Why Do Christians Say Amen?

It’s pretty common to say “amen” each time we want something to happen. Sometimes we don’t even realize we’ve said it, while other times, we say it with utmost sincerity. It has almost become a reflex at this point. But why do we say “amen” so much? Do people even understand the word’s meaning?

The word “amen” has been around for ages, and Christians use it repeatedly in their sentences, whether positively or negatively. Do you ever wonder how the term was first coined? Yes, it is from the Bible, but where precisely does it originate, and what does it mean?

The Origins of Amen

The term “amen” loosely translates to “so be it,” providing a positive affirmation to the one who says it. The word was first found in the Hebrew scriptures centuries ago and was used to respond to confirmation; many also call it the reply of confirmation. So, the term originates from Hebrew culture. However, the Books of Chronicles said that “amen” would be used for religious purposes after 1000 BC.

Religiously, Christians started using it after it first appeared in the Bible (Numbers 5:22). Christians perceive it as an affirmation of truth and use it whenever they want something to happen. The term has become so popular that it has become a reflex to say when someone expects or wishes for something positive to happen. Some also say it when they make a prayer to God about something they deeply desire.

Modern Perception of Amen

In recent times, “amen” is used more as a ritual. People who often go to church conclude their prayers by saying “amen.” Even though it originates from Greek and Hebrew scriptures, the word is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. Some religious experts claim that “amen” means more than just a “reply of confirmation.” They suggest the term means “to be faithful” or “reliable.”

Also, “amen” has become more of a statement in contemporary times. Most people say it casually and don’t overthink where it came from or what it means. Even Christians who aren’t that religious say it in their conversations, regardless of their faith n God. However, many believe in the power of saying “amen,” and claim that God undoubtedly listens when you say it.

Why Do Christians Say Amen?

In John 14:16, Jesus himself says that people will get whatever will be asked in his name. Whoever has read that passage knows how powerful saying “amen” is at the end of their prayers.

Christians who pray regularly are more aware of all the passages that preach, taking Jesus’s name to have a closer connection (and answers) to God. At the same time, everyone has reasons for saying “amen,” the explicit excerpts in specific passages make for strong motivation.

However, another reason for saying “amen” is the new information released in the New Testament that sheds more light on forming a connection with God through Jesus. After Jesus was crucified, the temple’s veil was divided into two sections from top to bottom.

According to the Hebrews, the veil was a way to have access to God Himself as it was His flesh. That several inches thick veil was what segregated the holy of holies as God’s presence was manifested there.

Only the high priest was allowed to go inside the covenant’s arc after a week’s preparation. But after Jesus’s death, everybody was allowed to have access to God through that veil.

After Jesus’s death, the veil represented his flesh, allowing worshippers to form a connection with God. In other words, the only way people could’ve accessed God was through the righteousness of Christ. You can watch more in this video.

More About Christ

Hebrews suggest that we are part of his blood through Christ’s righteousness. So, if we are to speak to God, we can’t do it on our own as we’re not righteous. The only way we can access God is by expressing Jesus’s name in our prayers through his death.

God will accept and listen to our prayers as He will consider us united with Christ. The more we take Jesus’s name, the stronger we’ll connect with God.

Hebrews believe that we do not have a right to be heard by God, but Jesus does. So, by making Jesus an intermediary, we can communicate with God in the hopes that He may listen to us.

We are sinners, so we’re taking a bit of his purity to make our prayers heard by using Christ in our prayers. Hence, Christians mainly say “amen” after making long, sincere prayers to God.

Amen as a Prayer

“Amen” is undoubtedly believed to be a positive affirmation for worshippers as they repeatedly say it during their prayers. Many churches that hold group prayers on Sunday pray about the well-being of their city, country, and world, including their brothers and sisters and parents’ health.

These prayers are long as the priest covers many things. After concluding such a prayer, everybody joining yells out a loud “amen” at the end.

The term simply ignites a spark of hope amongst worshippers. Indeed, nothing is guaranteed, but saying “amen” while ending the prayer helps worshippers develop a stronger sense of faith and belief in God that things will go their way.

“Amen” holds significant importance in many Christians’ lives as not saying it makes them lose hope about what’s to come. Each time they chant it during and after their prayers, their belief system gets stronger.

Amen as Hope for the Future

When this universe was created, everything was designed to match perfection. The beginning of the Bible talks about how humanity was created in the Garden of Eden. Everything was made to bring peace and happiness to humanity, and the Garden represented that.

The Bible later dwells on how everything was ruined by sin. However, sin may have caused upheaval in a place of peace; there’s hope that the blood of Christ will restore everything in order. That’s why “amen” is used by Christians in their sentences, as we believe it’s the biggest ray of hope.