THE WORD "AMEN."

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue LIII, 11 August 1908, Page 4

THE WORD " AMEN."

What does the word "Amen*^ i[gnify,' and why is it so important in prayer P has been asked by thouMhda of Christiana who use the wo^i^july iat the end of hymns and prayers. wj It. is known that the word is strictly an adjective, signifying "firm," and (metaphorically) faithful, and in its adverbial sense, "certainly, truly, surely." It is said at the end of hymns and prayers to confirm the words that have preceded, and invoke the fulfilment ; of them: "So.be it." It is sometimes' said in token of undoubting assent, as at the end of the creed: Amen, "So I believe." The use of "amen" in response to the expression of good wishes can be traced to the first century of the Christian era ; whence is derived the mediae* val custom, of affixing an "amen" to every possible expression of desire.