Amen, Amen (ἀμήν, ἀμήν)
Saturday Morning Bible Study
The English word “amen” has quite a story behind it. It is derived from a transliteration of the Greek word ἀμήν, which in turn is derived from a transliteration of the Hebrew אָמַן. āman conveys a response indicating “so be it”, thereby expressing something that is affirmed in steadfastness. Thus, it is used in Scripture to convey a sense of firmness or trustworthiness. Since “amen” is a transliteration of Greek, which is a transliteration of Hebrew, it must derive its meaning directly from the Hebrew word.
The most predominant use of amen being used repetitively, e.g., amen, amen, is by Jesus in John’s writings. In John 1:51, Jesus uses the repetition of “amen” to indicate to Nathanael that he will, in fact, discern the heavens opening and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Due to Nathanael’s faith, he will be able to discern greater things concerning Christ. This is not a physical sight that Jesus is referring to, but a mental insight.
In John 3:3 and 5, Jesus uses “amen” to emphasize the firmness of His statements. It is a firm, or true statement, that a person must be born from above to see the Kingdom of God. Unless one is born of water even Spirit, he does not have the inherent ability to enter into the Kingdom. It is a true statement that a person must be washed and regenerated by the Holy Spirit in order to enter into the Kingdom of God (Titus 3:5).
Further on in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus about the necessity of a birth from above, He again used the statement about what they speak. “Truly, truly I say to you, we speak that which we intuitively know and we testify of that which we have discerned, and you will not receive our testimony” (John 3:11).
The Jews (religious leaders) had an issue with Jesus healing people on the Sabbath. They considered this action to be a violation of their traditions. In response to their objection to Him healing on the Sabbath, Jesus states that it is in fact true that everything He does is based on what He sees the Father do (John 5:19).
In John 5:24 and 25, Jesus declares assuredly that those who believe on Him have eternal life and will not come into judgment, for they have passed from death to life. The hour has come when the dead (spiritually) will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear and respond will live. Moses did not give their fathers the bread out from heaven, but the Father has given them the true bread (John 6:32). It is a true statement that all those who believe in Christ will have eternal life (John 6:47). Those who keep the words of Christ will not see death before the next age (John 8:51).
In response to the crowd of Jews who, after finding Jesus in Capernaum, questioned why He came there, Jesus assures them that they are seeking Him not because of the signs but because of the food He provides (John 6:26).
In John 8:32, Jesus makes a statement concerning the truth. The truth will set a person free from the sin. In John 8:34, Jesus uses the word “amen” twice to emphasize that if someone sins, he is, in fact, a slave to the sin nature.
The word “amen” is used in John 8:58 when Jesus declares His Deity. “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.”
It is a true statement that the one who does not enter the sheepfold by the door is a thief and robber (John 10:1). In John 10:7, Jesus declares with confidence that He is, in fact, the only way into the sheepfold.
John employs the repetition of “Amen” in many of Jesus’ statements. Grain must fall into the ground and die before it can produce fruit (John 12:24). A servant is not greater than his master (John 13:36). The one who receives Christ also receives the One who sent Him (John 13:20). It is a true statement that one of the disciples will betray Christ (John 13:21). Peter will deny Christ (John 13:38). The one who believes in Christ will do greater works, greater in number, for there will be many who manifest a quality of the life of God in the world (John 14:12). Although the disciples would weep and lament, their sorrow would be turned into joy (John 16:20). Whatever they ask of the Father in His name, they will receive (John 16:23). When Peter is old, he will be carried where he does not desire to go (John 21:18).
The other disciples chose not to repeat the word “amen” when recording Jesus’ statements. The lack of duplication does not diminish the impact of “amen”; rather, it indicates a unique way each author retained the information they witnessed. Thus, Jesus did in fact use the repetition of “amen” in many of His statements. John decided to convey this, whereas the other authors determined that recording it once was sufficient.
The single use of “amen” is very common in Scripture and conveys the same meaning. The apostle John deploys this term at the end of his gospel to emphasize that witness is firm (John 21:25). Both Paul and Peter use “amen” frequently in their writings. When “amen” is utilized, it retains its original Hebrew meaning of “so be it”, thus expressing a firm steadfastness relating to a true statement.