The word "amen" is of Biblical Hebrew origin and appears many times in the Hebrew Bible as a confirmatory response, especially following blessings. The basic triconsonantal root א-מ-נ, from which the word is derived, is common to a number of languages in the Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic languages, including biblical Aramaic. Meanings of the root in Hebrew include to be firm or confirmed, to be reliable or dependable, to be faithful, to have faith, to believe. In the New Testament, the Greek word ἀμήν is used as an expression of faith or as a part of a liturgical formula. It also may appear as an introductory word, at the beginning of a discourse meaning "surely, truly, of a truth," and at the end meaning "so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled". The word "amen" carries within it not only faith but also certainty and steadfastness. It is often used in psalms, prayers, and blessings as a "yes, this is true" or "yes, I agree".