Amen
Summary: The word “amen” affirms the truth of what Paul is saying.
Let’s begin with a quote: “The word ‘amen’ is a most remarkable word.”*
Why is this simple four-letter word remarkable? It is said that it is, for all practical purposes, a “universal” word.
Check it out. Use your favorite translation program. French, German, Norwegian, and Bosnian all have the same word spelled the same way. Some languages modify the spelling to fit their alphabet, but the sound and meaning remain the same.
Amen!
Strong’s Concordance (H543) defines the Hebrew version of “Amen” to mean “faithfulness,” truly,” and “so be it.” The word is an affirmation of truth, a way of agreeing that something said is faithful to the truth.
Like many words, it can be used in multiple ways.
At the beginning of a statement, “Amen!” means what follows is true. In the end, it can mean the same, or as quoted from the Hebrew, “so be it.”
As Paul completes his letter to the Galatians, he finishes with this famous word, “Amen!”
So be it because it is true.
Do you want to argue with Paul? Many people do! For some reason, Paul’s Gospel message is still triggering people right and left.
As I think about the sometimes violent reaction certain people have to Paul’s words, I am reminded of Jesus’ words to Ananias. He said, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-16)
While Paul sometimes mentions how much he has suffered for the Gospel, he never complains. Perhaps he has his reasons. Maybe the Lord revealed the “why” along with the truths about the Gospel. Perhaps the “why” is not important.
What we do know is that Paul’s confidence in the Gospel message is rock solid. He never wavers. The “Amen” affirms the truth of what he has written.
Looking forward to the future, Paul’s “Amen” affirms the truth of what will be. “So be it” is a way of saying that truth will never change.
Application: Add your “Amen!” to Paul’s.
Food for Thought: What do you think Paul is looking for when he says, “So be it!” Is there one particular hope he has for his readers?
*”G281 – amēn – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 10 Sep, 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g281/niv/mgnt/0-1/.
It could be argued that Paul’s amen is connected to his entire letter. I think it could also be argued that it is connected to the prayer preceding those words: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers.” If it is the latter, then those would be the specific words Paul had in mind.
Paul has used the “amen” at other times in the middle of his letter after a prayer. An example would be Ephesians 3: 20 – 21: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
If it is an amen to the specific prayer he just prayed, then it is referring to the hope believers have in the grace of our Lord. And that is a great, true hope indeed. One that I count on every day.
Well said, Rich.
Not only to the hope we believers have, but extending that out, to the hope that there are more believers.
Good comment by Rich and good devotion today!
I would like to add that Paul uses the word “Amen” directly after he says something about God, Christ, their glory, blessings, dominion etc. I feel like he is saying more than “it is true” but also “God, you are true, I praise you.” That the entire context of what was written before funnels back into God’s love for us, and the redemption and freedom Christ gives to us.
Romans 1:25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
Romans 9:5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 15:33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Philippians 4:20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Thanks Chris,
Yes, I agree. The “Amen” is an affirmation of God himself. It really is a utilitarian word! 🙂
What do you think Paul is looking for when he says, “So be it!” Is there one particular hope he has for his readers?
While researching this question, I read how in the Bible, God has made over seven thousand promises to man. During his twenty-seventh reading of the Bible, Everett R. Storms, a school-teacher in Canada, took on the task of counting God’s promises to mankind. This took a year and a half, and he came up with a grand total of 8,810 promises (7,487 of them being promises made by God to humankind).
2 Corinthians 1:20-22, For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Believers belong to God. He has placed His seal of ownership on each of us. We need to get out of the way, live our lives in God’s Sovereign will, focused on denying the desires of our of our flesh and allowing Jesus Christ in us, to minister to this world around us.
I believe this is the ultimate hope for all believers. Stop worrying about ourselves, enjoy the presence of God as we allow Him to minister to this world through us.
Thank you, Ron!
What can I add to what you have written except “Amen!”
🙂