“Truly, Truly”

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“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the ruler of God’s creation” Revelations 3:14

Even though the word “Amen” is most commonly found at the end of prayers, the Lord Jesus often used it at the beginning of a statement. This is because the word “truly, truly” is more accurately translated as “amen, amen”.

Risto Santala, shares this insight, “Critics have long considered the words of Jesus, “Truly, truly, I tell you”, to be rather strange. In the Greek original, the Hebrew words amen, amen are used, in a way that is not found in the Old Testament. ‘Amen’ there is found at the end of prayers and speeches, whereas Jesus used it to introduce what he had to say.

In Hebrew, the words for ‘faith’ and ‘amen’ are from the same root. It is a juridical word used in making oaths, to affirm a solemn word. The word ‘amen’ is indeed the only permissible affirmation. 2 Corinthians 1:20.

So we understand that Jesus used “amen” in a legally binding way to convey his authentic spiritual authority, the reliability of His revelation, and the deep spiritual truths He carried based on who He is. For example, in John 8:58, Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am”, binding himself by an oath to testify to His identity.

Writing to the Church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14, Apostle John by the Holy Spirit identifies Jesus as “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Head of the creation of God…”. The use of “Amen” as a name for the Lord Jesus further amplifies the profundity of this one expression.

As people of faith, let’s begin to more deeply appreciate the word “Amen”, especially knowing that it is one of the many Names of Jesus. Use it with joy, faith, and confidence!