AMEN - God, Faithful King

God, Faithful King

The acronym AMEN, which stands for "El Melech Ne'eman" ("God, Faithful King"), can be identified in the Book of Deuteronomy, specifically in Deuteronomy 7:9. The passage reads:

"Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and lovingkindness with those who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations."

In Hebrew, the relevant part of the passage is:

"יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים הָאֵל הַנֶּאֱמָן"

Breaking it down:

• הָאֵל (HaEl) = The God

• הַנֶּאֱמָן (HaNe'eman) = The Faithful

These words can be seen to correspond to the letters in AMEN:

• א (Aleph) from "El" (God)

• מ (Mem) from "Melech" (King)

• נ (Nun) from "Ne'eman" (Faithful)

Thus, the acronym AMEN is embedded in the idea conveyed in this passage, emphasizing God's faithfulness and sovereignty.

The concept of "AMEN" in Jewish tradition is different from the phrase "so mote it be."

AMEN:

• The Hebrew word "Amen" (אָמֵן) is often used at the end of prayers and means "so be it," "truly," or "verily."

• It signifies affirmation, agreement, and confirmation.

• In Jewish liturgy, AMEN is often understood as an acronym for "El Melech Ne'eman" ("God, Faithful King"), underscoring a declaration of faith and trust in God's truth and faithfulness.

So mote it be:

• This phrase is commonly associated with Masonic and some other ritual traditions.

• It is used at the end of prayers or declarations and means "so may it be" or "so be it."

• The phrase expresses a strong affirmation and a hope or wish that what has been stated will come to pass.

While both "Amen" and "so mote it be" are used to signify agreement and affirmation at the end of statements or prayers, "Amen" carries specific theological connotations within the context of Jewish faith and practice, particularly emphasizing belief in God's faithfulness. In contrast, "so mote it be" is more commonly found in the context of certain fraternal or ritual traditions and does not carry the same theological implications.

The word "Amen" appears in several Psalms in the Tanach (Jewish Bible or The Old Testament in the Christian Bible). Here are the specific references:

1. Psalm 41:14 (41:13 in Christian Bibles):

• Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מֵעֹולָם וְעַד־עֹולָם אָמֵן וְאָמֵן׃

• Translation: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen."

2. Psalm 72:19:

• Hebrew: וּבָרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹדוֹ לְעוֹלָם וּמָלֵא כְבוֹדוֹ אֶת־כָּל־הָאָרֶץ אָמֵן וְאָמֵן׃

• Translation: "And blessed be His glorious name forever; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen."

3. Psalm 89:53 (89:52 in Christian Bibles):

• Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה לְעוֹלָם אָמֵן וְאָמֵן׃

• Translation: "Blessed be the Lord forevermore. Amen and Amen."

4. Psalm 106:48:

• Hebrew: בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִן־הָעוֹלָם וְעַד הָעוֹלָם וְאָמַר כָּל־הָעָם אָמֵן הַלְלוּיָהּ׃

• Translation: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, Amen. Praise the Lord."

In these passages, "Amen" is used to express strong affirmation and agreement, often concluding doxologies and praises to God.

In the B'rit Hadashah (The Christian New Testament), the word "Amen" is frequently used with the same theological meaning as in Jewish tradition, signifying affirmation, agreement, and truth. Here are several examples:

1. Matthew 6:13 (The Lord's Prayer):

• "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

• This use of "Amen" concludes a prayer, echoing the Jewish practice of ending prayers with a strong affirmation.

2. Romans 1:25:

• "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

• Here, "Amen" is used to affirm a doxology, similar to its use in the Psalms.

3. 1 Corinthians 14:16:

• "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?"

• This passage highlights the practice of saying "Amen" in response to blessings and prayers, emphasizing communal agreement and understanding.

4. 2 Corinthians 1:20:

• "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."

• This verse uses "Amen" to express the certainty and affirmation of God's promises.

5. Ephesians 3:21:

• "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

• Another example of a doxology ending with "Amen."

6. Revelation 1:7:

• "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

• "Amen" here serves to affirm the truth and certainty of the prophetic vision.

7. Revelation 22:20-21:

• "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."

• The final verses of the New Testament conclude with "Amen," signifying affirmation and a prayerful longing for Christ's return.

In these examples, "Amen" retains its traditional Jewish theological meaning of expressing truth, certainty, and agreement, demonstrating continuity between Jewish and early Christian practices

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Sir Knight Kleber Siqueira

5/27/2024