The word “Amen” is one of the most familiar and common words in the English language. It is used to conclude prayers, hymns, creeds, and other religious utterances. But do we really understand its meaning and significance? Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about this ubiquitous word.
The Meaning and Origin of “Amen”
The word “Amen” is derived from the Hebrew word “aman” which means “to confirm, support, or uphold.” It comes from the root word “emunah” meaning “faithfulness, trustworthiness.” When used at the end of a prayer, “amen” expresses affirmation and agreement with the words and sentiments uttered. By saying “amen” we make it our own. One of the clearest definitions for “amen” is found in Deuteronomy 27:15, which says “Cursed is the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the LORD, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’” Their response affirmed the truth of the statement.
The first scriptural use of “amen” is in Numbers 5:22 where a woman accused of adultery says “Amen, Amen” to a oath she was required to take by the priest. Saying “amen” indicated she agreed to the oath and accepted its consequences. In Nehemiah 8:6, Ezra blessed the Lord and all the people said “Amen” lifting their hands. This shows the people’s receipt and approval of Ezra’s prayer and blessing to God. Later in the chapter when the Levites read from the Book of the Law, the people again responded by bowing their heads and worshiping the Lord with “Amen, Amen.” Their double use of “amen” demonstrated intense agreement and zeal for God’s truth.
The word “amen” carried over from Hebrew into the Greek of the New Testament as a means to express strong agreement and authentication of what was said. Jesus began many of his sayings with “Amen” or “Verily” (Matthew 5:18,26). The apostle Paul opens several epistles with the phrase, “Amen, Greetings…” (Romans 1:25, 1 Corinthians 1:3, etc). This served to authenticate his message and apostolic authority over the churches he wrote to.
The Significance and Purpose of Saying “Amen”
When we say “amen” at the end of our prayers, we are following biblical precedent and expressing heartfelt agreement with the words and thoughts conveyed to God. “Amen” indicates our approval of God’s will, His truth, and His promises. We affirm our trust in Him to answer prayer according to His perfect will and timing (1 John 5:14-15). “Amen” demonstrates our faith in the power of prayer itself as ordained by God for our benefit and His glory.
Saying “amen” shows that we stand in total agreement with the plans, purposes, and truth of the One to whom we pray – the sovereign Lord of the universe. Just as the congregation of Israel said “Amen” to affirm the righteous curses and blessings read by the Levites (Deuteronomy 27:15-26), we add our “Amen” to underscore the truth of God’s Word and profess our reliance upon Him.
In summary, here are 5 key purposes for saying “Amen”:
- To vigorously affirm the truth of the words, promises, commands or prayers spoken
- To personally authenticate what was said by voicing agreement
- To verbally express our trust in God to answer prayer
- To vocally conclude the prayer in God’s authority
- To unite with fellow believers also saying “Amen” in corporate prayer or worship
Biblical Examples of Saying “Amen”
In the Old Testament
Here are some examples of “Amen” being said in the Old Testament:
- The people said “Amen” after hearing the curses read by the Levites (Deuteronomy 27:15-26)
- The congregation said “Amen” when David blessed the Lord in prayer (1 Chronicles 16:36)
- After Nehemiah and Ezra blessed the Lord, the people lifted their hands and said “Amen” (Nehemiah 8:6)
- The people bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord saying “Amen” when the law was read (Nehemiah 8:8)
- David calls God the “Amen” referring to His unchanging nature (Isaiah 65:16)
- Jeremiah calls God the “God of truth” or the “Amen” (Jeremiah 11:5)
In the New Testament
Here are some examples of “Amen” being said in the New Testament:
- Jesus began many sayings with “Amen” or “Verily” (Matthew 5:18, Matthew 6:2, etc)
- After giving thanks for the bread and wine at the Last Supper, Jesus and the disciples sang a hymn before going to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30)
- Paul uses “Amen” to authenticate his apostolic authority and the truth of his teaching (1 Corinthians 14:16, 2 Corinthians 1:20)
- Paul ends some prayers and doxologies with “Amen” (Romans 1:25, Romans 9:5)
- In Revelation, Jesus is called the “Amen, the faithful and true Witness” (Revelation 3:14)
- The martyrs in heaven cry out “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 7:12)
How to Say “Amen” Meaningfully
While the word “amen” is easy to say routinely, we should be careful that it does not become merely a verbal punctuation mark without heartfelt meaning. How can we put more purpose into our “amens”? Consider these tips:
- Reflect on the words you just prayed – Give yourself a moment to meditate on what you just expressed to God and affirm its truth.
- Say it audibly – Voice your “amen” out loud with conviction even if praying alone.
- Say it boldly – Do not mumble or mouth it silently – proclaim it purposefully.
- Pray unitedly – In corporate prayer, say “amen” together to affirm your unity in Christ.
- Say it sincerely – Let your “amen” reflect genuine faith in God’s answer.
In addition, spice up your “amens” by expanding them occasionally:
- “Amen, so be it”
- “Amen and amen”
- “Amen, yes Lord”
- “Amen, thank You Father”
By putting purpose into your “amens” you enrich your prayer life and bring glory to God.
Jesus Christ, the Great Amen
Jesus Christ is called the “Amen, the faithful and true witness” in Revelation 3:14. He is the perfect embodiment of the meaning of “Amen.” Consider how Jesus fulfills the concept of “Amen”:
- He made God’s promises and prophecies come true – He is the “Yes” and fulfillment of all God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).
- He affirmed and obeyed the will of God perfectly as the suffering servant – Unlike us, Jesus never had to pray “not my will but Yours be done” – He was aligned fully with the Father.
- He verified the truth of God’s Word by fulfilling messianic prophecies about the Messiah.
- His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection authenticated Him as the Son of God and Savior of sinners.
- He embodied all the trustworthiness, constancy, and faithfulness of God’s character – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
No human could ever fulfill the meaning of “Amen” perfectly. But Christ did so in total surrender to the Father’s will for our salvation. His final words on the cross say it all – the great “Amen” to end all amens: “It is finished” (John 19:30). And with that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit, securing our redemption once for all.
Saying “Amen” in Worship and Song
In corporate worship, saying “Amen” takes on special significance. When prayers are offered, Scripture read, or preaching done, voices lift together in concluding “Amen” to affirm God’s truth has been proclaimed and received. Ephesians 3:21 offers a model: “to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” We join the eternal anthem of heaven when we worship God together on earth.
Many hymns and worship songs include the word “Amen” to facilitate the congregation joining their voices in praise. Classic hymns like “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” and “Doxology” end with robust repetition of “Amen”. Contemporary songs like “Amen (Because He Lives)” and “Forever Reign” drive home “Amen” as the chorus. Adding your voice to affirm essential Christian truths through song magnifies and unifies our corporate praise.
Unbiblical Uses of “Amen”
While saying “Amen” is firmly grounded in Scripture, some errant practices developed over time. Some examples include:
- Superstition – Saying “Amen” as if mere utterance guarantees answers to prayer or manipulate’s God’s will.
- Mindless repitition – Rote reciting of “Amen” without thought, especially during long liturgical ceremonies.
- Emphasis on form over substance – Using “Amen” to end prayers becomes a matter of obligatory ritual.
- Spiritual pride – Saying “Amen” loudly to try to sound more pious than others.
While we should avoid these practices, the biblical truth and meaning of “Amen” remains substantive, valuable, and essential for honoring God in prayer and worship when used properly.
In Summary
This overview of the biblical meaning of “amen” yields these key points:
- It originated in Hebrew expressions of agreement, affirmation, and truth.
- Scriptural uses expressed assent to blessings, curses, oaths, covenants, and worship.
- It was carried over into the early church’s prayers, creeds, and apostolic teaching.
- Jesus embodied the full richness of meaning in the word as the Great Amen.
- We should say it purposefully to affirm God’s truth, promises, and will.
- It unites our voices in corporate worship singing ancient and modern hymns.
In closing, may we pray, worship, and live all of life with a heartfelt “amen” on our lips – to the glory of Christ, the perfect Amen to all God’s promises. Amen!