The KJV's standard rendering of Greek amen introducing a solemn declaration. Christ characteristically opened weighty statements with verily I say unto you (Greek amen lego hymin); in John's Gospel uniquely the word is doubled — verily, verily, I say unto you (Greek amen amen lego hymin) — for the most emphatic teaching: John 3:3 (except a man be born again); 5:24 (he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life); 6:53 (except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you). The doubled amen serves as Christ's signal that what follows is foundational, not optional, not negotiable. Unlike contemporary religious teachers who said thus says the LORD, Christ said verily I say unto you — the divine self-authority embedded in the word. The doctrine of Christ's deity is implicit in the formula: He speaks on His own authority because He is the authority.