אָמֵן
Amen
“Amen / So be it”
Amen (אָמֵן) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “amen / so be it,” pronounced “a-MEN.” The literal translation is “so be it, truly, i affirm.” The universal word of affirmation used to conclude prayers and blessings in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. One of the most globally recognized Hebrew words.
| Hebrew | אָמֵן |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Amen |
| English Meaning | Amen / So be it |
| Literal Translation | So be it, truly, I affirm |
| Pronunciation | a-MEN |
| Category | Prayers & Worship |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. Amen appears in the Hebrew Bible as a communal response to blessings, oaths, and declarations (Deuteronomy 27:15-26, 1 Chronicles 16:36, Nehemiah 8:6). The Talmud (Shabbat 119b) states: 'Whoever answers amen with all their might — the gates of Paradise are opened for them.' |
Amen may be the single most spoken Hebrew word in the history of the human race. Every day, billions of people — Jews, Christians, and Muslims — end their prayers with this ancient Hebrew affirmation. The word comes from the root א-מ-ן (alef-mem-nun), which also gives us emunah (faith), emet (truth), and ne'eman (faithful/trustworthy). When you say amen, you're not passively agreeing — you're actively affirming: 'This is true, I stand behind it, I bind myself to what was just said.' In the Talmud, answering amen to a blessing is considered even greater than reciting the blessing itself, because it requires the listener to fully internalize and endorse the prayer's words.
Where Does “Amen” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. Amen appears in the Hebrew Bible as a communal response to blessings, oaths, and declarations (Deuteronomy 27:15-26, 1 Chronicles 16:36, Nehemiah 8:6). The Talmud (Shabbat 119b) states: 'Whoever answers amen with all their might — the gates of Paradise are opened for them.'
When and How to Say “Amen”
Said at the conclusion of prayers, blessings, and benedictions. In Jewish tradition, it's the congregation's response to the leader's blessing. In Christian worship, it concludes most prayers and hymns. In Islam, it follows the recitation of Al-Fatiha.
Cultural Context of Amen
Amen is arguably Hebrew's greatest linguistic export — spoken in every language on earth without translation. The Hebrew pronunciation (a-MEN) differs slightly from the common English (AY-men). The Talmudic emphasis on answering amen intentionally — not mumbling it — reflects the Jewish value of mindful prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Amen / So be it” in Hebrew?
“Amen / So be it” in Hebrew is Amen (אָמֵן), pronounced “a-MEN.” The literal translation is “So be it, truly, I affirm.” The universal word of affirmation used to conclude prayers and blessings in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. One of the most globally recognized Hebrew words.
How do you pronounce Amen?
Amen is pronounced “a-MEN.” The literal meaning is “So be it, truly, I affirm.”
What does amen mean literally?
Amen comes from the Hebrew root א-מ-ן meaning 'to be firm, reliable, trustworthy.' It functions as 'so be it,' 'truly,' or 'I affirm.' The same root gives us emunah (faith), emet (truth), and ne'eman (faithful). Saying amen is an active declaration of agreement and commitment to what was just stated.
Is amen a Hebrew word?
Yes — amen is an ancient Hebrew word that has been adopted into virtually every language on earth through the Bible. It appears throughout the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and was carried into Greek, Latin, Arabic, English, and hundreds of other languages without translation. It is arguably the most universally spoken Hebrew word.
Why do we say amen after prayers?
Saying amen serves as the listener's active endorsement of a prayer or blessing. In Jewish tradition, it means 'I affirm this to be true and I join my intention to these words.' The Talmud teaches that answering amen is even greater than reciting the blessing itself, because it requires fully internalizing the words.
Related Hebrew Words
More Prayers & Worship Phrases
Explore other Hebrew phrases in the Prayers & Worship category
Related Hebrew Phrases
Learn a New Hebrew Phrase Every Day
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free