“Amen”
Origins
Egyptian – amunHebrew – amenGreek – amenUse
Old Testament – ceremonialNew Testament – dual usageArchaic
What would we use today?Would it be appropriate?How was it used?
Old Testament uses
First uses – Numbers 5:22, trial of jealousyNext use – Deuteronomy 27, curses from Mt. EbalMt. Ebal and Mt. GerizimCurses for violating God’s commandsBlessings for obeying all His commandsCommon use in I Kings 1:36?Speaking to King DavidDavid’s song of thanksDavid’s songPeople replied “amen” and praise the LordI Chronicles 16:8, 36Other usesTwice in Nehemiah – Nehemiah 5:13; 8:6Four times in Psalms – Psalms 41:13; 22:19; 89:52; 106:48Twice in Jeremiah – Jeremiah 11:5; 28:6New Testament uses
Greek word “amen”Not exactly same in meanings“Verily” – 101 times“Amen” – 51 timesCase in pointJohn 21:25 – Some have “amen” at the end. Most do not.Some usesEnd of “Lord’s prayer”Matthew 5:13Added at end of great commissionMatthew 28:20I Corinthians 14:16The last word in the New Testament.Conclusion
No dedicated wordNo exclusive useUsed as it was in Israelite worshipFrom where does the meaning come?