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Topic:
Thoughts And Things Of The Bible -- Amen
This Hebrew word "amen" means firm, or literally
"true" and used as a substantive, "that which is
true," "truth," and hence also faithful (Rev. 3:14). In
Isaiah 65:16 the word "Amen" is 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) Also in Isa. 65:16, the Authorized Version has "the God of
truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of Amen." 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. 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 (Rev. 3:14). It is found singly and sometimes doubly
at the end of prayers (Ps. 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 (Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15-26; Neh. 5:13; 8:6; 1 Chr. 16:36). In
the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say
"Amen" at the close of the prayer (1 Cor. 14:16). The promises
of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (2 Cor. 1:20).
Derived from Easton's and Smith's Bible
Dictionaries
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