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H539 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אָמַן
aman
Verb
to believe, be faithful, be firm

Definition

The root behind faith, truth, faithfulness, and "Amen." In the Qal, it means "to support" or "to nurture"; in the Niphal, "to be faithful, reliable"; in the Hiphil, "to believe, trust." The word conveys firmness, reliability, and settled confidence.

Usage & Theological Significance

When Genesis 15:6 says Abraham "believed" (he'emin) the LORD, it means he threw his full weight upon God's promise. This is not casual agreement but radical trust. The related noun emunah (faithfulness) describes the steadfast reliability of God. Our English word "Amen" comes directly from this root.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 15:6 Abram believed [he'emin] the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Isaiah 7:9 If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.
Habakkuk 2:4 The righteous person will live by his faithfulness [emunah].
Psalm 89:1 I will make your faithfulness [emunah] known through all generations.
Deuteronomy 7:9 The LORD your God is God; he is the faithful [ne'eman] God.

Word Study

The Hebrew concept of faith bridges both testaments. Paul's quotation of Genesis 15:6 in Romans 4 makes Abraham's aman-type faith the prototype for Christian belief. The word family includes emunah, emeth (H571), and amen — faith, truth, and faithfulness are expressions of the same reality.

Related Words

External Resources

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