Introduction
Amen, or Amun, was one of the main gods of ancient Egypt. In the ancient Egyptian religion, he was considered the king of all gods, symbolizing the highest strength and power (Amun: King of the Egyptian gods, n.d.). In addition, in the early stages of Egyptian civilization, it was believed that Amen created all life. However, later he was taken inseparably from the sun god Ra and as part of the sacred divine triad (Amun: King of the Egyptian gods, n.d.).
The name of god means “secret “and “elusive”, which indicates the essence of Amen, who is incomprehensible to man (Amun: King of the Egyptian gods, n.d.). Some of the characteristics of Amen are similar to the perception of Jesus. Moreover, the similarity of the name of god and the final word in the prayers of many religions has given rise to many disputes and discussions.
Origin of the Word
There is much controversy regarding the connection between the Egyptian god and the final word of the prayer. Most linguists think the word “Amen” is of ancient Egyptian origin. It was spelled as “imn” and meant “true” or “so be it” (Kambon, 2020). Thus, the word has similar meanings in ancient Egyptian culture, Christianity, and other religions. However, Kambon (2020) notes that “Amen” was not used at the end of prayers, but was answered during the blessing. These differences are the basis of the assertion of religious scholars and theologians that there is nothing similar between these two concepts.
Development of the Practice in Judaism
According to many theologians, the Amen at the end of the prayer is the original tradition of Judaism. The Hebrew Bible referred to this practice, which is why this concept is considered an integral part of Jewish religious traditions (What does “Amen” mean, 2021). In Jewish religious practice, “Amen” is a personal confirmation of what has been said. It can be used in personal prayers and as an answer to a leader’s prayer.
The practice of ending prayers with the word “Amen” in Judaism arose even before the advent of Christianity (What does “Amen” mean, 2021). It was passed down from generation to generation and remains an integral part of the Jewish religious rite. Moreover, by answering each other’s “Amen,” people formed the collective experience necessary for forming an integral society.
Adoption in Christianity
Since Judaism was the basis for developing Christianity, it adopted many traditions, including “Amen”. However, in Christianity, the word has a broader meaning and usage. It ends personal prayers, serves as an answer to a prayer or blessing of another person, and can also symbolize Jesus (Kambon, 2020).
Adopting “Amen” in Christianity demonstrates the continuity and connection between Jewish and Christian religious practices. It symbolizes the shared heritage and recognition of the Jewish roots on which Christianity was built (What does “Amen” mean, 2021). Incorporating “Amen” into Christian worship promotes a sense of unity as believers collectively reaffirm their faith and express their agreement with the prayers and blessings offered.
Linguistic Evolution
Due to the long existence of ancient Egypt and Jewish culture, restoring the original sound of languages is difficult. However, most linguists believe that the name of the Egyptian god Amen and “Amen” used in Judaism sound the same (Kambon, 2020). This similarity of words became the basis for the assumption of the relationship between these words (Lifefulloflies, 2009).
Moreover, in both cultures, the word had a similar meaning. However, while the connection between the Christian and Jewish traditions has been proven, the influence of the culture of ancient Egypt on Judaism is questionable. Many religious figures deny the possibility of a connection between the Egyptian god and “Amen” because the Egyptian religion was pagan, and therefore denies all the basic postulates of Christianity.
Conclusion
Amen at the end of prayers is used in Judaism, Christianity, and other religions. For example, after reading prayers or petitions in Islam, it is customary to pronounce āmīn as a form of consent and confirmation (What does “Amen” mean, 2021). The use of the word “amin” in Islam reflects the shared belief in the power and truth of prayers and the unity of the Muslim community.
Similar traditions of expressing consent exist in other cultures, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. It is a common way for people to express agreement, affirmation, and unity within their respective religious and cultural contexts. Moreover, despite the similarities between traditions, each of them is unique and reflects the culture and traditions of a particular group of people.
References
Amun: King of the Egyptian gods. (n.d.). Ancient Egypt. Web.
Kambon, O.B. (2020). Editorial book critique: The origin of the word Amen: Ancient knowledge the Bible has never told. Ghana Journal of Linguistics, 9(1), 72-96. Web.
Lifefulloflies (2009). Christianity is a Egyptian myth – Horus=Jesus, Isis=Mary, Osiris=God, Amun=Amen, Apophis=Devil [Video]. YouTube. Web.
What does “Amen” mean at the end of a prayer? (2021). Dictionary. Web.