ISAIAH 65:16 AMEN

Q: In this verse, God is twice called “the one true God.” However, the King James Version says that he is “the God of truth.” There seems to be a big difference between these two translations. Which one is correct?

This phrase in Hebrew reads literally “God the Amen.” The root meaning of “amen” relays the concepts of firm, true, certain or reliable. So alternative translations include the God of truth (RSV, Living Bible, Jerusalem), the God of faithfulness (NRSV), the faithful God (TEV), the God of fidelity (AB). Notice that all of them convey the same general idea except the NIV. So I don't know if majority rules in this case since all of the translations are technically possible.

It is interesting that the Old Testament practice was to say “Amen” (a) after an oath in order to agree to the consequences (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) or (b) in a liturgical setting after a doxology or benediction. In either case, the basic meaning was “Yes.” Our current Christian practice is to use the word after a prayer request with the basic meaning of “Let it be so.” This usage of Amen only came into being with the Greek translation of the Old Testament a little before the time of Christ. Jesus' own use of Amen (usually rendered as “truly” or “verily”) before his own words was totally unique in Jewish practice. This is why Christ himself could be called The Amen (Revelation 3:14).