What Does Verily, Verily Mean?
Jesus often used the phrase, Verily, verily, I say unto thee (KJV), phrased similarly in other translations, like, Truly, truly I say to you (ESV), or Very truly, I tell you (NIV). This phrase originates from the well known Hebrew version of a’ men, meaning so be it. So why did Jesus say verily, verily, or amen, so often?
In current times, we use the word amen at the end of a prayer, almost as if it is our final endorsement of that message. However, Jesus often used the term amen at the beginning of a statement. As we will see in the following examples, Jesus was endorsing that the statement is true, certainly, but He is also highlighting this piece of information with extra authority.
Verily verily, or amen, before a statement shows that the speaker knows this knowledge firsthand. The message to follow isn’t an idea or a concept that is already well-known. Many of the statements that Jesus presents, following verily, verily, are brand new pieces of information about the kingdom of God.
While I didn’t list everything (there are a lot!), I have documented a good majority of the verses in which Jesus used the term verily, verily. I use NIV, so you will read very truly I tell you, or truly I tell you.
Notice a very interesting pattern with these statements. When Jesus uses the term, verily, verily, He is often speaking about things that only the Son of God could know. These statements provide firsthand insight into:
- The mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
- The power of faith and belief.
- Rewards in heaven.
- Prophecies about the future (which history has since proven true).
Verily, Verily in the Gospels
New Insight into the Kingdom of God
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again…Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:3-5).
“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:34-36).
“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I AM!” (John 8:58).
“Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:16-17) (After washing His disciples’ feet).
“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” (Matthew 5:18).
“And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4).
“Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” (Mark 3:28-29).
The Power of Faith
“Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21, Mark 11:23-24). (After Jesus cursed the fig tree, read more in Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree?).
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” (Matthew 17:20). (When the disciples were not able to drive out the demon from the boy).
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:12-13).
Rewards in Heaven
“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.” (Mark 9:41).
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:2).
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16).
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields-along with persecutions-and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” (Mark 10:29-31).
“But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” (Mark 12: 42-43, Luke 21:3).
Prophesying Future Events
“Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.” (John 13:30, Luke 21:32). (When speaking of the destruction of the Temple).
“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:9). (When speaking of the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume).
“While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me-one who is eating with me.” (Mark 14:18, John 13:21).
“Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:25).
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today-yes, tonight-before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” (Mark 14:30, John 13:38).
“Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:18-19).
“Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). (Jesus speaking to the criminal on the cross).
Only the Messiah, the Son of God, could reveal the way to heaven and the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He is the only One who knows the future. And He is so generous to share these amazing truths with us. Thank you for reading Why did Jesus say, “Verily, verily?” Keep going with Why did Jesus say, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” or 5 Unintentional Idols for Millennials.
