Brief Overview of ἀληθινός (Strong’s G228:)

The Greek word ἀληθινός (aletheinos) means “true,” “genuine,” or “real.” It is used to describe something that is not only true in the sense of not being false but also authentic or real, often contrasting with what is artificial or deceptive. In biblical contexts, ἀληθινός emphasizes the authenticity and reliability of persons, statements, or divine attributes.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

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• G228 ἀληθινός (aletheinos): Strong’s Concordance defines ἀληθινός as “true” or “genuine,” with a nuance of being authentic or real. It is used in contrast to false or counterfeit. This term is commonly employed in the New Testament to describe God, Christ, or the nature of divine truth, emphasizing their authenticity and reliability.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon defines ἀληθινός as “true,” “genuine,” and “real,” and it is used to indicate that something is not merely true in the abstract sense but also authentic and corresponding to reality. Thayer notes that ἀληθινός often describes divine qualities, suggesting that God’s nature or Christ’s teachings are the ultimate standards of truth.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀληθινός as “true,” “genuine,” or “real,” with a focus on its use in describing things or persons that are not deceptive or counterfeit. This lexicon highlights its application in both classical and biblical texts to indicate authenticity and the absence of falsehood.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• While primarily focused on Hebrew, the BDB Lexicon provides insights into related Greek terms and confirms that ἀληθινός means “true” or “genuine.” It aligns with the broader understanding of the term as describing attributes of authenticity and realness.

In summary, ἀληθινός (aletheinos) translates to “true,” “genuine,” or “real,” and is used to denote authenticity and reality, distinguishing from what is false or deceptive. The definitions provided by Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, the LSJ Lexicon, and the BDB Lexicon all support this understanding, emphasizing the term’s application in describing divine and authentic qualities.