Pronunciation Guide: ah-lay-THACE

Basic Definition

Strong’s G227: ἀληθής (alēthēs) fundamentally means “true, genuine, real, unconcealed.” It describes that which conforms to reality, is authentic in nature, and corresponds to actual facts. The word carries the profound sense of being reliable, trustworthy, and morally upright.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Components: Derived from ‘α’ (negative prefix) + ‘λήθω’ (lēthō, “to forget, be hidden”)
• Primary Usage: Narrative, teaching, and theological discourse
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Literary Context: Predominantly used in didactic and declarative statements

ἀληθής Morphology:

• ἀληθής (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – true
• ἀληθές (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – true thing
• ἀληθοῦς (genitive singular) – of truth
• ἀληθεῖ (dative singular) – in/with truth
• ἀληθεῖς (nominative/accusative plural) – true ones

Origin & History

The etymology of ἀληθής reveals a fascinating insight into Greek thought. The word literally means “not hidden” or “unhidden,” formed from the negative prefix ‘α-‘ and ‘λήθω’ (to forget or be hidden). In classical Greek literature, Plato frequently used ἀληθής in his dialogues, particularly in “The Republic,” where he contrasts it with false appearances and explores the nature of ultimate reality.

This concept was further developed by Aristotle in his “Metaphysics,” where he uses ἀληθής to discuss the correspondence between thought and reality. The word carried significant philosophical weight in ancient Greek thought, representing not just factual accuracy but the very nature of reality itself.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which is objectively true and corresponds to reality
• That which is genuine and authentic as opposed to false or counterfeit
• That which is morally truthful and ethically upright
• That which is reliable and trustworthy in character

ἀληθής Translation Options:

• “True” – When describing factual accuracy or reality
• “Genuine” – When emphasizing authenticity or sincerity
• “Truthful” – When highlighting moral character
• “Real” – When contrasting with false appearances
• “Reliable” – When emphasizing trustworthiness

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀληθής takes on profound theological significance. Its first appearance in Matthew 22:16 sets the tone for its usage, where even the Pharisees acknowledge Yeshua as one who teaches the way of God in truth. The word frequently appears in John’s writings, where it plays a crucial role in describing both God’s nature and the testimony about Yeshua.

The Septuagint uses ἀληθής to translate various Hebrew terms related to truth, particularly אֱמֶת (emet), highlighting the continuity between Old and New Testament concepts of truth and reliability.

Key verses include:

• “And they sent their disciples to Him, along with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true [ἀληθής]'” Matthew 22:16
• “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true [ἀληθής]” John 3:33
• “But as God is true [ἀληθής], our word to you is not yes and no” 2 Corinthians 1:18
• “This testimony is true [ἀληθής]” Titus 1:13
• “He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘Write, for these words are true [ἀληθής]'” Revelation 21:5

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, truth (emet) was considered one of the seals of יהוה (Yahweh), and this understanding profoundly influenced the New Testament usage of ἀληθής. The Hebrew concept of truth was not merely intellectual assent to facts but encompassed faithfulness, reliability, and moral uprightness.

The Greco-Roman world of the first century was dominated by philosophical skepticism and relativism, making the absolute truth claims associated with ἀληθής particularly striking. When the New Testament writers used this term, they were making bold claims about ultimate reality in a culture that often doubted the possibility of knowing truth.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀληθής in reference to God reveals His nature as the source and standard of all truth. This has profound implications for our understanding of revelation and reality. When Scripture declares that God is true (ἀληθής), it’s asserting that He is the ultimate source of reality and that all truth derives its nature from His character.

In Johannine literature, ἀληθής is closely connected with the person of Yeshua, who is presented as the embodiment of truth. This connection between truth and personhood reaches its climax in Yeshua’s declaration that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), where truth is not merely a concept but a Person.

The Holy Spirit is also characterized as ἀληθής, emphasizing the unity of the Godhead in truth and the reliability of divine revelation through Scripture.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀληθής challenges believers to embrace truth not just as intellectual knowledge but as a transformative reality. In a world of “alternative facts” and relative truth claims, this word calls us to anchor ourselves in the unchanging reality of God’s nature and promises.

This concept should shape our worship, making it genuine and authentic, and our relationships, leading us to be people of integrity who reflect God’s truthful nature. When we grasp that truth is personal—embodied in Yeshua—it transforms our approach to Scripture study from mere academic exercise to personal encounter with the living God.

Related Words

• ἀλήθεια (alētheia) – truth, reality (more abstract concept of truth) – See G225
• ἀληθινός (alēthinos) – genuine, authentic, real (emphasizes genuineness) – See G228
• ἀληθεύω (alētheuō) – to speak or deal truthfully (verbal form) – See G226
• ἀληθῶς (alēthōs) – truly, indeed (adverbial form) – See G230

Did you Know?

• The concept of ἀληθής was so important in ancient Greek courts that witnesses would take an oath to speak ἀληθής, with severe penalties for false testimony. This practice influenced the New Testament’s emphasis on true testimony about Yeshua.
• In ancient Greek philosophy, ἀληθής was often contrasted with δόξα (doxa, opinion or appearance), highlighting the distinction between mere appearance and ultimate reality. This philosophical background enriches our understanding of biblical truth claims.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀληθής (αληθής in modern Greek) in legal contexts to mean “true,” showing the enduring significance of this concept in Greek thought and culture.

Remember This

ἀληθής represents not just factual accuracy but the very nature of reality itself as grounded in God’s character, calling us to align our lives with His truth.