Amen is probably the most universally-used and universally-recognized word throughout the world. Each of us probably uses it daily, and perhaps we even understand it. But when we consider what it means, and consider how we usually say it, or respond to it, we may have to reevaluate. Jerome commented that in the early church, when visitors used to come the church, they were commonly frightened at the Amen — it had the sound of thunder, said by people who understood it.
In both Old and New Testaments, God identifies Himself with this word. In saying it, we must always remember this connection to His holy name and character. Speaking of the time of the New Covenant, Isaiah prophesies, “So that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth [lit. “God of Amen”]; and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth [same] (Is. 65:16). And John the apostle records, “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God . . .’ (Rev. 3:14). And Paul teaches, “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Cor. 1:20). Remembering this, we see three main uses of Amen in Scripture:
The first use is that of a covenant oath. This is a word which is taken in the context of affirming covenant obligations — recognizing both the blessings and the curses. We can see this in the law concerning a woman with a jealous husband (Num. 5:22). We have a whole chapter of it in Deuteronomy 27. When Nehemiah confronted the Jewish leaders about their oppression of their fellows, the covenant confrontation concluded with an Amen (Neh.5:13). So the word Amen has the force of an oath, sealing an oath, and indicating the agreement of the speaker with the conditions of the covenant. This far stronger than a simple, “Yes, I agree with that.”
The second use is that of a benediction, which is a blessing of the people of God. There are many examples in Scripture, and Amen is usually a part of it. “Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen” (Gal. 6:18). “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Phil. 4:23). “The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen” (2 Tim. 4:22). “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Rev. 22:21). Whenever the people of God receive a blessing, it is right and proper to seal that blessing with an Amen.
And last there is the doxological use. Justified men have also been given the privilege of blessing God. And when men praise, honor, bless and glorify God — i.e. give a doxology, the Scriptures show us to conclude with Amen. “. . . the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Rom. 1:25). “Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen” (Rom. 9:5). “. . . to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Eph. 3:21). “To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Tim.4:18). “. . . to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Heb. 13:21). “To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 5:11). See also Jude 25 and Rev. 1:6. When we say Amen in this context, we are tasting eternity.
How do we apply this? In many of the places where Scripture records the use of this wonderful word, it is said by all God’s people. This is not something restricted to religious professionals “up front.” The whole congregation is involved in the worship of God, and the Amen is one place where this involvement is most visible. Consider: “And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen!'” (Dt. 27:15). “And all the people said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord” (1 Chron. 16:36). “And all the assembly said, ‘Amen!’ and praised the Lord” (Neh. 5:13). “Then all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen!'” (Neh. 8:6). “And let all the people say, ‘Amen!'” (Ps. 106:48).
On this subject, we have the privilege of applying and obeying together. And so when should we say Amen during our service? Whenever the Scriptures are read — God’s covenant Word to us — we should respond together with Amen. And when we receive God’s blessing on us in the benediction, our grateful response must be Amen — and Amen together. And whenever we sing glory to Him in a psalm or hymn, we should conclude with a hearty Amen. And we must remember the exclamation mark. Amen!