Lexical Summary omnam: truly, indeed, truth Original Word: אָמְנָם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance indeed, no doubt, surely, it is Adverb from 'omen; verily -- indeed, no doubt, surely, (it is, of a) true(-ly, -th). see HEBREW 'omen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aman Definition verily, truly NASB Translation indeed (1), surely* (1), true (1), truly (5), truth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אָמְנָם adverb (= אֻמְנָם) verily, truly, in asseverations 2 Kings 19:17 (= Isaiah 37:18) Job 19:4,5; Job 34:12; Job 36:4; Ruth 3:12, also ironical Job 9:2; Job 12:2. Topical Lexicon Essential Sense אָמְנָם (’omnam) functions as an adverb of affirmation, rendered “truly,” “indeed,” or “surely.” It introduces statements of indisputable fact, often contrasting appearance with reality or confession with doubt. Distribution and Literary Setting Nine occurrences span historical narrative, prophetic prayer, and wisdom dialogue: • Ruth 3:12 The cluster in Job underscores debate about divine justice; the historical texts highlight covenant faithfulness; and the prophetic reference echoes national crisis. Representative Passages Ruth 3:12—“Although it is true that I am a kinsman-redeemer, there is a redeemer nearer than I.” Boaz prefaces a promise with אָמְנָם, underscoring legal certainty and foreshadowing redemption motifs that culminate in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. 2 Kings 19:17—“Truly, O LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands.” Hezekiah acknowledges brutal reality before appealing to God’s superior sovereignty. The adverb anchors intercession in sober assessment, modeling honest prayer. Job 34:12—“Indeed, God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.” Elihu asserts an unassailable truth about God’s character, providing theological ballast amid human confusion. Theological Themes Truth and Certainty Every use of אָמְנָם marks a transition from uncertainty to conviction. Whether affirming divine justice (Job 34:12) or personal guilt (Job 19:4), the word signals that what follows is beyond dispute. Human Limitation versus Divine Reliability Job’s speeches juxtapose human insight (“Truly I know that this is so,” Job 9:2) with confessing ignorance of God’s ways, highlighting the limitation of creaturely wisdom and the need for revelation. Covenant Faithfulness In Ruth 3:12 and the Hezekiah narrative, אָמְנָם frames appeals to covenant structures—levirate duty and Davidic promises. The adverb thus becomes a verbal pillar supporting the reliability of God’s redemptive plan through history. Historical Context • Ruth’s era: chaotic period of the Judges; Boaz’s “indeed” stabilizes legal proceedings amid social flux. Ministry Application Preaching and Teaching Highlight אָמְנָם to encourage congregations to ground confession in verifiable truths: God’s holiness, Christ’s atonement, Scripture’s reliability. Prayer and Counseling Model Hezekiah’s method: honestly acknowledge circumstances (“truly”) before presenting petitions. This cultivates transparency and trust. Personal Discipleship Use Job’s usage to remind believers that admitting uncertainty (“Truly I know… yet”) harmonizes with unwavering faith in God’s righteousness. Relation to “Amen” Though distinct, אָמְנָם shares the root אמן with “Amen” (Strong’s 543). Both affirm reliability, pointing forward to Revelation 3:14 where Christ is called “the Amen,” the embodiment of every “truly” uttered in Scripture. Summary אָמְנָם stitches together narrative, wisdom, and prophetic texts with a single thread: unwavering truth. It strengthens vows, prayers, arguments, and doctrinal affirmations, inviting God’s people in every age to anchor faith and practice in what is “indeed” certain. Forms and Transliterations אָ֭מְנָם אָמְנָ֔ם אָמְנָ֖ם אָמְנָ֗ם אָמְנָ֥ם אמנם ’ā·mə·nām ’āmənām ameNam AmenomLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ruth 3:12 HEB: וְעַתָּה֙ כִּ֣י אָמְנָ֔ם כִּ֥י [אִם NAS: Now it is TRUE I am a close relative; KJV: And now it is true that I [am thy] near kinsman: INT: Now for is true for lo 2 Kings 19:17 Job 9:2 Job 12:2 Job 19:4 Job 19:5 Job 34:12 Job 36:4 Isaiah 37:18 9 Occurrences |
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