myForm.onsubmit=function(){window.open("about:blank","Popup_Window","toolbar=0,scrollbars=0,location=0,statusbar=0,menubar=0,resizable=0,width=800,height=600,left = 312,top = 234"),this.target="Popup_Window"};</script><div id="share" onclick="Sharer ('https://www.theidioms.com/share/?link=https://www.theidioms.com/god-forbid/&title=God forbid meaning, origin, example, sentence, history', 'web', 800, 700);"><img title="Share Page" alt="Share" src="data:image/svg+xml;base64,DQo8c3ZnIHhtbG5zPSdodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZycgeG1sOnNwYWNlPSdwcmVzZXJ2ZScgdmlld0JveD0nMCAwIDEwMDAgMTAwMCc+PHBhdGggZD0nTTg3My43IDk5MEgxMjYuM2MtMjguNSAwLTUxLjUtMjMuMS01MS41LTUxLjVWMzQ1LjZjMC0yOC41IDIzLjEtNTEuNSA1MS41LTUxLjVIMjQyLjNjMjEuNCAwIDM4LjcgMTcuMyAzOC43IDM4LjcgMCAyMS40LTE3LjMgMzguNy0zOC43IDM4LjdoLTY0LjRjLTE0LjIgMC0yNS44IDExLjUtMjUuOCAyNS44Vjg4N2MwIDE0LjIgMTEuNSAyNS44IDI1LjggMjUuOGg2NDQuNGMxNC4yIDAgMjUuOC0xMS41IDI1LjgtMjUuOFYzOTcuMmMwLTE0LjItMTEuNS0yNS44LTI1LjgtMjUuOEg3NDVjMi4zIDAgNC4zLS43IDYuNC0xLjMtMTguMi0zLjItMzIuMi0xOC4zLTMyLjItMzcuNCAwLTE5LjEgMTQtMzQuMiAzMi4yLTM3LjQtMi4xLS41LTQuMS0xLjMtNi40LTEuM2gxMjguOWMyOC41IDAgNTEuNSAyMy4xIDUxLjUgNTEuNXY1OTIuOGMtLjEgMjguNi0yMy4yIDUxLjctNTEuNyA1MS43ek02MjkuMyAyMzAuOGwtOTAuNi05MC42djQ3Ni4xYzAgMjEuNC0xNy4zIDM4LjctMzguNyAzOC43LTIxLjQgMC0zOC43LTE3LjMtMzguNy0zOC43VjEzOS44bC05MS44IDkxLjhjLTE0LjUgMTQuNS0zOC4xIDE0LjUtNTIuNyAwLTE0LjYtMTQuNS0xNC42LTM4LjEgMC01Mi43TDQ2OC43IDI3LjFjMS4yLTEuOCAyLTMuOSAzLjYtNS41IDQuMS00LjIgOS4xLTYuOCAxNC4zLTguNSAxMy42LTUuOCAyOS45LTMuMyA0MSA3LjggMy4zIDMuMyA1LjYgNy4xIDcuNCAxMS4xbDE0Ni42IDE0Ni42YzE0LjUgMTQuNSAxNC41IDM3LjkgMCA1Mi4zLTE0LjUgMTQuNC0zNy45IDE0LjMtNTIuMy0uMXonLz48L3N2Zz4=" width="32"><br>Share</div><script type="text/javascript" id="flying-scripts">const loadScriptsTimer=setTimeout(loadScripts,4*1000);const userInteractionEvents=['click', 'mousemove', 'keydown', 'touchstart', 'touchmove', 'wheel'];userInteractionEvents.forEach(function(event){window.addEventListener(event,triggerScriptLoader,{passive:!0})});function triggerScriptLoader(){loadScripts();clearTimeout(loadScriptsTimer);userInteractionEvents.forEach(function(event){window.removeEventListener(event,triggerScriptLoader,{passive:!0})})} function loadScripts(){document.querySelectorAll("script[data-type='lazy']").forEach(function(elem){elem.setAttribute("src",elem.getAttribute("data-src"))})}</script> </body></html>