amen

Amen is a word used across several religious traditions to express affirmation, agreement, or the conclusion of a statement or prayer. It is often spoken at the end of prayers or creeds as a way to seal what has been said, roughly translating to “so be it” or “truly.” The form originates in the Hebrew word amen (אָמֵן), meaning firm, faithful, or trustworthy, and is linked to the root aman, meaning to support or be faithful. The term spread into Greek (amēn), then Latin, and into many modern languages as Amen. Variants such as Amin or Ameen appear in different languages and cultures.

In Judaism, Amen is used to affirm blessings and liturgical passages. Congregants recite Amen following blessings pronounced by the leader, and it serves as a communal affirmation of what has been spoken. The use appears in the Hebrew Bible and in rabbinic liturgy, reflecting a collective assent to prayer, blessing, or oath.

In Christianity, Amen functions as a common liturgical closing. Prayers, creeds, hymns, and doxologies often end with Amen, signaling assent to the entire declaration. The Gospel of John records Jesus saying “Amen, amen, I say to you,” emphasizing truth. In many Christian traditions, Amen may be repeated for emphasis at the end of lengthy prayers or responses.

In Islam, the Arabic form Amin (often transliterated Ameen) is used after supplications. It is commonly spoken to conclude prayers or du’a and is widely used in Muslim communities.

Amen also appears in modern secular usage as an interjection of strong agreement or affirmation, including in music, literature, and everyday speech.