<P> Popular among some theosophists, proponents of Afrocentric theories of history, and adherents of esoteric Christianity is the conjecture that amen is a derivative of the name of the Egyptian god Amun (which is sometimes also spelled Amen). Some adherents of Eastern religions believe that amen shares roots with the Hindu Sanskrit word, Aum . Such external etymologies are not included in standard etymological reference works . The Hebrew word, as noted above, starts with aleph, while the Egyptian name begins with a yodh . </P> <P> The Armenian word ամեն (amen) means "every"; however it is also used in the same form at the conclusion of prayers, much as in English . In French, the Hebrew word amen is sometimes translated as Ainsi soit - il, which means "So be it ." </P> <P> The word first occurs in the Hebrew Bible in Numbers 5: 22 when the Priest addresses a suspected adulteress and she responds "Amen, Amen". Overall, the word appears in the Hebrew Bible 30 times . </P> <P> Three distinct Biblical usages of amen may be noted: </P>

When was amen first used in the bible