ἀληθής
alēthēs
true
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀληθής (alēthēs) is primarily defined as "true." Its usage spans the biblical narrative, appearing 26 times in various contexts. This adjective suggests a strong sense of authenticity, implying that something is genuine, real, and without deception. In its occurrences, ἀληθής is often paired with words that emphasize moral or spiritual realities. This alignment with the semantic domain of Sin & Righteousness implies that its notion of truth extends beyond mere factual accuracy to encompass values such as sincerity, genuineness, and alignment with a higher standard. The significance of ἀληθής lies in its capacity to describe essential human experiences, including the nature of God, the character of the righteous, and the sincerity of the faithful. Its repeated use underscores the importance of truth in both the individual's walk with God and the community's understanding of its place in the world.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
26 total occurrences across the text
They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach, for you aren’t partial to anyone.
Mark 12:14When they had come, they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don’t defer to anyone; for you aren’t partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
John 3:33He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true.
John 4:18for you have had five husbands; and he whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truly.”
John 5:31“If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid.
John 5:32It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true.
John 6:55For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 6:55For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
John 7:18He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.
John 8:13The Pharisees therefore said to him, “You testify about yourself. Your testimony is not valid.”
John 8:14Jesus answered them, “Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from, and where I am going; but you don’t know where I came from, or where I am going.
John 8:17It’s also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid.
John 8:26I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world.”
John 10:41Many came to him. They said, “John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true.”
John 19:35He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.
John 21:24This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.
Acts 12:9And he went out and followed him. He didn’t know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.
Romans 3:4May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, “that you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment.”
2 Corinthians 6:8by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;
Philippians 4:8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.
Titus 1:13This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
1 Peter 5:12Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
2 Peter 2:22But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, “The dog turns to his own vomit again,” and “the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire.”
1 John 2:8Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away and the true light already shines.
1 John 2:27As for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.
3 John 1:12Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.