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The word "amen" used by the church was incorporated directly from the Jewish synagogue, with no alteration to its original meaning. In Hebrew the word aman means "to confirm," "to establish," "to support." It expresses full agreement with, or acceptance of, that which has been said or laid down. Historical precedence for this was established when Ezra read the Law to the people of Israel, and as they listened they responded with "Amen." As it is recorded: "Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. He read from it facing the square before the West gate from early morning until midday, and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, 'Amen, Amen,' lifting up their hands" (Nehemiah 8:1-8). The response of the people could be transcribed as "So let it be." Paul adapted this in his letter to the Church of Rome. He wrote a solemn affirmation regarding the mission of Christ, ending it with the word "Amen" (Romans 1:25).
Jesus often introduced an instruction with the word "amen," emphasizing the truth about to be spoken. In the New Testament this has often been translated as "Truly, truly," but in the Aramaic, the native tongue of Jesus, it is actually "Amen, amen." The English biblical passage "Truly, truly, I say to you..." should read from the original manuscript: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). This emphatically bestows upon the listener that Jesus is speaking a truth which cannot be challenged, the same as when Ezra read from the book of Law.
The first-century apologists furthered the meaning of "amen" by applying it as a Christological title. The confession put forth noted Jesus as "the Amen," that is, "the embodiment of truth." The dictum now is Jesus both spoke the truth and is the truth.
This is demonstrated by John the Seer when he scribed: "And to the angel of the church of Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation" (Revelation 3:14). "Amen" refers to Jesus, in essence the one who is faithful and true. This is why he could say that "I saw a new heaven and a new earth."
Jesus often introduced an instruction with the word "amen," emphasizing the truth about to be spoken. In the New Testament this has often been translated as "Truly, truly," but in the Aramaic, the native tongue of Jesus, it is actually "Amen, amen." The English biblical passage "Truly, truly, I say to you..." should read from the original manuscript: "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). This emphatically bestows upon the listener that Jesus is speaking a truth which cannot be challenged, the same as when Ezra read from the book of Law.
The first-century apologists furthered the meaning of "amen" by applying it as a Christological title. The confession put forth noted Jesus as "the Amen," that is, "the embodiment of truth." The dictum now is Jesus both spoke the truth and is the truth.
This is demonstrated by John the Seer when he scribed: "And to the angel of the church of Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation" (Revelation 3:14). "Amen" refers to Jesus, in essence the one who is faithful and true. This is why he could say that "I saw a new heaven and a new earth."
