בס”ד
The Hebrew word “amen” has been adopted by several religions, but is used differently in Judaism than many may be used to. For example, it is not used as a conclusion to a prayer of its own uttered. Below, we’ll explore how and when “amen” is used in Judaism and the depth it adds to both blessings, prayer and daily life.
The Meaning and Use of “Amen” in the Hebrew Bible
One of the first times we see the word “amen” is in Numbers 5:22 . This passage discusses the laws concerning a “sota”, a woman who has deviated from the path of modesty. She is brought to the Temple and must take an oath, to which she responds with “amen,” indicating her acceptance of the oath’s terms.
| 22 and this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, and make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to fall away’; and the woman shall say: ‘Amen, Amen.’ | כב וּבָאוּ הַמַּיִם הַמְאָרְרִים הָאֵלֶּה, בְּמֵעַיִךְ, לַצְבּוֹת בֶּטֶן, וְלַנְפִּל יָרֵךְ; וְאָמְרָה הָאִשָּׁה, אָמֵן אָמֵן. |
Rashi explains this verse as: “The word amen spoken by the woman implies acceptance of an oath spoken by someone else about them. In this context, amen can mean both ‘It is so’ and ‘May it be so,’ expressing agreement with both the curse and the oath. When the woman says amen, she affirms, ‘May the curse happen to me if I am guilty,’ and also ‘I accept the oath as true.’ This means she agrees that she hasn’t been unfaithful at any time, whether during her engagement or marriage (or, if applicable, during her marriage to her deceased husband’s brother).”
In Deuteronomy 27:17 we see the word “amen”, used by the people to indicate acceptance of a statement or terms:
| 17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say: Amen. | יז אָרוּר, מַסִּיג גְּבוּל רֵעֵהוּ; וְאָמַר כָּל-הָעָם, אָמֵן |
Here, “amen” is a form of public confirmation and agreement with a moral or legal statement. One person makes a statement, and the others respond with “amen,” affirming its truth.
Further Biblical Examples of “Amen”
- Ezra’s Blessing (Nehemiah 8:6):
| 6 And Ezra blessed the L-RD, the great G-d. And all the people answered: ‘Amen, Amen’, with the lifting up of their hands; and they bowed their heads, and fell down before the L-RD with their faces to the ground. | ו וַיְבָרֶךְ עֶזְרָא, אֶת-יְהוָה הָאֱלֹהִים הַגָּדוֹל; וַיַּעֲנוּ כָל-הָעָם אָמֵן אָמֵן, בְּמֹעַל יְדֵיהֶם, וַיִּקְּדוּ וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ לַיהוָה, אַפַּיִם אָרְצָה. |
Here, “amen” is used by the people in response to a blessing from Ezra, affirming their reverence for G-d.
· Jeremiah’s Response to Hananiah (Jeremiah 28:6):
| 6 even the prophet Jeremiah said: ‘Amen! the L-RD do so! the L-RD perform thy words which thou hast prophesied, to bring back the vessels of the L-RD’S house, and all them that are carried away captive, from Babylon unto this place! | ו וַיֹּאמֶר, יִרְמְיָה הַנָּבִיא, אָמֵן, כֵּן יַעֲשֶׂה יְהוָה; יָקֵם יְהוָה, אֶת-דְּבָרֶיךָ, אֲשֶׁר נִבֵּאתָ לְהָשִׁיב כְּלֵי בֵית-יְהוָה וְכָל-הַגּוֹלָה, מִבָּבֶל אֶל-הַמָּקוֹם הַזֶּה |
Jeremiah expresses a wish that the prophecy of Hananiah, though false, might be fulfilled. In this context, “amen” means “May it be so.”
· Palms for example Psalm 41:14
| 14 Blessed be the L-RD, the G-d of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. | יד בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה, אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל–מֵהָעוֹלָם, וְעַד הָעוֹלָם: אָמֵן וְאָמֵן. |
Commentators note that here, “amen” signifies a wish for the blessing to be eternal. This instance also marks the end of the first book of Psalms, underscoring eternal praise for G-d.1
Summary of the Meanings of “Amen”
From these examples, we see that “amen” can convey multiple meanings in Judaism:
- Agreement with what has been said.
- Hope that a blessing or wish will come to pass.
- Affirmation of truth, declaring that the words spoken are indeed true.
In context:
- When taking an oath, “amen” is a form of agreement with the terms of the oath.
- When receiving a blessing or prayer, “amen” expresses the hope that the blessing or prayer will be fulfilled.
Guidelines for Saying “Amen” in Blessings or Prayer
When a Jew is obligated to recite a blessing, for instance before eating, but is unable to do so for any reason, another Jewish person who shares the obligation may say the blessing on their behalf. In this case, the Jew must hear the complete and unaltered blessing in order to fulfill their obligation by responding with “amen.”2 However, if they are merely affirming someone else’s blessing without a obligation of their own (because they are not eating), it is sufficient to know when the blessing has concluded and then say “amen.”
A Jew may also say “amen” upon hearing the blessing or prayer of a non-Jew, provided they are certain that the non-Jew is not an idolater.2
Non-Jews are not obligated to say blessings, so their “amen” may be said also if they have not heard every word of the blessing, as long as they are certain the speaker has finished reciting it.
When reciting a Bible text or a Psalm, we do not say “amen” after it. However, one can explain in advance why, with a specific Bible text or Psalm recited, one may say “amen” in certain contexts. Additionally, it is important to note that one does not say “amen” after their own blessing, as stated in Shulchan Aruch OC 215:1.
The Talmud advises that “amen” should be said thoughtfully. Its length should match the time it takes to say “El Melech Ne’eman” (G-d, the Faithful King), a phrase that embodies the meaning of “amen.” Rushing or extending “amen” too long is discouraged; instead, one should focus on saying it with intent and mindfulness.
Fascinating Insights About “Amen”
Jewish sages explain that saying “amen” adds power to the blessing spoken by another person, thereby contributing to its fulfillment. The word “amen” (אמן) shares its Hebrew root with emunah (אמונה), meaning “faith.”
Conclusion
In Judaism, “amen” is not just an affirmation; it is a powerful word that expresses faith, agreement, and the hope for divine truth. Through saying “amen,” one affirms what is spoken, acknowledges the truth of G-d’s word, and expresses a desire for blessings to manifest in the world. The thoughtful recitation of “amen” strengthens the connection between the speaker, the listener, and G-d, underscoring a shared belief in the power of faith and divine truth.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton and Rabbi Tuvia Serber for their feedback.
Sources:
- [1] Steinsaltz ↩︎
- Alter Rebbe’s Shulcha Aruch, Orach chaim 215:2, 189:6 ↩︎
See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h-QkcoCXEQ based on Shulchan Aruch HaRav 124:9-12, Likutei Sichot, Vol. 35, pp. 219-221, Bati LeGani 5738, Paragraph 5
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