The meaning of “אָמַן”
Understanding ʼâman reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely,...
אָמַן
hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. - properly, to build up or support - to foster as a parent or nurse - figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet - morally to be true or certain 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 42:20 | “But bring your youngest brother unto me; so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not die. And they did so.” Word: אָמַן (ʼâman) | |
| Judges 11:20 | “But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.” Word: אָמַן (ʼâman) | |
| 1 Kings 10:7 | “Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.” Word: אָמַן (ʼâman) | |
| Nehemiah 13:13 | “And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.” Word: אָמַן (ʼâman) | |
| Proverbs 25:13 | “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.” Word: אָמַן (ʼâman) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Believe
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To believe, trust, be faithful
The Hebrew aman (אָמַן) means to believe or confirm—the root of 'Amen.' It conveys firm trust and reliability. Abraham 'believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness' (Genesis 15:6).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To believe, trust, have faith
The Greek pisteuo (πιστεύω) means to believe or trust—active reliance upon Christ. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish' (John 3:16).