The Origin of Amen

[Archaeopteryx]

Where does the commonly used term 'Amen' come from and what does it mean?

 

[E.C.]

I believe it may be one of those things that came from Judaism and was adopted into Christianity.

 

[Archaeopteryx]

I believe it may be one of those things that came from Judaism and was adopted into Christianity.

More specifically, what does the word mean? Did Jesus use it himself, or was it adopted only later by his disciples?

 

[E.C.]

–interjection 1.it is so; so be it (used after a prayer, creed, or other formal statement to express solemn ratification or agreement). –adverb 2.verily; truly. –noun 3.an utterance of the interjection “amen.” 4.a musical setting for such an utterance. 5.an expression of concurrence or assent: The committee gave its amen to the proposal.
/\ dictionary.com.

Whether Christ actually said it or not, I don't know, but I would say look into one's Bible.

 

[davidoffinland]

From Finland.

Amen goes back to the OT...used differentily as to swear an oath (Jos 6:26); A solemn charge without the administration of an oath (1 Kg 22:16, 2Ch 18:15). The Hebrew word means firm and hence faithful (Rev 3:14).

In the primitive churches it was used by the congregation to say, "Amen". (i Co 14:16). Or, the promises of God are "Amen"...(2Co 1:20). Jesus used "Amen..Amen...translated into most English Bibles as "Verily...Verily..I say unto you. (John 3:3..plus others)

There is a biblical and historical background to this word.

In Him, david.

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

Where does the commonly used term 'Amen' come from and what does it mean?

Its an original Hebrew word which means "surely" or "so be it." Its typically used in response to a "serious" statement, such as an oath or curse. Here is an example in Jer 11:5

Jeremiah 11:5 Then I will fulfill the oath I swore to your forefathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey'-- the land you possess today." I answered, "Amen, LORD."

From the Hebrew it was transliterated directly into the Greek. From the Greek it was transliterated into the English.


LDG