Why Do We Say “Amen”?
For a moment, imagine yourself to be a part of the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars. You are conversing with a family member before leaving on an important and dangerous mission, and as you depart, your family member bids you a thoughtful and somber farewell, “May the force be with you.” This is a common phrase used throughout the Star Wars saga that communicates the unity of the Rebels and shifts the focus on a greater power beyond their own. Having a unified phrase, greeting, or farewell like this is a common trope in sci-fi and fantasy writing. In Dune, the Fremen say, “Bless the maker and his water.” In Star Trek, “Live long and prosper.” And another from the Star Wars universe, “This is the way,” from the Mandalorian.
This is an example of art imitating life. Many world religions have such common phrases and greetings. Hindus may say, “Namaste,” which literally translates to, “I bow to you.” A Jewish person may communicate the peace of God by saying, “Shalom.” For Christians, we often say, “Amen.”
Step into any church service, small group, Sunday school class, Bible study, etc., and I can guarantee you will hear the word amen, and it will likely be at the end of the prayer. Regardless of religious background, this is familiar to most (all the Abrahamic religions actually have a form of amen). When Christians pray, the prayer ends with amen. The question then becomes, why?
In our American, English-speaking culture, I think many have lost the meaning of the term. A hyperbolic display of this was seen in a prayer given by State Representative, Emanuel Cleaver in 2021 for the 117th Congress when he ended his prayer by saying, “Amen and a-woman.” This sparked online scrutiny at the time, as people debated over Cleaver’s intentions. Whether he was making a mere pun, intentionally attempting (and failing) to use more gender-inclusive wording, or both, the discourse that followed is a clear example of many not grasping the meaning of amen.
The word amen is a transliteration of the Hebrew word אָמֵן. In English, there is not simply one word that translates to the Hebrew equivalent. This Hebrew word is meant to convey an idea of assuredness and confirmation: truly and verily, so be it, let it be so. Looking to the Psalms and other places in Scripture, we gain an additional piece of context of amen particularly proclaiming this confidence in the will and providence of the Lord, communicating something to the effect of, “May this be the will of the Lord.”
Growing up, I could count on particular people in the congregation to occasionally exclaim “Amen!” after singing, during singing, and at different moments in the sermon. Some may feel that this is a needless disruption, but I would encourage you to consider this an encouragement from a brother and sister to think more deeply and meditate on what was just said or sung; additionally, I would encourage you turn your mind to gratitude to know the Holy Spirit is stirring in them with great joy and conviction.
I would also encourage you, if you don’t already, incorporate amen in your vocabulary beyond merely utilizing it at the end of your prayers. A brother or sister tells you of an answer to prayer, “Amen!” Someone shares a passage of Scripture with you, “Amen!” The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin, “Amen!” Your soul is encouraged by a particular song in church, “Amen!” A pastor proclaims an uplifting reminder of God’s character during a sermon, “Amen!”
As Paul reminds the church at Thessalonica, “...Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV) In such a simple and profound word, we have a great opportunity to encourage and build one another up and to remind each other of our unity and greater purpose, by focusing our hearts and minds towards the constant and faithful will of the Lord with a hearty, “Amen!”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.
