### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, `{{G225}}`) derives from the adjective ἀληθής (alēthēs, `{{G227}}`), meaning "true." Etymologically, ἀληθής is often understood as a compound of the alpha privative (α-, indicating negation) and λήθη (lēthē), meaning "forgetfulness" or "concealment." Thus, ἀλήθεια literally signifies "un-forgetfulness," "un-concealment," or "revelation"—that which is brought out of hiddenness and made manifest.
Its semantic range in the New Testament is broad and profound:
1. **Objective Reality/Factuality:** That which corresponds to reality, the actual state of affairs, as opposed to illusion or falsehood.
2. **Veracity/Sincerity:** Truthfulness in speech, integrity of character, trustworthiness, reliability.
3. **Divine Revelation/Gospel Message:** The revealed will and nature of God, particularly as disclosed in Jesus Christ and the Christian message. This is often the "truth" that saves and sanctifies.
4. **Truth Personified:** In a unique and preeminent sense, Jesus Christ himself embodies and is the truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia) appears frequently in the New Testament, with notable concentrations in the Gospel of John and the Pauline epistles, highlighting its theological significance.
In **John's Gospel**, ἀλήθεια is central to understanding Jesus' identity and mission. Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" [[John 14:6]], presenting Himself not merely as a bearer of truth, but as truth incarnate. He came into the world to bear witness to the truth [[John 18:37]], and knowing this truth leads to freedom [[John 8:32]]. The Holy Spirit is consistently referred to as the "Spirit of truth," who will guide believers into all truth and glorify Christ [[John 14:17]], [[John 15:26]], [[John 16:13]]. John also emphasizes "doing the truth" [[John 3:21]] and "walking in the truth" [[3 John 1:3-4]], indicating that truth is not merely intellectual assent but a way of life.
In **Paul's epistles**, ἀλήθεια often refers to the truth of the Gospel message itself. Paul speaks of "the truth of the gospel" [[Galatians 2:5]], which must be preserved against distortion. He contrasts God's truth with human unrighteousness and idolatry [[Romans 1:18]], [[Romans 1:25]], where humanity exchanged "the truth of God for a lie." Believers are exhorted to speak "the truth in love" [[Ephesians 4:15]] and to stand firm, having "girded your waist with truth" [[Ephesians 6:14]]. Truth is foundational to righteousness and moral living [[Romans 2:8]], [[1 Corinthians 13:6]]. The knowledge of the truth is essential for salvation [[1 Timothy 2:4]], and a mark of spiritual maturity is to come to "a knowledge of the truth" [[2 Timothy 3:7]].
In the **Synoptic Gospels** and **Acts**, ἀλήθεια appears less frequently but retains its core meaning of factual accuracy or sincerity, as when Jesus is praised for teaching "the way of God in truth" [[Mark 12:14]].
The **General Epistles** reinforce the call to live according to truth [[1 John 3:18]], [[2 John 1:4]], and to hold fast to the truth revealed through the apostles. James speaks of God bringing us forth "by the word of truth" [[James 1:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia) is illuminated by its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
**Antonyms/Contrasts:**
* ψεῦδος (pseudos, `{{G5579}}`): Falsehood, lie, deception. This is the direct opposite of truth.
* ἀδικία (adikia, `{{G93}}`): Unrighteousness, injustice. Paul frequently contrasts truth with unrighteousness, especially in Romans, indicating that rejection of truth leads to moral corruption.
* πλάνη (planē, `{{G4106}}`): Error, deceit, delusion. Truth stands against all forms of spiritual wandering and deception.
**Synonyms/Closely Related Concepts:**
* ἀληθής (alēthēs, `{{G227}}`): The adjective "true," from which ἀλήθεια is derived.
* δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`): Righteous, just. Truth and righteousness are often paired, as living in truth leads to righteous conduct.
* φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`): Light. Truth is consistently associated with light, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, sin, and deception.
* ζωή (zōē, `{{G2222}}`): Life. In John's Gospel, truth and life are inextricably linked in the person of Jesus.
* λόγος (logos, `{{G3056}}`): Word, reason, divine utterance. God's Word is inherently true and is the means by which truth is revealed.
* **Revelation:** The concept of truth as "un-concealment" directly relates to divine revelation, where God makes Himself and His purposes known.
* **Knowledge (γνῶσις, gnōsis `{{G1108}}`):** A true understanding of God and His ways.
* **Integrity/Sincerity:** The ethical dimension of truth, reflecting consistency between inner conviction and outward expression.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia) is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Attribute:** Truth is an intrinsic attribute of God. He is the God of truth, utterly reliable and faithful, whose word is always true [[Psalm 119:160]]. His very nature is antithetical to falsehood and deception.
2. **Christological Centerpiece:** In Jesus Christ, truth is not merely a concept or a set of propositions, but a living person. As "the truth" [[John 14:6]], Jesus embodies ultimate reality, the full revelation of God, and the sole path to salvation. His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the ultimate demonstration of God's truth.
3. **Pneumatological Agent:** The Holy Spirit is designated as the "Spirit of truth" [[John 14:17]], whose role is to guide believers into all truth, convict the world concerning truth, and bear witness to Christ. This highlights the Spirit's role in illuminating and applying divine truth to human hearts.
4. **Soteriological Necessity:** The knowledge of the truth, particularly the truth of the Gospel, is essential for salvation. It is the truth that sets one free from the bondage of sin and deception [[John 8:32]], leading to sanctification and eternal life.
5. **Ethical Imperative:** Believers are called to live in conformity with truth. This involves speaking truth [[Ephesians 4:15]], walking in truth [[3 John 1:4]], and living lives of integrity that reflect God's character. Truth is the foundation for genuine righteousness and authentic Christian community.
6. **Epistemological Foundation:** For the biblical worldview, truth is not relative or subjective but is grounded in the objective reality of God and His revelation. It is knowable and provides the stable foundation for understanding the world and one's place within it.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, `{{G225}}`) signifies "truth" in its most comprehensive sense: objective reality, factual accuracy, veracity, and divine revelation. Deriving from a root meaning "un-concealment," it emphasizes that which is revealed and made manifest. It holds paramount importance in the New Testament, especially in John's Gospel, where Jesus is uniquely identified as "the truth" incarnate, and in Paul's epistles, where it denotes the saving message of the Gospel. Contrasted with falsehood, unrighteousness, and error, ἀλήθεια is closely associated with light, righteousness, and life. Theologically, it underscores God's inherent nature, the person and work of Christ, the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the ethical call for believers to live lives characterized by integrity and conformity to divine reality.
TRV