Lexical Summary amanah: Covenant, agreement, faithfulness Original Word: אֲמָנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance certain portion, sure Feminine of 'amen; something fixed, i.e. A covenant. An allowance -- certain portion, sure. see HEBREW 'amen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aman Definition faith, support NASB Translation agreement (1), firm regulation (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲמָנָה noun feminine faith, support. 1 אֲנַחְנוּ כֹּרְתִים אֲמָנָה we are plighting faith (make a sure covenant AV RV) Nehemiah 10:1. 2 ׳עַל המ ׳א support, fixed provision, for the singers Nehemiah 11:23. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope אֲמָנָה denotes a firmly established arrangement that is publicly acknowledged and guaranteed. In Scripture it carries two nuances: a binding covenantal document and a fixed, reliable provision. Both ideas spring from the concept of something that is steady, trustworthy, and unalterable. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Nehemiah 9:38 – the post-exilic leaders “make a binding agreement” as a written, sealed covenant. Covenant Renewal in Nehemiah 9 After recounting God’s mighty acts and Israel’s repeated unfaithfulness, the returned exiles respond: “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement” (Nehemiah 9:38). The term underscores the seriousness of their recommitment to the Mosaic covenant. By sealing the document, leaders, Levites, and priests publicly embrace accountability before God and the community. The moment anticipates later covenant language such as “the blood of the covenant” (Hebrews 10:29) that binds believers with even greater solemnity. Provision for Temple Worship in Nehemiah 11 “For there was a command from the king concerning them, and a reliable provision for the singers, as every day required” (Nehemiah 11:23). Here אֲמָנָה refers to a fixed allowance from the Persian court. The stability of this daily support allowed continual praise in the rebuilt temple, highlighting the priority of worship and the Lord’s faithfulness in supplying resources through even foreign rulers (compare Ezra 6:10). Historical Background • Period: Early fifth century BC, during the governorship of Nehemiah. Theological Significance Firmness and reliability lie at the heart of אֲמָנָה. The word resonates with the root of “amen,” the congregational affirmation that God’s promises are sure. In Nehemiah 9 it mirrors God’s unwavering covenant love; in Nehemiah 11 it mirrors His steady provision. Together they attest that the Lord both binds Himself to His people and supplies what is necessary to fulfil the relationship. Ministry Applications • Commitment: Churches may model transparent, written covenants that articulate shared obedience, echoing the seriousness of Nehemiah’s generation. Connection to the New Covenant While the old covenant people wrote and sealed an אֲמָנָה, the New Covenant is sealed by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20). The reliability celebrated in Nehemiah is perfected in the “yes” and “amen” found in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). The church lives under a covenant even more secure and a provision even more abundant (Philippians 4:19). Related Biblical Themes • Covenant (בְּרִית) – the broader framework into which אֲמָנָה fits. Forms and Transliterations אֲמָנָ֖ה אמנה וַאֲמָנָ֥ה ואמנה ’ă·mā·nāh ’ămānāh amaNah vaamaNah wa’ămānāh wa·’ă·mā·nāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 9:38 HEB: אֲנַ֛חְנוּ כֹּרְתִ֥ים אֲמָנָ֖ה וְכֹתְבִ֑ים וְעַל֙ NAS: We are making an agreement in writing; KJV: And because of all this we make a sure [covenant], and write INT: we are making an agreement and write and on Nehemiah 11:23 2 Occurrences |
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