Pronunciation Guide: ah-lay-THEW-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G226: ἀληθεύω (alētheuō) means to speak or tell the truth, to be truthful in speech and conduct, and to deal faithfully with others. It carries the connotation of being authentic and genuine in one’s communication, emphasizing both the act of speaking truth and the character quality of truthfulness. This word reflects not just factual accuracy but ethical integrity in relationships.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: ἀλήθεια (alētheia, truth)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Epistolary and teaching passages
• Voice: Active
• Tense: Present

ἀληθεύω Morphology:

• ἀληθεύω (present active indicative) – I am speaking truth
• ἀληθεύων (present active participle) – speaking truth
• ἀληθεύοντες (present active participle plural) – those speaking truth
• ἀληθεύειν (present active infinitive) – to speak truth

Origin & History

The verb ἀληθεύω emerged from the classical Greek concept of ἀλήθεια (alētheia), which literally means “un-hiddenness” or “un-concealment.” In classical Greek literature, Plato uses this term in “Gorgias” to discuss the importance of speaking truth in philosophical discourse. Aristotle employs it in “Nicomachean Ethics” when discussing the virtue of truthfulness in interpersonal relationships.

The word family developed from the combination of ἀ- (not) and λήθω (to forget or be hidden), suggesting that truth is that which is not hidden or forgotten. This etymology reveals the Greek understanding that truth is not merely factual accuracy but an unveiling or disclosure of reality.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To speak truth in both word and action
• To be genuine and authentic in communication
• To deal faithfully and honestly with others
• To manifest truth through one’s conduct

ἀληθεύω Translation Options:

• “speak truth” – emphasizes the verbal aspect of truthful communication
• “be truthful” – captures the character quality aspect
• “deal honestly” – highlights the relational dimension
• “live truthfully” – encompasses both speech and conduct
• “maintain truth” – reflects the ongoing nature of the present tense

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀληθεύω appears only twice but in significant contexts. Its first appearance in Galatians 4:16 shows Paul defending his ministry of truth-telling even when it might strain relationships. The word choice suggests that genuine love sometimes requires speaking uncomfortable truths.

The second usage in Ephesians 4:15 pairs ἀληθεύω with “in love,” creating a powerful principle for Christian communication that balances truth and grace. This combination becomes a foundational concept for biblical interpersonal relationships and church unity.

• “Have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth [ἀληθεύων]?” Galatians 4:16
• “But speaking the truth [ἀληθεύοντες] in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even the Messiah” Ephesians 4:15

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of truth (אֱמֶת, emet) was understood as more than factual accuracy—it represented faithfulness, reliability, and consistency. The Greek ἀληθεύω aligns closely with this Hebrew understanding, reflecting the Jewish emphasis on truth as both a spoken reality and a lived experience.

The Rabbinic tradition emphasized that the first and last letters of אֱמֶת (aleph and tav) represented the entirety of truth from beginning to end, suggesting that partial truth was equivalent to falsehood. This cultural background illuminates why Paul used ἀληθεύω to describe his ministry—it wasn’t just about speaking accurate words but about living in complete truthfulness.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀληθεύω reflects the character of God Himself, who is described as the God of truth (Psalm 31:5). When believers practice ἀληθεύω, they reflect the divine nature and participate in God’s truth-telling mission to the world.

The pairing of truth-speaking with love in Ephesians 4:15 mirrors God’s own character of grace and truth as perfectly displayed in Yeshua (Jesus) (John 1:14). This combination provides the theological foundation for all Christian communication and relationships.

Personal Application

Living out ἀληθεύω challenges believers to examine both their speech and conduct. It calls us to practice radical honesty while maintaining loving relationships—a balance that requires wisdom, courage, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

In our age of “alternative facts” and situational ethics, ἀληθεύω reminds us that truth-telling is not optional for followers of the Messiah. It invites us to cultivate a lifestyle of transparency and authenticity, speaking truth not to win arguments but to build up the body of the Messiah in love.

Related Words

• ἀλήθεια (alētheia) – truth, reality (pronunciation: ah-LAY-thei-ah) – the noun form expressing absolute truth and reality See G225
• ἀληθής (alēthēs) – true, genuine (pronunciation: ah-lay-THACE) – the adjective describing what is true and trustworthy See G227
• ἀληθινός (alēthinos) – true, real, genuine (pronunciation: ah-lay-thee-NOS) – emphasizing authentic reality versus copies or shadows See G228
• ἀληθῶς (alēthōs) – truly, indeed (pronunciation: ah-lay-THOCE) – the adverb expressing genuine truthfulness See G230

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀληθεύω in ancient Greek courts required witnesses to take an oath not just to speak truth but to reveal the whole truth without concealment—a practice that influenced both Roman and modern legal systems.
• In ancient Greek medical writings, physicians used ἀληθεύω when discussing the importance of honest diagnosis and prognosis with patients, showing that truth-telling was considered essential to healing even in classical times.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀληθεύω in everyday speech, particularly in the phrase “Αυτό που αληθεύει” meaning “What is true” or “What proves to be true,” maintaining its ancient connection to both factual and relational truth.

Remember This

ἀληθεύω embodies the transformative power of truth spoken in love—a divine combination that builds authentic relationships, strengthens the body of the Messiah, and reflects the very character of God.