The phrase "May the Force be with you" was first said by General Jan Dodonna in the original 1977 Star Wars film, Episode IV: A New Hope , as a way to wish the Rebel pilots good luck before their mission to destroy the Death Star
. Within the Star Wars universe, it is used as a farewell or encouragement, invoking the spiritual power of the Force to protect or aid someone
. Although many characters say it throughout the series, General Dodonna is credited as the first on-screen character to use the phrase
. Han Solo also famously says it to Luke Skywalker before leaving Yavin 4, despite not being a firm believer in the Force
. The phrase itself has deeper roots in ancient greetings, tracing back to the Old Testament Book of Ruth where Boaz says to his workers, "The Lord be with you!" This blessing was adopted by early Christians and remains a part of Christian liturgy today, which inspired the spiritual tone of the Star Wars phrase
. In summary:
- First spoken by General Jan Dodonna in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977)
- Used as a wish for good luck and protection through the Force.
- Has biblical and Christian liturgical origins, echoing the phrase "The Lord be with you"
