Whenever we pray we use the word Amen. Unconsciously, since we first met, we learned to say that word; whether at the end of a prayer or to thank or bless a person or situation.
Well… deep down we know the meaning of Amen. But do you know where this custom came from? what is the origin of the word in the Catholic Church? We, at the Sagrada Familia, will tell you!
Origin
InHebrew originthe word Amen is made up of three letters: alef, mem and num > אָמֵן (āmēn)
Some translations give us the meaning “truly”, “certainly”, but the best known is “so be it”. This is not a literal translation, as Hebrew is very complex and involves several meanings behind the letters that make up the word.
After being translated into Greek and other languages into which the Bible was translated, it thus becamea universal term. Facts report that at the time of the apostles, they were already using it as a way of agreeing and confirming what was said by Jesus.
Uses
In the Bible,in Rev 3.14Jesus is called Amen. Making a brief interpretation, we can say that he isconfirmation and conviction of certaintyof your promises and faith.
Furthermore, in everyday life, we use the word a lot when we want to “sign under” something that has been said or written. It is very common, when finishing a prayer, to spontaneously respond with an “amen”.
Biblical quotes
“Amen, Amen I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do, and will do greater works than these, because I go to my Father” John 14:12
“Amen, Amen I say to you, if anyone keeps my word he will never see death” John 8:51
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle will pass from the law until all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18
And blessed be his glorious name forever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen” Ps 72:19
Therefore, we can conclude that this isone of the most meaningful words in the Catholic Church. It is through it that we manifest and show everyone our faith and our belief in God and his orders.
Every time we think about saying “amen” now, we must remember the seriousness and significance of the word and never say it in vain, as it is as if we were invoking God himself.