The Power of the Amen

Have you ever wondered why we say amen after we pray? What does it really mean when we say it? Maybe I’m alone, but I wonder these things. I believe that it is extremely relevant to study this and discover the value of the amen. This word comes from the Hebrew word, amen (אָמֵן). Yes you heard it right, this word is literally a Hebrew word; meaning when we say it, we are speaking Hebrew. Congratulations you can now speak Hebrew! The Strong’s concordance defines this word as meaning, “verily, truly, so be it.¹” When someone prays and we say, “amen” we are saying, “so be it.” We are agreeing; it is one powerful tool to be used in our life as believers. God has so many blessings for us, it is important that we discover what they are. He takes care of every part of our life. For us, our response is quite simple, amen. When we say amen, we are completing the cycle.

The word amen comes from the Hebrew word, “aman.” This is spelt with an, “a” instead of an, “e.” This Hebrew word means, “to support, confirm².” This  word  was used when it talked about Abraham’s faith. It reads, “Then he believed (אָמַן aman) in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness” (Gen 15:6). Abraham believed God. So in a sense when God declared the promise of a son, Abraham said, “amen.” In a sense we could read this verse and say that he amened God and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. He agreed with God.

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Cor. 1:20).

When we realize that God’s gifts come by His unmerited favor, we can receive them freely. We can receive them without guilt or condemnation. When we hear a promise that God has made to us, we need to say, “amen!” God declares that, “whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Anytime God proclaims something good, we say so be it! That is the power of the amen. We are responding like Abraham and believing that God will do what He said He would do.

1. “Hebrew Lexicon :: H543 (KJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Sowing Circle. Web. 25 Apr, 2014. .

2. “Hebrew Lexicon :: H539 (NASB).” Blue Letter Bible. Sowing Circle. Web. 25 Apr, 2014. .