Dictionaries :: Amen

Amen:

This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful (Rev 3:14). In Isa 65:16, the Authorized Version has "the God of truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of Amen." It is frequently used by our Saviour to give emphasis to his words, where it is translated "verily." Sometimes, only, however, in John's Gospel, it is repeated, "Verily, verily." It is used as an epithet of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 3:14).

It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers (Psa 41:13; 72:19; 89:52), to confirm the words and invoke the fulfilment of them. It is used in token of being bound by an oath (Num 5:22; Deu 27:15-26; Neh 5:13; 8:6; 1Ch 16:36). In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say "Amen" at the close of the prayer (1Cr 14:16).

The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (2Cr 1:20).

Amen:

a-men' (in ritual speech and in singing a-men', a'men) ('amen; amen, =" truly," "verily"): Is derived from the reflexive form of a verb meaning "to be firm," or "to prop." It occurs twice as a noun in Isa 65:16, where we have (the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American)) "God of truth." This rendering implies the pointing ‘omen or ‘emun i.e. "truth," or "faithfulness," a reading actually suggested by Cheyne and adopted by others. "Amen" is generally used as an adverb of assent or confirmation-fiat, "so let it be." In Jer 28:6 the prophet endorses with it the words of Hananiah. Amen is employed when an individual or the whole nation confirms a covenant or oath recited in their presence (Nu 5:22; De 27:15 ff; Ne 5:13, etc.). It also occurs at the close of a psalm or book of psalms, or of a prayer.

That "Amen" was appended to the doxology in the early church is evident both from Paul and Rev, and here again it took the form of a response by the hearers. The ritual of the installation of the Lamb (Re 5:6-14) concludes with the Amen of the four beasts, and the four and twenty elders. It is also spoken after "Yea: I come quickly" (Re 22:20). And that Revelation reflects the practice of the church on earth, and not merely of an ideal, ascended community in heaven, may be concluded from 1Co 14:16, whence we gather that the lay brethren were expected to say "Amen" to the address. (See Weizsacker's The Apostolic Age of the Christian Church, English translation, II, 289.)

Written by James Millar

Amen: Dependable; Faithful; Certain.

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the AMEN, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. (Revelation 3:14-15)

Amen: A Word Used to Reenforce a Statement

Num 5:22; Deu 27:12-26; Neh 5:13; 2Cr 1:20; Rev 1:18; 22:20

Amen: Used in Prayer

1Ki 1:36; 1Ch 16:36; Neh 8:6; Psa 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; 106:48; Jer 28:6; Mat 6:13; 1Cr 14:16; Rev 5:14; 19:4

Amen: A Title of Christ

Rev 3:14

Amen:

is transliterated from Hebrew into both Greek and English. "Its meanings may be seen in such passages as Deu 7:9, 'the faithful (the Amen) God,' Isa 49:7, 'Jehovah that is faithful.' Isa 65:16, 'the God of truth,' marg., 'the God of Amen.' And if God is faithful His testimonies and precepts are 'sure (amen),' Psa 19:7; 111:7, as are also His warnings, Hsa 5:9, and promises, Isa 33:16; 55:3. 'Amen' is used of men also, e.g., Pro 25:13.

"There are cases where the people used it to express their assent to a law and their willingness to submit to the penalty attached to the breach of it, Deu 27:15, cp. Neh 5:13. It is also used to express acquiescence in another's prayer, 1Ki 1:36, where it is defined as "(let) God say so too," or in another's thanksgiving, 1Ch 16:36, whether by an individual, Jer 11:5, or by the congregation, Psa 106:48.

"Thus 'Amen' said by God 'it is and shall be so,' and by men, 'so let it be.'"

"Once in the NT 'Amen' is a title of Christ, Rev 3:14, because through Him the purposes of God are established, 2Cr 1:20

"The early Christian churches followed the example of Israel in associating themselves audibly with the prayers and thanksgivings offered on their behalf, 1Cr 14:16, where the article 'the' points to a common practice. Moreover this custom conforms to the pattern of things in the Heavens, see Rev 5:14, etc.

"The individual also said 'Amen' to express his 'let it be so' in response to the Divine 'thus it shall be,' Rev 22:20. Frequently the speaker adds 'Amen' to his own prayers and doxologies, as is the case at Eph 3:21, e.g.

"The Lord Jesus often used 'Amen,' translated 'verily,' to introduce new revelations of the mind of God. In John's Gospel it is always repeated, 'Amen, Amen,' but not elsewhere. Luke does not use it at all, but where Matthew, Mat 16:28, and Mark, Mar 9:1, have 'Amen,' Luke has 'of a truth;' thus by varying the translation of what the Lord said, Luke throws light on His meaning."*
[* From Notes on Galatians, by Hogg and Vine, pp. 26, 27.]
See VERILY.

Amen:

literally "true" and used as a substantive, "that which is true," "truth," (Isaiah 65:16) a word used in strong asseverations, fixing, as it were, the stamp of truth upon the assertion which it accompanied, and making it binding as an oath (compare Numbers 5:22). In the synagogues and private houses it was customary for the people or members of the family who were present to say "amen" to the prayers which were offered (Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 14:16). And not only public prayers, but those offered in private, and doxologies, were appropriately concluded with "amen." (Romans 9:5; 11:36; 15:33; 16:27; 2 Corinthians 13:14 etc.)