Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

AMEN

(Heb. ʾāmēn; Gk. amḗn)

Transliteration of a Hebrew root implying truth, veracity, steadfastness. In both the OT and NT it accompanies weighty statements such as royal or divine pronouncements. The woman accused of adultery under the Mosaic law was to respond to the procedure for ascertaining her guilt with a double “Amen” (Num. 5:22). As the curses of the law were read to the Israelites, they were to respond with “Amen” (Deut. 27:15-26). Benaiah used the word to indicate divine affirmation of David’s choice of Solomon to succeed him as king (1 Kgs. 1:36). As David brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, the people responded to a lengthy song of praise to God with “Amen” (1 Chr. 16:36). In the Psalms a double “amen” is appended to prayers of blessing to the Lord (Ps. 41:13; 72:19; 89:52). Jeremiah uses this term to express his wish that Hananiah’s false prophecy might become true (Jer. 28:6). In all except two of the above passages (Jer. 28:6; 1 Chr. 16:36) the LXX has génoito, “let it become,” for ʾāmēn.

NT usage closely follows that of the OT. Gk. amḗn is appended to prayers, weighty pronouncements, or doxologies (e.g., Matt. 6:13; Mark 16:20; Luke 24:53; John 21:25). In two passages Jesus is referred to as our amḗn (2 Cor. 1:20; Rev. 3:14). The NT also contains numerous examples where amḗn is translated “truly” or “verily” (e.g., Matt. 5:18; Mark 3:28; Luke 4:24; John 1:51).

Joe E. Lunceford

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

AMEN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)