Does the word “amen” have anything to do with men? Which is the correct pronunciation?

Question

I don't understand how the word amen was coined by breaking it down to what I presume to be its constituents, a- and men. It seems to be a phrase of affirmation — I don't see what men has anything to do with it. Does it?

Also, which is the correct pronunciation? "Ah-men" or "ay-men"? When should I use either?

Answer 1

No, it doesn't come from that.

I know, from personal knowledge, that the meaning can be something like "be it so/in truth/so be it", and this is confirmed in Wikipedia and also in the link below about pronunciation.

About the pronunciation, the OALD says that you can use either, apparently. The "syllabation/spelling" might just be a matter of "rhythm".

While, about the origin, the NOAD states:

ORIGIN - Old English , from ecclesiastical Latin, from Greek amēn, from Hebrew ' āmēn ‘truth, certainty,’ used adverbially as expression of agreement or consent, and adopted in the Septuagint as a solemn expression of belief or affirmation.

Answer 2

etymonline has it coming all the way from Hebrew amen (through Ecclesiastical Greek, Late Latin and Old English), which itself comes from the Semitic root a-m-n (“to be trustworthy, confirm, support”).

Also of interest:

Used in Old English only at the end of Gospels, otherwise translated as Soðlic! or Swa hit ys, or Sy! As an expression of concurrence after prayers, it is recorded from early 13th century.