The answer to this controversial question amongst the Israelite community is nothing…there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying Amen! Utilizing the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, amen translates from the Hebrew word AMAN (refer to #H539 in your concordance) in which you will see multiple contextual meanings such as to believe, be verified, and faithful.
When you look up any of these words, it will lead you back to the same word AMAN. Numbers 5:22 is the first time you’ll see the word amen in the scriptures. In this context, the word amen means “so be it” (reference #H543 in your concordance).
Some proclaim that amen is linked to the names of heathen gods and because of such, they use Exodus 23:13 to substantiate why we shouldn’t say the word.
Exodus 23:13: “And in all things that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.”
For example, the Egyptian god Amen Ra, is amun in the Egyptian tongue which means “hidden.” Clearly, the meaning of amun is totally different from the meaning of amen that again means “so be it.” Words in the English language that sound the same or are pronounced the same, but have different meanings are called homophones. For example, in England a fag is slang for cigarette, however, in the U.S. the same term is used in reference to homosexuals. Accordingly, there is no connection nor are you invoking the spirit or worship of Amen Ra when you say the word amen.
As far as Israelites are concerned, that god doesn’t exist! How can you invoke or call upon something that doesn’t exist? Another point of contention is that some people say “the law says not to make mention of any of the gods of the nations” so they’ll say saying amen is breaking the law! Well, common sense alone should help you understand that isn’t a literal statement. You can’t even read the scriptures without mentioning or saying the names of the gods of the nations! Case in point, Moses made mention of Molech in Leviticus 20:2. In the 3rd chapter of Judges, the scriptures mention us serving Baal or Baalim. Names of other gods were mentioned, however and again, the transgression was not because of merely saying their names, it was because the heathen gods were served and worshipped.
Joshua 23:7: “That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:”
Joshua warned the Israelites not to make mention of the name of the heathen gods in a form of worship, that’s why he followed up the understanding in full context with the provisions of not swearing by them, serving them nor bowing down to them. Saying the name of other gods has no relevance unless you are serving and worshiping that false deity.
Similar arguments are made by some when saying the word Lord. Many say not to use the word “Lord” because you’re supposedly calling on Baal!! Well, again here’s another scenario where the word Baal when translated does mean lord, however, that is just the name that the heathen called THEIR god. When you reference H1168 in Hebrew, Baal means lord.
בַּעַל
Transliteration
Ba`al
Pronunciation
bah’·al (Key)
Part of Speech
proper locative noun, proper masculine noun
Root Word (Etymology)
The same as בַּעַל (H1167)
Baal = “lord”
n pr m
supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanites
Now, that’s Baal. When you look up the word Lord in Hebrew you will find Adown which means a master, male, lord as in ruler etc…
Lexicon :: Strong’s H113 – ‘adown
אָדוֹן
Transliteration
‘adown
Pronunciation
ä·dōn’ (Key)
Part of Speech
masculine noun
firm, strong, lord, master lord, master reference to men superintendent of household, of affairs master king
This is why in the scriptures and throughout history you would see or hear women refer to their husbands or kings as lord because it simply meant he was their master, king or ruler of their household or domain. This has nothing to do with the heathen god Baal. The Canaanites simply took and translated in their tongue the word lord and used it as the name or title of their god, Baal. Baal and lord are two different words that are pronounced different, but have similar meanings. It is as simple as that and that’s it!
-By Iyaqar
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