Amen

Greek Word Pronunciation: ah-MANE
Strong’s Number: 281
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 297
Key Verse: “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness …” -- Revelation 3:14

This is an instance of a Hebrew word (aman) transliterated into Greek (amen) and then transliterated into English (amen). In Hebrew, aman denotes firmness, dependability, certainty, and truth. In the Old Testament, it is a liturgical formula in which a congregation or individual accepts both the validity of an oath or curse and its consequences (Numbers 5:22; Jeremiah 11:5); also in response to a benediction (1 Chronicles 16:36; Nehemiah 8:6). Its connection with both blessings and cursings is sufficient explanation for the description of God as “the God of truth (aman)” in Isaiah 65:16. In Genesis 15:6, “Abram believed (aman) in the Lord.” Abram heard God’s promise and was caused to be certain about what God said. When uttered by God, aman meant, “It is and shall be so,” and when used by men, implied, “So let it be.”

In the New Testament, the early Church associated the Amen with prayers and thanksgivings, and also expressed the individual’s response to the divine (1 Corinthians 14:16; Ephesians 3:21; Revelation 22:20).

Jesus had a unique habit of starting a sentence with an Amen instead of ending it. In John, it is always repeated, “Amen, amen, I say to you …” That was a strong affirmation that what Jesus was about to say was certain and reliable and that what He taught must be considered binding on His hearers. It introduced a new revelation of the mind of God (Matthew 16:28). In REVELATION 3:14, “Amen” is the title of Christ, because He is “faithful and true.” Through Him the purposes of God are established (2 Corinthians 1:20), signifying that He Himself is the fulfillment of all that God has spoken to the Church. The promises and truth of God are both secured. He revealed Himself as the Source of all certainty and truth. He spoke of what He knew and testified to what He had seen. He is and will remain humanity’s most trustworthy Witness.