# amen, so let it be

## Definition:

The term "amen" is a word used to emphasize or call attention to what a person has said. It is often used at the end of a prayer. Sometimes it is translated as "truly."

* When used at the end of a prayer, "amen" communicates agreement with the prayer or expresses a desire that the prayer be fulfilled.
* In his teaching, Jesus used "amen" to emphasize the truth of what he said. He often followed that by "and I say to you" to introduce another teaching that related to the previous teaching.
* When Jesus uses "amen" this way, some English versions (and the ULB) translate this as "verily" or  "truly."
* Another word meaning "truly" is sometimes translated as "surely" or "certainly" and is also used to emphasize what the speaker is saying.

## Translation Suggestions:

* Consider whether the target language has a special word or phrase that is used to emphasize something that has been said.
* When used at the end of a prayer or to confirm something, "amen" could be translated as "let it be so" or "may this happen" or "that is true."
* When Jesus says, "truly I tell you," this could also be translated as "Yes, I tell you sincerely" or "That is true, and I also tell you."
* The phrase "truly, truly I tell you" could be translated as "I tell you this very sincerely" or "I tell you this very earnestly" or "what I am telling you is true."

(See also: [fulfill](../kt/fulfill.md), [true](../kt/true.md))

## Bible References:

* [Deuteronomy 27:15](rc://en/tn/help/deu/27/15)
* [John 05:19](rc://en/tn/help/jhn/05/19)
* [Jude 01:24-25](rc://en/tn/help/jud/01/24)
* [Matthew 26:33-35](rc://en/tn/help/mat/26/33)
* [Philemon 01:23-25](rc://en/tn/help/phm/01/23)
* [Revelation 22:20-21](rc://en/tn/help/rev/22/20)

## Word Data:

* Strong's: H543, G281