Amen — Meaning in the Bible
"So be it" or "truly". A Hebrew word used to agree with a prayer or blessing, and by Jesus to begin solemn sayings ("Most certainly I tell you").
What it means
The people answered "Amen" to the curses and blessings of the law and to Ezra's praise. Paul says "Amen" at the end of his doxologies. Deuteronomy 27:15Nehemiah 8:6Romans 11:36
Jesus often began with "Amen, amen, I say to you", which versions translate "Most certainly" or "Truly, truly". Revelation calls Jesus "the Amen". John 3:3Revelation 3:14
Key passages
- Deuteronomy 27:15 — All the people say Amen.
- Nehemiah 8:6 — Amen, amen.
- John 3:3 — Most certainly I tell you.
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 — The promises are yes and Amen.
- Revelation 22:20–21 — The Bible ends with Amen.
Original language
אָמֵן a.men
Hebrew · Strong’s H543 · gloss: “amen”
The Hebrew word amen, from a root meaning firm or true. Nehemiah 8:6
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
How translations differ
- Where Jesus says "Amen, amen", the WEB has "Most certainly"; other versions have "Truly, truly" or "Verily, verily". John 3:3
For children
Amen means "Yes, this is true!" People say "Amen" at the end of a prayer. Nehemiah 8:6