Last night, before bed, I saw a piece of news I thought was the newest headline from the Babylon Bee, but it was not. When I woke up this morning, had my coffee, and opened my phone to see what the latest social media craze was, I started laughing.
Apparently, the headline was true. Senator Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri has closed a prayer with the words, “Amen and A-women.” What I thought was a joke, was real.
While some celebrated his wording, the educated laughed at his pandering of the people. The chances are Senator does not even know the meaning of the word, “Amen.” If the Senator knew the meaning, he would not have said it in the way he did.
However, without knowing the meaning, the Senator was simply pandering to people and trying to be a “cool Senator.”
The Importance of the Word “Amen”
Let me begin by saying I believe the Senator may not be the only individual without a knowledge of the word, “Amen.”
For years, many have closed their prayers without knowing the definition of the word they are using. Whether it be a Christian or a non-Christian, it is crucial that we understand the meaning of words. Without an understanding, we might say words we do not know. Words matter.
The word “Amen” is rich in religious tradition. Not only is this word used after prayers, but you might hear a member of the congregation say it during a Bible class or a lesson to a point of agreement. In the religious world, the word “Amen” is important and meaningful.
A Few Bible Dictionaries/Resources on “Amen”
There are many Bible Dictionaries and other resources one may use to define words contained in the Bible or words associated with religion. It is important to be sure you also look at language resources to see the definition of the word.
Here are a few resources and the definitions they give:
Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Hebrew Definitions provides definitions and numbers based on Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. BDB says the definition of the Hebrew word, אמן’ rendered “âmên” is “verily, truly, amen, so be it.” (Strongs Number H543)
Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Definitions (Strongs) published in 1890, provides definitions related to James Strong’s publication, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. Strongs says the definition of the Hebrew word, אמן’ rendered “âmên” is “amen, so be it, truth.” (Strongs Number H543)
Strongs notes that it comes from the Hebrews wordָ אָמַן ‘ rendered, âman (Strongs H539). The definition of this word is, to build up or support.”
Easton’s Bible Dictionary, by M. G. Easton, public in 1987 and now public domain, says the following regarding the word, “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 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 (Psa 41:13; Psa 72:19; Psa 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; Deu 27:15-26; Neh 5:13; Neh 8:6; 1Ch 16:36).
In the primitive churches it was common for the general audience to say “Amen” at the close of the prayer (1Co 14:16).
The promises of God are Amen; i.e., they are all true and sure (2Co 1:20).
Smiths’ Bible Dictionary, published in 1863, by Dr. William Smith states the following definition and use of the word “Amen”,
A’men. Literally “true” and used as a substantive, “that which is true”,. “truth”, Isa 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. Compare Num 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. Mat 6:13; 1Co 14:16. And not only public prayers, but those offered in private, and doxologies, were appropriately concluded with “Amen”. Rom 9:5; Rom 11:36; Rom 15:33; Rom 16:27; 2Co 13:14; etc.
Lastly, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, a scholarly resource used for years and edited by James Orr says,
ā-men´ (in ritual speech and in singing a-men’, a’men) (אמן, ‘āmēn; ἀμήν, amḗn, = “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 Isa 65:16, where we have (the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American)) “God of truth.” This rendering implies the pointing ‘ōmēn or ‘ēmūn 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 Jer 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 (Num 5:22; Deu 27:15; Neh 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 Rev, and here again it took the form of a response by the hearers. The ritual of the installation of the Lamb (Rev 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” (Rev 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 1Co 14:16, whence we gather that the lay brethren were expected to say “Amen” to the address. (See Weizsäcker’s The Apostolic Age of the Christian Church, English translation, II, 289.)
As you can see through a few Bible dictionaries and resources, the word “Amen” means, “so be it, truth.”
Bible Passages with Amen
The word “amen” is used through the Bible; both in the Old and the New Testament. A quick search of the English Standard Version shows that the word “amen” is found in 50 verses with 56 occurrences. The King James Version shows the word “amen” to be used in 72 verses and 78 occurrences.
You can see the word “amen” is rooted in scripture and has meaning to God’s followers of the past and to God’s followers in the present. This small word helps to provide hope to the Christian. Consider two passages where the word “amen” is found: one in the Old Testament and one in the New Testament.
Isaiah 65.16 – The “God of Amen”
“…so that he who blesses himself in the land shall bless himself by the God of truth, and he who takes an oath in the land shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten and are hidden from my eyes.” (Isaiah 65:16; ESV; Emphasis Mine, CMG)
“That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.” (Isaiah 65:16; KJV; Emphasis Mine, CMG)
In this passage, the words, “God of truth” can be rendered “God of amen” because the word for truth is the Hebrew word, “אמן’ rendered “âmên” and defined as “verily, truly, amen, so be it.” (Strongs Number H543)
The reason for the translation of the word truth, is because the words “amen” does mean truth as we see in earlier definitions, but also because the Lord is full of truth (Psalm 86.15). Further, we know through Scriptures that the truth of the Lord endures forever (Psalm 117.2). Digging into the Psalms more you will see that the words of the Lord are truth (See Psalm 119.114-160).
The New Testament further states the words of God are truth in John 17.17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. (John 17.17; ESV)
2 Corinthians 1.20 – The Promises of God are Amen
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20; ESV; Emphasis Mine, CMG)
“For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20; KJV; Emphasis Mine, CMG)
One of the differences you see in the Old Testament and the New Testament is the languages used in their writing. The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew and the New Testament was written primarily in Greek. However, the definitions of the word “amen” remain constant. (See the definitions of the dictionaries above to examine further.)
As Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians church, he uses the word “amen” in the beginning. This word translated by Strongs is ἀμήν (amēn). According to Strongs, this word has it origins in the Hebrew word we defined earlier. (Strongs number H543). The definition given by Strongs is “firm, trustworthy.”
Thayer’s Greek Definitions, published in 1886, 1889, which utilizes the numbers of Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, defines this word as follows, “ἀμήν (amēn) meaning (1) firm and (2) verily, amen.
The definition of (1) firm is “metaphorically faithful.” The sub definition of (2) verily, amen is “at the beginning of a discourse – surely, truly, of a truth at the end – so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled. It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed, had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded Amen, and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own.
The Word Amen in the Gospel of John
As mentioned, several times earlier, the word “amen” may also be translated “verily” as in the King James Version. The English Standard Version uses the word “Truly.”
In the gospel of John, the word “amen” or verily” was used to emphasize a point that the listener needed to hear. I would encourage you to read through the gospel of John and see the emphasis that Jesus is given to His words for the benefit of the hearers.
Here are a few examples to read:
- John 1:51 – And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
- John 3:3 – Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
- John 3:5 – Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
- John 3:11 – Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.
- John 5:19- So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.
- John 5:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
- John 5:25 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
- John 6:26 — Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
- John 6:32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
- John 6:47 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.
- John 6:53 – So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
- John 8:31 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,
- John 8:34- Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
- John 8:51 – Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.”
- John 8:58 – Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
- John 10:1 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.
- John 10:7 – So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.
- John 12:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
- John 13:16 – Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
- John 13:20 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
- John 13:21 – After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.”
- John 13:38 – Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.
- John 14:12 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
- John 16:20 – Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
- John 16:23 – In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
- John 21:18 – Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”
Final Thoughts:
Whether or not you are shocked by the use of this word, you should examine the word and its usage.
Remember, words matter.
This misuse of the word “amen” is appalling to some, but what should be more appalling is the fact that Representative Cleaver is an “United Methodist Pastor” and still does not know the meaning or the word, “Amen.”
This man, claiming to be a “pastor” and misusing a Biblical term during a prayer, needs to be informed of his ignorance concerning the word, “Amen.” He further needs to be acknowledged as someone how does not know what he is saying.
Let this be a lesson to many, pandering to people and making up words is not truth. It is this blatant disregard for truth that has many people lost in this world.
I would encourage you to pray for Representative Cleaver, but also write him and let him know that his prayer and the use of the term “Aman and A-woman” was unjustifiable. The website for Representative Cleaver is found here.
Personally, I will be sending a copy of this article will be emailed to Representative Cleaver.
Lastly, if you would like a one-page study of the word “Amen” click here for a PDF copy.
Just my thoughts,
Additional Note: The Electronic Version of E-sword was used in this article to defined words through the sources mentioned and also to provide scriptures references to you.
Just a few years ago, I visited the grave of a dear friend. As I parked our van and made my way toward the grave marker, it started to snow. While I drew closer the grave marker, the snow began to fall harder, and the wind began to swirl around me.
When I arrived at the gravestone, I reached down and brushed some leaves from the side noticing someone else had been there before me. Whoever was there before me placed flowers in the bronze vase and a small Christmas tree stuck in the ground beside the gravestone.
Beside the grave of my dear friend is the grave of his child. His child left this life at the age of six due to a fatal disease. I am sure he, being a Christian, and his child are united in the realm of Paradise at this very moment.
On his son’s grave, there was a deflated balloon and a Christmas tree. When I stood and looked at both grave markers, I could not help but stand and think of memorable times past. My mind was flooded with some many moments.
While standing there, I had forgotten about the snow and the wind; both swirling around me. I could tell that the temperature had dropped since I first knelt to wipe leaves away. When I shivered, I looked up and noticed a picture-perfect day in a cemetery. The snow, the sun and the wind made for a beautiful picture.
Call it a sermon on the mind or too much studying, but my thoughts turned to the resurrection of Christ. I guess my thoughts concerning this sermon came into a broader view while standing in a cemetery. I could not help but think of the women as they approached the tomb of Christ.
What an early morning journey that must have been! Imagine what was going though the minds of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome as they walked toward the tomb.
- Were they mourning?
- Were they reflecting on the great works of Christ done in their life?
- Were they trying to figure out a way to roll the large stone away from the door?
To have the great advantage of going to the tomb of Christ to anoint Him with spices was a great honor. The spices the women most likely would have brought would have been a sort of aromatic vegetable compound that would have been prepared. (Luke 23.56) While searching through your Bible, you will find that Nicodemus brought about a hundred pounds of spices to begin the burial process of Christ. (John 19.39)
Christ had suffered on that cruel cross and fulfilled the scriptures relating to His death as our Passover Lamb. His spiritual body entered the Hadean realm of Paradise to wait for the entrance of the thief. (Luke 23.43)
When the body of Jesus was removed from the cross, it was taken to the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea. Previously, Joseph had approached Pilate and asked for the body of Christ. Even though Joseph approached Pilate in secret (John 19.18), he was still courageous enough to place the physical body of Christ in his personal, paid-for tomb. (Mark 15.43) Little did Joseph know the tomb would be borrowed.
Through a careful examination of the gospel accounts, you can see while the women were approaching the tomb a great earthquake occurred, and the stone had been rolled away by the angel of the Lord. (Matthew 28.2) Not only was the stone rolled away, the angel of the Lord was sitting on the stone. (Matthew 28.2)
Remember that the Pharisees and the chief priests approached Pilate concerning the burial of Jesus. It is very clear that Pilate had an extremely busy night; first, Joseph of Arimathaea, then the Pharisees and the chief priests. (Matthew 27.55) The Pharisees and the chief priests spent a great part of their life trying to trap Jesus and commit Him to death.
While the Pharisees still called Him a deceiver, they were troubled at His prophetic words, “After three days I will rise.” (Matthew 27.63) I am sure that they feared the resurrection of Jesus. I imagine as fear grew stronger overnight, they approached Pilate with the request to secure the tomb until the third day. Pilate gave the words to make the tomb secure.
Matthew, the tax collector, informs us that the tomb was sealed. (Matthew 28.65) Scholars and historians mention that sealing the tomb would involve a wax seal or clay seal around the stone as it was put in place.
A further indication of the seal might have been the seal of Rome. When the stone was sealed for Daniel, the king used his signet ring to seal the stone. (Daniel 6.17) Some have speculated if a ribbon was placed around the tomb of Jesus as a warning.
Further, the scriptures tell us guards were placed at the entrance. Talk about the fear of resurrection, to seal a tomb of a “deceiver” in a manner such as that could only be because of one reason—the fear of truth!
When the women examined the tomb, they found it empty. (Luke 24.3) For whatever reason, possibly amazement, they may have walked right past the angel of the Lord and entered the tomb. It could have been a shock that such a great stone was rolled away. It could have been the shock of the looks on the faces of the guards.
Remember imagining their thoughts on the road to the tomb, now picture their faces. The man they came to see is gone. Not only was He gone, but also a young man was sitting on the right side of the interior of the tomb (Mark 16.5).
My friends, that in and of itself is great news, but it is not the greatest news.
It gets better.
Paul writes of the definition of the gospel in the letter of first Corinthians. Notice the words of Paul.
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received. that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that, He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”
(1 Corinthians 15.1-8)
Paul informs his readers, and us, that many saw the resurrected Christ. Not just one or two people, but many. It is not just Paul telling you great words of witnesses to the resurrection, but Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Remember the road to Emmaus in Luke 24.13-29 or Mark 16.12,13? Jesus was there!
Remember the scene at the table with the eleven in Luke 24.28-32 or Mark 16.14? Jesus was there!
He was there for one reason; He is Christ. He walked the road to Emmaus for one reason; He is Christ.
Once again, remember the words of Paul in his letter to the Corinthians,
“And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!”
(1 Corinthians 15.14-17)
Did you know there is no guide in the Middle East who can take you to the tomb holding the physical body of the Son of God? For that, I am grateful.
I am thankful for the great blessings I have as the result of the crucifixion of an innocent man; the tomb could not hold Him and the witnesses that saw Him. With those miraculous blessings from the Father, you can have a hope that is steadfast and secure in the risen Savior.
I think the words of Paul fit appropriately today,
“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
(Acts 17.30-31)
Christ beat death. He beat death so your death would not be a time of sadness but a time of gladness.
Because of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-8), the Christian’s death is graduation to a higher plane.
Family and Friends,
Good morning. I pray this letter finds you and your family doing well.
Today I write to you asking you, as my family and friends, to spend time in prayer each day for our country. The country we live in is undergoing some troublesome times, with possibly more on the way. This is not a political statement, nor is it a prophecy. It is something which has been on my mind for a while.
Throughout this year we have seen various trails and many high roads. The overshadowing factor of 2020 is the COVID-19 virus. This one virus has changed the way we interact and move through the world. It will be a change which will influence decisions for decades to come.
However, just because the COVID-19 virus changed things does not mean it was a troubling year. Religiously, churches were challenged to take on new roles and different assemblies. These new roles and assemblies meant the church would leave the building and find its way into the world. Assemblies arose in parking lots looking like the drive-in movies of old. While this was odd, everyone driving by that church building got to see the service firsthand.
Some congregations moved to online services. These services clogged the internet and broke a few servers along the way. Who knew that so many congregations would blast their messages for the entire world to see? Overnight preachers became internet evangelists like the old televangelists. People from all over the world could hear a message from any size congregation.
Much good arose from 2020, and we still see the influence of good across our nation. There is much to be thankful for today. We persevered even through the troublesome times.
Today, I ask you to pray.
Our nation is hurting. This holiday season, combined with the COVID-19 restrictions, along with emotions already running high, is at a boiling point. The rumblings of strikes and violence across the nation is saddening. The transition of the presidential election process is troubling. The distrust of others is heartbreaking because of selfishness.
Our nation needs to find its moorings. We need genuine people of God to lift this nation up in prayer. We need God’s people to be the ones speaking. While the media covers the bad, let God’s people bring about the good. We need God’s people to speak up for the innocent, the unborn, the orphans, the elderly and the infirm. We need them to have a voice. God’s people must use their voice.
This is not a call for loudness, but for your voice to be heard from the Almighty God. This is not a call for a protest, but a supplication before God. It is not a call or empty words, but words of action to the One who knows all.
Today, I ask you to pray.
Pray for your country to find peace.
Pray for your country to find unity in good things.
Pray that our country may realize that serving others, not destruction, is the right thing to do.
Pray for the election process. The results are not official yet. Our country is seeing political turmoil that will not be good, no matter who is in office.
Pray that God may heal our country, and the world, of the COVID-19 virus and heal those infected by it.
Pray for families to find healing and peace during these emotional times.
Pray and let God know what you need during this time.
We all need to be praying, daily, for our nation. We are not and have never been a perfect nation. Instead, we are an opportunistic nation. We have opportunities in our nation that most in the world would love to enjoy, yet we might take these things for granted.
Despite the freedoms in our nation, no one is totally free without truth. The truth we need to know is the truth of God. It is His words that makes use free. (See John 8.32 and John 17.17) His truth must be our guiding light so we can see through the darkness and journey to His marvelous light.
This is not a tomorrow type action. This is a today action.
I am challenging you to pray a minimum or 10 minutes a day for our country. Divide this up whoever you will, but I challenge you to put 10 minutes into a prayer for our country.
Our country needs your prayers.
Our country’s future needs your prayers.
Will you pray?
Just a thought,
