Amen is used both in liturgical contexts and colloquially to express: “What you just said is true” or “I agree.” Although the word is of Hebrew—and clearly Jewish—origin, both Christianity and Islam have adopted it, using the untranslated Hebrew term in their religious texts and liturgy. The word has also found its way into popular culture.

Meaning

Amen (אמן) shares a linguistic root with the word emunah (אמונה), often translated as “faith” but more accurately meaning “trust in God.” In Jewish thought, emunah is a conviction based on evidence, similar to a verdict in a courtroom. By saying “Amen,” one affirms, based on the evidence they have considered and examined, that the statement is true. In this context, Amen is also a way to express one’s faith or agreement with the core tenets of Jewish thought: God created the world for our benefit and pleasure, and the greatest pleasure is a relationship with Him. He has given us the freedom or independence to shape this relationship ourselves, which is the greatest joy...

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