Bible Study The Significance of "Verily"

[Malachi]

The Lord Jesus Christ used the word "verily" 101 times in the Gospels -- 53 times as the single "verily" and 24 times as the double "verily" (the latter exclusively in the Gospel of John). Why did Christ preface some of His teachings with this word, and sometimes with a double emphasis? This is a matter that should occupy our thoughts.

The word translated "verily" is almost uniformly the Greek word "amen" which is a transliteration of the Hebrew "amen". However, in Mark 9:33 it is simply the Greek "men", and in Luke 11:51 it is "nai".

What do these words mean originally and what is their significance? "Amen" literally means firm or faithful, and figuratively means trustworthy, sure, surely (and therefore "So be it" after hearing God's truth). "Men" means affirmation or concession (in fact) thus even, indeed, truly, verily. "Nai" signifies strong affirmation, yes, even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.

The Lord Jesus introduced a multitude of solemn pronouncements with "Verily" or "Verily, verify". This was equivalent to saying to the hearers (and to us):
"Listen very carefully, and pay close attention to what is being said, because THIS IS GOD SPEAKING TO YOU DIRECTLY, AND THIS IS GOD'S INCONTROVERTIBLE TRUTH, which has eternal consequences".

So now it is up to each one to go through the Gospels and see what is said after each "Verily" or "Verily, verily".

 

[Chopper]

Very interesting Malachi. Thank you for the reminder. I had never thought of that word or words the way you have instructed. I'll treat that word a little differently next time I read it.

 

[Karl]

I too thought Amen or Amen, Amen when I read those words, ...until I started reading the French Bible where it's translated vérité, which when translated to English means truth, ...changed my understanding and comprehension, ...I agree Malachi, you said it best, ...you better listen up, 'cuz GOD is speaking!

 

[TOG]

That's interesting. But I'm not sure that the "verily verily" is an extra emphasis on Jesus' part. I think it's more a difference in writing styles between the Gospel writers.

And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. (Matt. 26:21 ESV)
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. (John 13:21 ESV)

Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.(Matt. 26:34 ESV)
Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice. (John 13:38 ESV)

The TOG​

 

[Kathi]

I think that verily means truly which mean this is the truth.

 

[Malachi]

That's interesting. But I'm not sure that the "verily verily" is an extra emphasis on Jesus' part. I think it's more a difference in writing styles between the Gospel writers.

TOG,

Although we are aware that every writer in the Bible had his own writing style, it was the Holy Spirit who ultimately controlled exactly what was written (2 Pet 1:20,21). We often find Christians discussing the NT books as though only the writers were resposible for what was penned (which gives a humanistic cast to Scripture). Then we have people saying that such and such was Paul's opinion and not the doctrine of Christ, because of this misconception.

Every word is a word of God in Scripture. We should be aware that it is the apostle John who uses "Verily, verily", and it is also John's Gospel that has many sayings of Christ which are not recorded in the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Large portions of John's Gospel are unique to him.

So John did receive specfic directions as to what he should include in his Gospel. He is even selective about the miracles recorded therein. The important point is that Jesus is telling us "This is God's Truth", hence "Truly, truly..." or "Verily, verily.." and perhaps the double "verily" teaching is even more critical (such as John 3:3,5,11).

 

[TOG]

TOG,

Although we are aware that every writer in the Bible had his own writing style, it was the Holy Spirit who ultimately controlled exactly what was written (2 Pet 1:20,21). We often find Christians discussing the NT books as though only the writers were resposible for what was penned (which gives a humanistic cast to Scripture). Then we have people saying that such and such was Paul's opinion and not the doctrine of Christ, because of this misconception.

Every word is a word of God in Scripture. We should be aware that it is the apostle John who uses "Verily, verily", and it is also John's Gospel that has many sayings of Christ which are not recorded in the Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Large portions of John's Gospel are unique to him.

So John did receive specfic directions as to what he should include in his Gospel. He is even selective about the miracles recorded therein. The important point is that Jesus is telling us "This is God's Truth", hence "Truly, truly..." or "Verily, verily.." and perhaps the double "verily" teaching is even more critical (such as John 3:3,5,11).

I'm not saying that the New Testament is Paul's or anybody else's opinion (except where it says it is), only that the the writers had an affect on they writing style. Why else would there be "double emphasis" on a certain teaching in John, but not on the same teaching in Matthew?

The TOG​