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The word '''Amen''' (אָמֵן ; '''آمين''', ''’Āmīn'' ; "So be it; truly"  is a declaration of affirmation [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01407b.htm] found in the [[Hebrew Bible]] and [[New Testament]]. Its use in [[Judaism]] dates back to its earliest texts. It has been generally adopted in [[Christianity|Christian]] [[worship]] as a concluding word for [[prayer]]s and [[hymn]]s.  In [[Islam]], it is the standard ending to [[Dua]] (supplication). Common English translations of the word ''amen'' include: "Verily", "Truly", "So be it", and "Let it be." It can also be used colloquially to express strong agreement,[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=a&p=11]  as in, for instance, ''amen to that.''

The word '''Amen''' (אָמֵן ; '''آمين''', ''’Āmīn'' ; "So be it; truly"  is a declaration of affirmation [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01407b.htm] found in the [[Hebrew Bible]] and [[New Testament]]. Its use in [[Judaism]] dates back to its earliest texts. It has been generally adopted in [[Christianity|Christian]] [[worship]] as a concluding word for [[prayer]]s and [[hymn]]s.  In [[Islam]], it is the standard ending to [[Dua]] (supplication). Common English translations of the word ''amen'' include: "Verily", "Truly", "So be it", and "Let it be." It can also be used colloquially to express strong agreement,[https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=a&p=11]  as in, for instance, ''amen to that.''

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

''Amen,'' meaning ''so be it,'' is of [[Hebrew]] origin [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=281] The word was imported into the Greek of the early Church from the Jewish synagogue.[http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen] From Greek, ''amen'' entered the other Western languages. According to a standard dictionary etymology, ''amen'' passed from Greek into Late Latin, and thence into English.[http://www.bartleby.com/61/75/A0247500.html]  

''Amen,'' meaning ''so be it,'' is of [[Hebrew]] origin [https://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=281] The word was imported into the Greek of the early Church from the Jewish synagogue.[https://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen] From Greek, ''amen'' entered the other Western languages. According to a standard dictionary etymology, ''amen'' passed from Greek into Late Latin, and thence into English.[https://www.bartleby.com/61/75/A0247500.html]  

The Hebrew word ''’amen'' derives from the Hebrew verb ''’aman,'' a primitive root.[http://www.sacrednamebible.com/kjvstrongs/STRHEB5.htm#S543] Grammarians frequently list ''’aman'' under its three consonants ('''’mn'''), which are identical to those of ''’amen''.This triliteral root ('''’mn''') means ''to be firm, confirmed, reliable, faithful, have faith, believe.'' Two English words that derive from this root are:

The Hebrew word ''’amen'' derives from the Hebrew verb ''’aman,'' a primitive root.[https://www.sacrednamebible.com/kjvstrongs/STRHEB5.htm#S543] Grammarians frequently list ''’aman'' under its three consonants ('''’mn'''), which are identical to those of ''’amen''.This triliteral root ('''’mn''') means ''to be firm, confirmed, reliable, faithful, have faith, believe.'' Two English words that derive from this root are:

<blockquote>  

<blockquote>  

'''a.''' amen, from Hebrew ''’amen'' (=truly, certainly);  

'''a.''' amen, from Hebrew ''’amen'' (=truly, certainly);  

'''b.''' [[Mammon]], from [[Aramaic]] ''mamona,'' probably from Mishnaic Hebrew ''mamôn,'' probably from earlier ''*ma’mon'' (=? “security, deposit”).Both '''a''' and '''b''' derive from Hebrew ''’aman'' (=to be firm).[http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S12.html] </blockquote>  

'''b.''' [[Mammon]], from [[Aramaic]] ''mamona,'' probably from Mishnaic Hebrew ''mamôn,'' probably from earlier ''*ma’mon'' (=? “security, deposit”).Both '''a''' and '''b''' derive from Hebrew ''’aman'' (=to be firm).[https://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S12.html] </blockquote>  

The [[Talmud]] teaches [[Homiletics|homiletically]] that the word ''Amen'' is an [[acronym]] for '''א'''ל '''מ'''לך '''נ'''אמן (''’El melekh ne’eman'', "God, trustworthy King"), the phrase recited silently by an individual before reciting the [[Shma]].

The [[Talmud]] teaches [[Homiletics|homiletically]] that the word ''Amen'' is an [[acronym]] for '''א'''ל '''מ'''לך '''נ'''אמן (''’El melekh ne’eman'', "God, trustworthy King"), the phrase recited silently by an individual before reciting the [[Shma]].

Popular among some theosophists and adherents of esoteric Christianity is the conjecture that ''amen'' is a derivative of the name of the Egyptian god  [[Amun]] (which is sometimes also spelled ''Amen'').[http://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/ctg/am-an.htm] [http://www.assemblyoftrueisrael.com/Documents/WordsandtermsintheScriptures.html] [http://www.iahushua.com/ST-RP/church.htm]  Some adherents of Eastern religions believe that ''amen'' shares roots with the Sanskrit word, ''aum''. There is no academic support for either of these views.

Popular among some theosophists and adherents of esoteric Christianity is the conjecture that ''amen'' is a derivative of the name of the Egyptian god  [[Amun]] (which is sometimes also spelled ''Amen'').[https://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/ctg/am-an.htm] [https://www.assemblyoftrueisrael.com/Documents/WordsandtermsintheScriptures.html] [https://www.iahushua.com/ST-RP/church.htm]  Some adherents of Eastern religions believe that ''amen'' shares roots with the Sanskrit word, ''aum''. There is no academic support for either of these views.

== Biblical usage ==

== Biblical usage ==

Liturgically, ''amen'' is a communal response to be recited at certain points during the prayer service. It is recited communally to affirm a blessing made by the prayer [[reader]]. It is also mandated as a response during the kaddish doxology.

Liturgically, ''amen'' is a communal response to be recited at certain points during the prayer service. It is recited communally to affirm a blessing made by the prayer [[reader]]. It is also mandated as a response during the kaddish doxology.

The congregation is sometimes prompted to answer 'amen' by the terms ''ve-'imru'' (ואמרו) = "and [now] say (pl.)," or, ''ve-nomar'' (ונאמר) = "and let us say." Contemporary usage reflects ancient practice: As early as the 4th century BCE, Jews assembled in the Temple responded 'amen' at the close of a doxology or other prayer uttered by a priest. This Jewish liturgical use of amen was adopted by the Christians.[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen], but Jewish law also requires individuals to answer ''amen'' whenever they hear a blessing recited, even in a non-liturgical setting.

The congregation is sometimes prompted to answer 'amen' by the terms ''ve-'imru'' (ואמרו) = "and [now] say (pl.)," or, ''ve-nomar'' (ונאמר) = "and let us say." Contemporary usage reflects ancient practice: As early as the 4th century BCE, Jews assembled in the Temple responded 'amen' at the close of a doxology or other prayer uttered by a priest. This Jewish liturgical use of amen was adopted by the Christians.[https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen], but Jewish law also requires individuals to answer ''amen'' whenever they hear a blessing recited, even in a non-liturgical setting.

Jews usually pronounce the word as it is pronounced in Hebrew: "aw-MÉN" ([[Ashkenazi]]) or "ah-MÉN" ([[Sephardi]]).  

Jews usually pronounce the word as it is pronounced in Hebrew: "aw-MÉN" ([[Ashkenazi]]) or "ah-MÉN" ([[Sephardi]]).  

The use of "Amen" after a prayer or other statement in Christianity is not strictly orthodox. When used as an equivalent to an oath it can be seen to go against Jesus' own words: "Do not take an oath at all. ... Let what you say be simply yes or no" (Matt. 5:33-37).

The use of "Amen" after a prayer or other statement in Christianity is not strictly orthodox. When used as an equivalent to an oath it can be seen to go against Jesus' own words: "Do not take an oath at all. ... Let what you say be simply yes or no" (Matt. 5:33-37).

The uses of ''amen'' ("verily") in the [[Gospels]] form a peculiar class; they are initial, but often lack any backward reference.[http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen] [[Jesus]] used the word to affirm his own utterances, not those of another person, and this usage was adopted by the church. The use of the initial amen, single or double in form, to introduce solemn statements of Jesus in the Gospels had no parallel in Jewish practice.

The uses of ''amen'' ("verily") in the [[Gospels]] form a peculiar class; they are initial, but often lack any backward reference.[https://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen] [[Jesus]] used the word to affirm his own utterances, not those of another person, and this usage was adopted by the church. The use of the initial amen, single or double in form, to introduce solemn statements of Jesus in the Gospels had no parallel in Jewish practice.

[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen] The liturgical use of the word in apostolic times is attested by the passage from 1 Corinthians cited above, and [[Justin Martyr]] (c. 150) describes the congregation as responding "amen," to the benediction after the celebration of the Eucharist. Its introduction into the baptismal formula (in the Greek Orthodox Church it is pronounced after the name of each person of the Trinity) is probably later. Among certain [[gnosticism|Gnostic]] sects ''Amen'' became the name of an [[angel]].  

[https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen] The liturgical use of the word in apostolic times is attested by the passage from 1 Corinthians cited above, and [[Justin Martyr]] (c. 150) describes the congregation as responding "amen," to the benediction after the celebration of the Eucharist. Its introduction into the baptismal formula (in the Greek Orthodox Church it is pronounced after the name of each person of the Trinity) is probably later. Among certain [[gnosticism|Gnostic]] sects ''Amen'' became the name of an [[angel]].  

In [[Isaiah]] 65:16, the authorized version has "the God of truth," ("the God of Amen," in [[Hebrew]]. Jesus often used Amen to put emphasis to his own words (translated: "verily"). In John's Gospel, it is repeated, "Verily, verily." Amen is also used in oath (Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:15-26; Nehemiah 5:13; 8:6; 1 Chronicles 16:36). "Amen" is further found at the end of the prayer of primitive churches (1 Corinthians 14:16).[http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/a/amen.htm eastonsbibledictionary.com, Amen]

In [[Isaiah]] 65:16, the authorized version has "the God of truth," ("the God of Amen," in [[Hebrew]]. Jesus often used Amen to put emphasis to his own words (translated: "verily"). In John's Gospel, it is repeated, "Verily, verily." Amen is also used in oath (Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:15-26; Nehemiah 5:13; 8:6; 1 Chronicles 16:36). "Amen" is further found at the end of the prayer of primitive churches (1 Corinthians 14:16).[https://eastonsbibledictionary.com/a/amen.htm eastonsbibledictionary.com, Amen]

In the [[King James Bible]], the word ''amen'' is preserved in a number of [[context]]s. Notable ones include:  

In the [[King James Bible]], the word ''amen'' is preserved in a number of [[context]]s. Notable ones include:  

== Amen in Islam ==

== Amen in Islam ==

Muslims use the word "’Āmīn" (آمين) not only after reciting the first surah (Al Fatiha) of the [[Qur'an]], but also when concluding a prayer or dua, with the same meaning as in Christianity.[http://books.google.com/books?id=a9ukxN5gAgIC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=web&ots=zWGtxwGKHx&sig=4BLM-2eLeCiXtNGkwwaaKcBDPYQ&hl=en#PPA52,M!] The Islamic use of the word is the same as the Jewish use of the word.

Muslims use the word "’Āmīn" (آمين) not only after reciting the first surah (Al Fatiha) of the [[Qur'an]], but also when concluding a prayer or dua, with the same meaning as in Christianity.[https://books.google.com/books?id=a9ukxN5gAgIC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=web&ots=zWGtxwGKHx&sig=4BLM-2eLeCiXtNGkwwaaKcBDPYQ&hl=en#PPA52,M!] The Islamic use of the word is the same as the Jewish use of the word.

[[Sunni Muslims]] use amen in prayers -after (Surat Al Fatiha) - but the [[Shia Muslims]] says that it is [[haram]] to say it in the prayers, while it can be used in duas.

[[Sunni Muslims]] use amen in prayers -after (Surat Al Fatiha) - but the [[Shia Muslims]] says that it is [[haram]] to say it in the prayers, while it can be used in duas.

== References ==

== References ==

# "Amen". Catholic Encyclopedia. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01407b.htm. Retrieved on 2007-08-20.  

# "Amen". Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01407b.htm. Retrieved on 2007-08-20.  

# "Amen". Online Etymology Dictionary. http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=a&p=11. Retrieved on 2007-08-20.  

# "Amen". Online Etymology Dictionary. https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=a&p=11. Retrieved on 2007-08-20.  

# Numbers 5:22,Deuteronomy 27.15-26, for example.

# Numbers 5:22,Deuteronomy 27.15-26, for example.

# Microsoft Encarta Dictionary Tools. Retrieved 20 August 2007

# Microsoft Encarta Dictionary Tools. Retrieved 20 August 2007

# Paul Joüon, SJ, A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew, trans. and revised by T. Muraoka, vol. I, Rome: Editrice Pontificio Instituto Biblico, 2000.

# Paul Joüon, SJ, A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew, trans. and revised by T. Muraoka, vol. I, Rome: Editrice Pontificio Instituto Biblico, 2000.

# "G281". Strong's Concordance. http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=281. Retrieved on 2008-02-20.  

# "G281". Strong's Concordance. https://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=281. Retrieved on 2008-02-20.  

# "Amen". Jewish Encyclopedia. http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen. Retrieved on 2008-02-19.  

# "Amen". Jewish Encyclopedia. https://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen. Retrieved on 2008-02-19.  

# "Amen". American Heritage Dictionary. http://www.bartleby.com/61/75/A0247500.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.  

# "Amen". American Heritage Dictionary. https://www.bartleby.com/61/75/A0247500.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.  

# "King James Bible Strong's Hebrew Dictionary". http://www.sacrednamebible.com/kjvstrongs/STRHEB5.htm#S543. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.  

# "King James Bible Strong's Hebrew Dictionary". https://www.sacrednamebible.com/kjvstrongs/STRHEB5.htm#S543. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.  

# "The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Fourth Edition.". http://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S12.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.  

# "The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language Fourth Edition.". https://www.bartleby.com/61/roots/S12.html. Retrieved on 2008-02-26.  

# Tractate Shabbat 119b and Tractate Sanhedrin 111a

# Tractate Shabbat 119b and Tractate Sanhedrin 111a

# "COLLATION OF THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARIES - Amen". http://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/ctg/am-an.htm. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.  

# "COLLATION OF THEOSOPHICAL GLOSSARIES - Amen". https://www.theosophy-nw.org/theosnw/ctg/am-an.htm. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.  

# "Assembly of Yahweh, Cascade (an Assembly of True Israel, of the Diaspora) - Words and Definitions critical to the correct understanding of the Scriptures and Christianity". http://www.assemblyoftrueisrael.com/Documents/WordsandtermsintheScriptures.html. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.  

# "Assembly of Yahweh, Cascade (an Assembly of True Israel, of the Diaspora) - Words and Definitions critical to the correct understanding of the Scriptures and Christianity". https://www.assemblyoftrueisrael.com/Documents/WordsandtermsintheScriptures.html. Retrieved on 2008-03-12.  

# "Amen". The Assembly of IaHUShUA MaShIaChaH. 2005-12-15. http://www.iahushua.com/ST-RP/church.htm. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.  

# "Amen". The Assembly of IaHUShUA MaShIaChaH. 2005-12-15. https://www.iahushua.com/ST-RP/church.htm. Retrieved on 2008-03-13.  

# Yogananda, Paramahansa. Autobiography of a Yoga, 1946, chapter 26.

# Yogananda, Paramahansa. Autobiography of a Yoga, 1946, chapter 26.

# "Amen", Encyclopedia Biblica

# "Amen", Encyclopedia Biblica

# Orach Chaim 56 (amen in kaddish); O.C. 124 (amen in response to blessings recited by the prayer reader); O.C. 215 (amen in response to blessings made by any individual outside of the liturgy).

# Orach Chaim 56 (amen in kaddish); O.C. 124 (amen in response to blessings recited by the prayer reader); O.C. 215 (amen in response to blessings made by any individual outside of the liturgy).

# "Amen". Encyclopædia Britannica.. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.. 2008. http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.  

# "Amen". Encyclopædia Britannica.. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.. 2008. https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.  

# To Pray as a Jew: A Guide to the Prayer Book and the Synagogue Service, Hayim Halevy Donin

# To Pray as a Jew: A Guide to the Prayer Book and the Synagogue Service, Hayim Halevy Donin

# "Amen". Jewish Encyclopedia. http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen. Retrieved on 2008-02-22.  

# "Amen". Jewish Encyclopedia. https://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen. Retrieved on 2008-02-22.  

# "Amen". Encyclopædia Britannica.. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.. 2008. http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.  

# "Amen". Encyclopædia Britannica.. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.. 2008. https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9006072/amen. Retrieved on 2008-03-17.  

# eastonsbibledictionary.com, Amen

# eastonsbibledictionary.com, Amen

# cf. John L. McKezie, SJ, "Dictionary of the Bible", New York: MacMillan Publ. Co., Inc., 1965. Entry: "Amen," p. 25)

# cf. John L. McKezie, SJ, "Dictionary of the Bible", New York: MacMillan Publ. Co., Inc., 1965. Entry: "Amen," p. 25)

# Hastings, James (2004). A Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels: Volume I. The Minerva Group, Inc.. pp. 52. http://books.google.com/books?id=a9ukxN5gAgIC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=web&ots=zWGtxwGKHx&sig=4BLM-2eLeCiXtNGkwwaaKcBDPYQ&hl=en#PPA52,M1.

# Hastings, James (2004). A Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels: Volume I. The Minerva Group, Inc.. pp. 52. https://books.google.com/books?id=a9ukxN5gAgIC&pg=PA51&lpg=PA51&dq=web&ots=zWGtxwGKHx&sig=4BLM-2eLeCiXtNGkwwaaKcBDPYQ&hl=en#PPA52,M1.

== External links ==

== External links ==

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKZnYBghaLg Video - Final use of amen in Hinduist ritual]

* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKZnYBghaLg Video - Final use of amen in Hinduist ritual]

* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01407b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Amen]

* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01407b.htm Catholic Encyclopedia: Amen]

* [http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen Jewish Encyclopedia: Amen]

* [https://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=1383&letter=A&search=Amen Jewish Encyclopedia: Amen]

* [http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Amen Encyclopedia Britannica: Amen]

* [https://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Amen Encyclopedia Britannica: Amen]

* [http://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=261102 The Laws of Responding Amen in Judaism] chabad.org

* [https://www.chabad.org/library/article.asp?AID=261102 The Laws of Responding Amen in Judaism] chabad.org

* [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=0543 Strong's Concordance H543]

* [https://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=0543 Strong's Concordance H543]

* [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=281 Strong's Concordance G281]

* [https://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=281 Strong's Concordance G281]

* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/tut/tut00.htm Tutankhamen - Amenism, Atenism and Egyptian Monotheism]

* [https://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/tut/tut00.htm Tutankhamen - Amenism, Atenism and Egyptian Monotheism]

* [http://student.britannica.com/comptons/article-9309692/Amen: Britannica Student Encyclopedia]

* [https://student.britannica.com/comptons/article-9309692/Amen: Britannica Student Encyclopedia]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: Languages and Literature]]

[[Category: Languages and Literature]]