There are certain phrases in the Bible that we take for granted. Some of those Jesus himself said. In particular, he said unto those that heard him as he walked this earth, “Verily, I say unto you.” What does that mean when he said verily?”
In the King James version this word is used sometimes just with the word verily and other times with the words “verily I say unto you.” In other translations the word verily is replaced with a similar word. But what does it mean?
When Jesus said the word verily, it was to draw attention to what he was going to say next. It was to say unto those around him, “Listen, I’m going to tell you something very important!”
Then there is sometimes the word is used twice which logically means this is doubly important. That is to say, “Listen, I want to tell you something really important!” When you read these words that Jesus said, pay close attention to what follows because he wanted us to take in everything he was about to say.
An example of that is in John 5: 24 that reads, “Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death into life.” No wonder Jesus said the word verily twice. This is a very important thing that Jesus said because a person cannot be a Christian if they do not believe that God sent him and that he speaks for the Heavenly Father.
In the NIV Jesus said, “I tell you the truth.” Instead of saying the word verily. In the New Living Translation Jesus is quoted as saying, “I assure you.” And in the new American Standard Bible the translation is “truly, truly.” In all cases Jesus is drawing attention to his words that they are of great importance.
When you read your Bible, be careful of the phrases that can easily be overlooked by you which could help you better understand the Scriptures.
Christian Writer 