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This Hebrew word means "truly," "certainly." According to Pope Benedict XIV, it indicates assent to a truth, as at the end of a Creed. It is used in its original meaning in both Scripture and the liturgy of the Church. When in the NT (Jn. 3:3) it is used double, as in sortie translations, it is considered more solemn. At the end of prayers, Amen signifies our desire to obtain our request and is commonly translated, "So be it." In the OT the Israelites used the word Amen to show their willingness to accept and abide by the commandments of God. (cf. Dt. 27:15-26) In Ps. 72:19 the amen is repeated twice as art emphasis of praise for God. The NT continued the use of the word, even in the Greek translations, and so it is spoken at the end of the thanksgiving prayer, 1 Cor. 14:16, as also it was used by Christ as a guarantee of the truth of His words. In Rv. 3:14 Christ himself is called the "Amen," and St. Paul declares that we receive the promises of God through Christ who redeems us (2 Cor. 1:20).