What Does “Verily, Verily” Mean in the Bible?

The short answer: "Verily, verily" means "so be it, so be it," "so it is, so it is," or "amen, amen." Jesus used it to get His listeners' full attention right before He said something important. In John 5:24, what followed was the promise of everlasting life.

Why does Jesus say "verily" twice?

Saying it twice drives the point home. Our October 25 sermon explained it this way:

"What he is trying to do, he's trying to emphasize what he's about to say. He is trying to make sure he drives it home."

It is Jesus' way of saying, "Let me have your attention right now."

Where does Jesus say it?

One well-known place is 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." (John 5:24, KJV)

The words that follow are some of the most important in the Bible. Whoever hears Jesus' word and believes on the Father who sent Him hath everlasting life, right now, and will not come into condemnation.

What should a reader do with a "verily, verily"?

Stop and listen. When Jesus says "verily, verily," He is telling us that what comes next is settled truth, not a suggestion. In John 5:24 it was a big deal to Jesus, and it should be a big deal to us. He was telling the people about the promise of heaven and how to receive it.

What is the promise Jesus was emphasizing?

Everlasting life for everyone who believes. The sermon summed it up: Jesus was saying, "Please listen as I talk to you about this thing called everlasting life." Heaven is a promise from Jesus Himself, given to those who put their faith and trust in Him.

If you would like to read John chapter 5 with someone, you are welcome to join us for Sunday School or our Wednesday Bible study.