What does the word ‘verily’ mean?
‘Verily’ is a word used very often in the Bible. In the KJV, it is used in twenty-two different books. It means surely, trustworthy, truly. It gives the idea that the speaker has first-hand knowledge of what he is about to say and knows his words are true.
The first time we read the word is when Joseph’s brothers began to realize their guilt in putting him into a pit and selling him into slavery. We read their words in Genesis 42:21, “And they said one to another, We are VERILY guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.” The confession of their guilt among themselves was emphasized by them stating that they were VERILY guilty. At this point, they did not try to hide their guilt.
More than any other person, we find the Lord Jesus Christ using the word ‘verily’ repeatedly in the Gospels. It seems that He used that word when drawing special attention to what He wanted to say to others.
* Speaking of Judas, the Lord said, “VERILY I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.” (Matthew 26:21).
* Speaking to Peter, the Lord said, “VERILY I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” (Matthew 26:34).
* In speaking to the repentant thief on the cross beside Him, the Lord said, “VERILY I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
It was as if the Lord was saying, “I’m telling you the truth….” Of course, the Lord ALWAYS told the truth, but at times He emphasized the truth He was sharing.
There were times the Lord would repeat the word and say, “Verily, verily.”
*In speaking with Nicodemus, the Lord said, “VERILY, VERILY, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3).
*Speaking to a group of people, the Lord said, “VERILY, VERILY, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47).
* Speaking to a group of unbelievers, the Lord said, “VERILY, VERILY, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” (John 8:34).
We should note that in the Gospel of John (and only in the Gospel of John), each time he recorded the Lord using the word ‘VERILY’, it is always ‘VERILY, VERILY.’ The Lord led John to call extra special attention to the words of the Lord, so that we might all listen, give heed, and learn from the lips of the very Son of God.
It is interesting to note that the word translated ‘verily’ is the same word translated as ‘amen’. We tend to use the word ‘amen’ at the end of our words or at the end of our prayers. So, using the word before or after our words is our testament that our statements or prayers are true.
RC Sproul once stated, “Whenever we read in the text of scripture our Lord giving a statement that is prefaced by the double ‘amen,’ it is a time to pay close attention.” With that in mind, let us briefly consider the words of our Lord in John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” How vastly important are these words. Our eternal destiny lies in our knowledge of and acceptance of these precious words. We hear God’s word by reading our Bibles. If we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, we will have eternal life IMMEDIATELY. We will NEVER receive the judgment of God. Romans 8:1 assures us, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Let us close with the last time the word ‘amen’ (the same word as verily) is used in the Bible. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. AMEN.” (Revelation 22:21). (433.6)