### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀληθινός (alēthinós, `{{G228}}`) derives from ἀληθής (alēthēs, `{{G227}}`), meaning "truthful" or "true." While ἀληθής often denotes factual accuracy or veracity, ἀληθινός carries a richer, more profound semantic range. It signifies not merely that which is true in a propositional sense, but that which is truly, genuinely, perfectly, and ultimately real, authentic, or ideal, in contrast to that which is false, counterfeit, merely apparent, or a shadow/copy. It points to the archetype, the ultimate reality, the genuine article. For instance, something alēthinós is not just true, but the *true* example of its kind, embodying its essence perfectly.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀληθινός appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John and the book of Revelation, where its specialized meaning is crucial for understanding the theological claims.
In John's Gospel, ἀληθινός consistently highlights the unique, ultimate, and divine nature of Jesus and the Father:
* [[John 1:9]] describes Jesus as the "true Light," the genuine and ultimate source of spiritual illumination, in contrast to any partial or reflected light.
* [[John 6:32]] presents Jesus as the "true bread from heaven," superior to the manna given in the wilderness, which was merely a type. Jesus provides ultimate, life-sustaining nourishment.
* [[John 15:1]] identifies Jesus as the "true vine," the ultimate source of life and fruitfulness for believers, contrasting with Israel, which failed as God's vine.
* [[John 17:3]] refers to the Father as the "only true God," distinguishing Him from all false deities and idols, emphasizing His unique and absolute reality.
In the book of Revelation, ἀληθινός frequently describes the character of God and Christ, affirming their absolute reliability, faithfulness, and the ultimate reality of their judgments and words:
* [[Revelation 3:7]] and [[Revelation 3:14]] use it to describe Christ, emphasizing His authenticity and authority.
* It is often paired with δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`, "righteous") to describe God's judgments as "true and righteous" ([[Revelation 16:7]], [[Revelation 19:2]]), underscoring their perfect justice and unwavering reliability.
* God's words and promises are affirmed as "true and faithful" ([[Revelation 19:9]], [[Revelation 21:5]], [[Revelation 22:6]]), ensuring their absolute certainty and fulfillment.
In the Epistle to the Hebrews, ἀληθινός is used to distinguish the heavenly realities from their earthly, typological counterparts:
* [[Hebrews 8:2]] speaks of Christ ministering in the "true tabernacle," the heavenly sanctuary, which is the ultimate reality of which the earthly tabernacle was merely a copy or shadow.
* Similarly, [[Hebrews 9:24]] refers to Christ entering "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us," not into copies of the "true holy places."
The First Epistle of John echoes the Johannine emphasis on the "true God" in [[1 John 5:20]], reinforcing the unique, ultimate, and saving identity of God revealed in Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀληθινός (alēthinós, `{{G228}}`) is closely related to:
* ἀληθής (alēthēs, `{{G227}}`): The root word, meaning "truthful" or "not lying." While alēthēs focuses on factual correctness, alēthinós emphasizes ultimate reality and genuineness.
* ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`): The noun "truth." alēthinós describes that which embodies alētheia in its fullest, most perfect sense.
* πίστις (pistis, `{{G4102}}`): "Faith" or "faithfulness." God's alēthinós nature is intrinsically linked to His unwavering faithfulness and reliability.
* δίκαιος (dikaios, `{{G1342}}`): "Righteous" or "just." Often paired with alēthinós in Revelation, highlighting the perfect justice and truthfulness of God's actions.
* Contrastingly, ἀληθινός stands in opposition to words denoting falsehood, imitation, or shadow, such as ψευδής (pseudēs, `{{G5571}}`, "false"), εἴδωλον (eidōlon, `{{G1497}}`, "idol"), or σκιά (skia, `{{G4639}}`, "shadow"). It distinguishes the ultimate reality from mere types or counterfeits.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀληθινός is profound, particularly in its application to God and Christ:
* **Divine Authenticity and Ultimate Reality:** ἀληθινός serves as a powerful descriptor of God's nature, asserting His absolute reality, genuineness, and uniqueness. He is not merely *a* god, but the *true* God, the ultimate source of all being and truth. This sets Him apart from all human constructs, idols, or false deities.
* **Christ's Unique Identity and Salvific Role:** When applied to Jesus, ἀληθινός elevates His identity beyond that of a mere prophet, teacher, or miracle worker. He is the *true* Light, the *true* Bread, the *true* Vine—signifying that He is the ultimate, perfect, and indispensable source of spiritual life, revelation, and salvation. He embodies the divine reality fully and perfectly.
* **The Superiority of Heavenly Realities:** In Hebrews, the use of ἀληθινός for the heavenly tabernacle and holy places underscores the ultimate reality and permanence of God's eternal dwelling and the perfect efficacy of Christ's heavenly ministry, in contrast to the temporary, typological nature of the earthly cultus.
* **God's Unwavering Faithfulness and Justice:** In Revelation, the repeated affirmation that God's words and judgments are "true and faithful" (or "true and righteous") provides immense comfort and certainty. It assures believers that God's character guarantees the unwavering reliability of His promises and the perfect justice of His eschatological actions.
* **Call to True Worship:** The concept of the "true God" implies a call to worship Him in spirit and truth ([[John 4:23-24]]), acknowledging His singular and ultimate reality and responding to His authentic revelation.
### Summary
The word ἀληθινός (alēthinós, `{{G228}}`) signifies much more than mere factual correctness; it denotes ultimate, perfect, and genuine reality, distinguishing the archetype from the copy, the ultimate truth from mere appearance. It is a key term in Johannine theology, affirming the unique, divine, and salvific identity of Jesus Christ as the "true Light," "true Bread," and "true Vine," and the Father as the "only true God." In Revelation, it underscores the absolute reliability, faithfulness, and perfect justice of God's words and judgments. In Hebrews, it highlights the superior reality of heavenly things compared to their earthly shadows. Ultimately, ἀληθινός calls believers to recognize and embrace that which is truly real, authentic, and ultimate in God and His redemptive plan, in contrast to all that is false, temporary, or merely a type.
TRV