ἀμήν
amḗn
G281 exclamation
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverbial expression meaning 'truly' or 'so be it,' used to affirm, confirm, or ratify statements or prayers. In narrative contexts, used as a solemn affirmation at the start or conclusion of a statement ('truly, indeed, certainly'); in liturgical or dialogical settings, as a response meaning 'so be it, may it be so.' The primary sense is one of affirmation, confirmation, or agreement with what has been spoken or prayed.
Semantic Range
truly, certainly, so be it, let it be, it is so, verily, as an affirmation or confirmation at the end of a prayer or statement; as a solemn introduction to a statement ('truly, verily, certainly')
Root / Etymology
Borrowed from Hebrew אָמֵן (āmēn), meaning 'truly, so be it, certainly.' The Greek term ἀμήν is a direct transliteration, reflecting importation of both the term and its function from Hebrew usage in Jewish prayer and scripture.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Septuagint, ἀμήν is rare outside renderings of Hebrew liturgical formulae, usually preserved untranslated at the end of blessings, curses, or prayers. In Second Temple and New Testament contexts, it appears both at the end of statements (in agreement or ratification) and, distinctively in Jesus' speech, at the beginning of solemn pronouncements (e.g., ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, meaning 'truly I say to you'). This initial position usage is unusual outside the sayings of Jesus and is not attested in extant pre-Christian Jewish literature. In Greek texts, ἀμήν maintains its function as an affirmation but is also adopted as a liturgical response by early assemblies. English 'amen' is a direct loan of the term, but in translation 'truly' or 'verily' may be used when it appears initially. The English translation 'amen' does not always capture the declarative force it bears in Greek, particularly as an introductory formula.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (אָמֵן); properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it):--amen, verily.
Root Family
ἀμήν (amēn) — affirm, confirm, agree, declare as true, ratify, verify
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G281-01 |
ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
Truly | truly | 134 |
Occurrences in Scripture
134 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G281-01 |
Matthew 5:18 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 5:26 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 6:2 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 6:5 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 6:16 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 8:10 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 10:15 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 10:23 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 10:42 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly | |
G281-01 |
Matthew 11:11 | ἀμὴν | amen | EXCL |
truly |