The word Amen is a most remarkable word. It has been transliterated from the Hebrew, to the Greek, from the Greek to Latin, and finally from Latin to English and many other languages making it the same word, (barring dialect and pronunciation) in every language of the world, so that it has become a universal word sometimes called the best known word in human speech
But, what does it mean, where does it come from, how and why is it used? The questions and answers can go on for quite a long time.
I was surprised to find out that the word is used a relatively few times in the Bible. Where some words such as watch or watchers are used hundreds of times, Amen is only used 52 times and for the first time in the book of Numbers (chapter 5: 22, May this water that brings a curse enter your body so that your abdomen swells and your thigh wastes away." "‘Then the woman is to say, "Amen. So be it.") That’s the fourth book of the Pentateuch, and it’s to confirm a curse! How’d that come to be?
You’d think that a word that has become so universal would have been used earlier, had a better introduction, and used more frequently.
So what else do we find?
In Judaism, amen is a communal response to be recited at certain points during the prayer service to affirm a blessing made during that prayer.
In some Christian churches, the congregation is likely to call out Amen in response to points during the preacher’s sermon.
In English there are two primary pronunciations, Ah-men and Ay-men. One is used at the end of a hymn, relegating this form to music while the other is used at the end of prayer to affirm speech.
The word has some fascinating meanings;
To support, confirm, be faithful, to uphold, nourish, To be established, be carried, make firm, to be carried by a nurse, sure, lasting, verified, confirmed, reliable, faithful, to be certain, to believe in, stand firm, trustworthy.
And most importantly, it is the title of Jesus.
Rev, 3: 14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen––the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
As we found out earlier in this teaching; Amen is used only 52 times in the Bible. We have also come to learn that if things are repeated in the Bible, it is because God wants us to pay particular attention to it. We’d think that a word with such rich and deep meaning would have a special place in the word and in our daily life.
Think about it. How many times during the day do you say Amen whether out loud or to yourself?
I know that I will say it several times. I haven’t counted yet, but it might be interesting to find out. I say it at the end of each payer (I pray at least 5 times a day) and I will say it if I agree with what somebody says, and when listening to sermons on the radio, the computer, or in person.
So maybe that’s where God has placed its significance through repetition, not in His written word, but inscribed on the hearts of those who follow him.
The next time we use the word Amen, let’s meditate on its many meanings and its place in our lives.
Nehemiah 8:
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.
6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
May the Lord bless and keep you
May he shine his face towards you and encourage you
May he turn his face towards you and give you peace
AMEN.
But, what does it mean, where does it come from, how and why is it used? The questions and answers can go on for quite a long time.
I was surprised to find out that the word is used a relatively few times in the Bible. Where some words such as watch or watchers are used hundreds of times, Amen is only used 52 times and for the first time in the book of Numbers (chapter 5: 22, May this water that brings a curse enter your body so that your abdomen swells and your thigh wastes away." "‘Then the woman is to say, "Amen. So be it.") That’s the fourth book of the Pentateuch, and it’s to confirm a curse! How’d that come to be?
You’d think that a word that has become so universal would have been used earlier, had a better introduction, and used more frequently.
So what else do we find?
In Judaism, amen is a communal response to be recited at certain points during the prayer service to affirm a blessing made during that prayer.
In some Christian churches, the congregation is likely to call out Amen in response to points during the preacher’s sermon.
In English there are two primary pronunciations, Ah-men and Ay-men. One is used at the end of a hymn, relegating this form to music while the other is used at the end of prayer to affirm speech.
The word has some fascinating meanings;
To support, confirm, be faithful, to uphold, nourish, To be established, be carried, make firm, to be carried by a nurse, sure, lasting, verified, confirmed, reliable, faithful, to be certain, to believe in, stand firm, trustworthy.
And most importantly, it is the title of Jesus.
Rev, 3: 14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen––the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
As we found out earlier in this teaching; Amen is used only 52 times in the Bible. We have also come to learn that if things are repeated in the Bible, it is because God wants us to pay particular attention to it. We’d think that a word with such rich and deep meaning would have a special place in the word and in our daily life.
Think about it. How many times during the day do you say Amen whether out loud or to yourself?
I know that I will say it several times. I haven’t counted yet, but it might be interesting to find out. I say it at the end of each payer (I pray at least 5 times a day) and I will say it if I agree with what somebody says, and when listening to sermons on the radio, the computer, or in person.
So maybe that’s where God has placed its significance through repetition, not in His written word, but inscribed on the hearts of those who follow him.
The next time we use the word Amen, let’s meditate on its many meanings and its place in our lives.
Nehemiah 8:
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.
6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
May the Lord bless and keep you
May he shine his face towards you and encourage you
May he turn his face towards you and give you peace
AMEN.
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