Philippians 4:20b – Amen

Amen.

Summary: The word “amen,” is unusual in that it is common to many languages. It doesn’t matter much where you are; if you shout, “Amen!” people know what you mean.

The “Blue Letter Bible” website entry on Strong’s G281, “amen,” includes this quote from Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006) about the word, “Amen:” 

The word “amen” is a most remarkable word. It was transliterated directly from the Hebrew into the Greek of the New Testament, then into Latin and into English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. It has been called the best-known word in human speech. The word is directly related — in fact, almost identical — to the Hebrew word for “believe” (aman), or faithful. Thus, it came to mean “sure” or “truly”, an expression of absolute trust and confidence. —Henry M. Morris*

It is refreshing that, after wrestling with so many Greek words and their English translations, we have a word, “Amen,” that requires no translation. It is virtually the same word in every language. 

It is also interesting that this word comes at the end of Paul’s letter. 

Strong’s Concordance and Lexicon adds this: 

Strong’s G281 — ἀμήν amḗn, am-ane’; of Hebrew origin (H543); properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it):—amen, verily.

“So be it,” is a common way to describe the meaning of the word. 

The fact that he attributes all the glory to our God and Father testifies to Paul’s humility. He is not saying “Amen!” to his words, but rather to the fact that God deserves all the glory. 

Why else would Paul have given up his life as a Pharisee? 

Why would he devote himself to wandering the known world? 

Why would he change his mind about Jesus and follow him instead of fighting him? 

All of this was done in the service of God. It was all done because God deserves the glory. 

Remember earlier when Paul wrote this: 

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. ” (Philippians 4:9a)

What we have seen in Paul, more than anything else, is someone who lives every moment to give God the glory. Paul’s challenge to us is to do the same. 

Amen. 

Application: Live every day for the glory of God.  

Food for Thought: What kinds of things should we say “Amen!” to?

*”G281 – amēn – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (NIV).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 29 Dec, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g281/niv/mgnt/0-1/>.