“Amen”

Origins

• Egyptian – amun
• Hebrew – amen
• Greek – amen

Use

• Old Testament – ceremonial
• New Testament – dual usage

Archaic

• What would we use today?
• Would it be appropriate?

How was it used?

Old Testament uses

• First uses – Numbers 5:22, trial of jealousy
• Next use – Deuteronomy 27, curses from Mt. Ebal
  • Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim
    • Curses for violating God’s commands
    • Blessings for obeying all His commands
• Common use in I Kings 1:36?
  • Speaking to King David
• David’s song of thanks
  • David’s song
  • People replied “amen” and praise the Lord
  • I Chronicles 16:8, 36
• Other uses
  • Twice in Nehemiah – Nehemiah 5:13; 8:6
  • Four times in Psalms – Psalms 41:13; 22:19; 89:52; 106:48
  • Twice in Jeremiah – Jeremiah 11:5; 28:6

New Testament uses

• Greek word “amen”
• Not exactly same in meanings
• “Verily” – 101 times
• “Amen” – 51 times
• Case in point
  • John 21:25 – Some have “amen” at the end. Most do not.
• Some uses
  • End of “Lord’s prayer”
    • Matthew 5:13
  • Added at end of great commission
    • Matthew 28:20
  • I Corinthians 14:16
  • The last word in the New Testament.

Conclusion

• No dedicated word
• No exclusive use
• Used as it was in Israelite worship
• From where does the meaning come?