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Amen
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a-men' (that which is true, truth, firm, faithful,
verily)
RELATED: Hallelujah |
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Easton's Bible Dictionary
This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful
( Revelation 3:14 ). In Isaiah 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 ( Revelation 3:14 ).
It is found singly and sometimes doubly at the end of prayers ( Psalms 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 ( Numbers 5:22 ; Deuteronomy 27:15 - 26
; Nehemiah 5:13 ; 8:6 ; 1 Chronicles 16:36 ). In the primitive churches it was
common for the general audience to say "Amen" at the close of the prayer ( 1 Corinthians
14:16 ).
The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure ( 2 Corinthians
1:20 ).
Hitchcock's Dictionary of Bible Names
(no entry)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
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. Comp. ( 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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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 Isaiah 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 Jeremiah 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 (Numbers
5:22 ; Deuteronomy 27:15 ; Nehemiah 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 Revelation, and here again it took the form of a response by the hearers.
The ritual of the installation of the Lamb (Revelation 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" (Revelation 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 1 Corinthians 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.)
James Millar
Tags:
amen, bible commentary, bible history, bible reference, bible study, define, hallelujah
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