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אָמֵן

𐤀𐤌𐤍

ʼâmên

H543 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root אָמַן to be firm, trustworthy, reliable

Definition

An interjection or adverb expressing certainty, reliability, agreement, or confirmation. As an interjection, it is used to affirm the truth of a statement or prayer, often translated as 'truly,' 'certainly,' or 'so be it.' As an adjective or substantive, it indicates firmness, faithfulness, or trustworthiness.

Semantic Range

faithfulness, reliability, trustworthiness; affirmation (truly, certainly, so be it, amen); confirmation or acceptance of an utterance, especially in liturgical or judicial contexts; as a substantive, connotes trustworthiness or steadfastness

Root / Etymology

From the root אָמַן (ʼmn), meaning 'to be firm, reliable, trustworthy.' אָמֵן is a derived form (often functionally adverbial or interjective) denoting affirmation, agreement, or steadfastness. The direct link between root and the formulaic use of אָמֵן indicates a development from the broader idea of reliability or steadfastness to a liturgical, responsive affirmation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, אָמֵן appears as both an affirmation at the close of prayers or blessings (e.g., Numbers 5:22; Deuteronomy 27:15-26) and as a communal or liturgical response affirming the truth or acceptance of an utterance. In narrative and prophetic texts, it can emphasize the reliability of a statement (e.g., Jeremiah 28:6). Its formulaic use became prominent in later periods, especially in post-exilic and liturgical contexts, and continued into the Second Temple era and beyond—eventually entering the Greek and other languages (as ἀμήν, amen). English translations frequently render it 'Amen,' 'truly,' or 'so be it,' but the range includes ideas of faithfulness and reliability, not merely assent. The usage of אָמֵן is wider than the later exclusively liturgical use; in biblical contexts, it expresses deep affirmation and trustworthiness, often with communal or judicial implications.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from אָמַן; sure; abstract, faithfulness; adverb, truly; Amen, so be it, truth.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אמן (ʾ-m-n) — firmness, reliability, faithfulness, trustworthiness

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1968 הֵימָן Heman
H4191 מוּת your reliability
H529 אֵמוּן steadfast trustworthiness
H530 אֱמוּנָה in steadfastness
H539 אָמַן I will regard as firm

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H543-01 אָמֵ֥ן amen HD Amen Surely 27
H543-02 וְ/אָמֵֽן veamen HC/D and Amen and truly 3

Occurrences in Scripture

30 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H543-01 Numbers 5:22 אָמֵ֥ן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Numbers 5:22 אָמֵֽן amen-2 HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:15 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:16 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:17 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:18 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:19 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:20 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:21 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
H543-01 Deuteronomy 27:22 אָמֵֽן amen HD Amen Surely
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