THE WORD “AMEN”

Hokitika Guardian, 3 September 1929, Page 2

THE WORD “AMEN”

AN ANCIENT PLEDGE. NO TRANSLATION IN SCRIPTURES. CHRISTCHURCH, September 2. In his h'.st talk to the children of St. Andrew's congregation yesterday morning, the Rev. N. L. D. Webster explained to them the significance of the word “ Amen,” which occurs so frequently in the Scriptures. It was the last word in the last chapter of Revelations, the last Rook of the Bible, he said. Some girls and boys regarded it only as a signal to open their eyes and sit upright at the end of a prayer, or to sit down at the conclusion of a hymn, but it really was an affirmation of the belief in their hearts of the truth of the things they had been saying or singing. It signified their consent and assent. “ Amen ” and “ Hal'elujah ” were the only two .words in the Bible untranslated.

“ Amen ” was a very old word, and went back to the beginning of Hebrew history. Its first use was as an adjective, meaning steadfast, firm, or true. When the ancient Hebrews pledged themselves they said “Amen.” Eventually the word was taken over in the worship of the synagogues, the congregation responding to the chanting of the canticles by the rabbi with “Amen.” Then it was taken over by the early Christian Church, and its use had become a feature of religious services right down to the present day.