2006-06-13 12:59:22 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I can't believe Mainworry got this wrong...actually I can believe it.
Amen:This Hebrew word means firm, and hence also faithful (Rev. 3:14). In Isa. 65:16,
the Authorized Version has "the God of truth," which in Hebrew is "the God of
Amen." It is frequently used by our Savior 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 fulfillment 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).
I will say this though. The Common English translations of the word amen include: "Verily", "Truly", "So be it", and "Let it be".
But you wanted to know where it originate.
And also the Wikipedia definitions could have been put in there by anyone.
2006-06-13 13:58:31 · answer #1 · answered by psych0bug 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Amen" comes from a Hebrew word that means "so be it." It is said when Christians are in agreement with something, such as at the end of a prayer or during a sermon when the person preachs makes a good point. Comes from Jewish tradition. Paul uses the expression in 2 Corinthians 1:20 (amoung others) saying "For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
2006-06-13 20:13:07 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word 'Amen' makes its first appearance in the Bible under the most solemn circumstances.(Numbers 5:22) The word 'Amen' is almost always the last word of a solemn statement.The word "Amen" appears therefore to be the fitting last word for solemn utterances made before God. The word "Amen" is a solemn affirmation of truth, a special word that we can use whenever we have said (or heard) something that is true before God. When we say, "Amen" we are saying, "Yes before God I agree with that, I believe that to be true, I want that to be so".The underlying meaning of the word "Amen" is truth and verity.
2006-06-13 20:11:41 · answer #3 · answered by Micah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen means "so be it" it was used in conclusion to prayers and blessings since Hebrew times.
2006-06-13 20:04:58 · answer #4 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen means: "So it be." That is why it is said at the end of the prayer
2006-06-13 20:05:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen, a Biblical Hebrew word meaning "so be it" or "truly The word "amen" has always been used in Judaism.
2006-06-13 20:05:37 · answer #6 · answered by ginaforu5448 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen means "let it be finished". Therefore we use it when we end a prayer.
2006-06-13 20:02:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen means "let it be" so they are saying their prayer and then let it be.
2006-06-13 20:02:54 · answer #8 · answered by spankymonkey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amen also means "I believe" or "I profess that what I/we have just said is to be believed."
Check out wikipedia for more indepth explanation.
2006-06-13 20:05:19 · answer #9 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means "So be it."
It's Hebrew
2006-06-13 20:03:11 · answer #10 · answered by Left the building 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋