225. alétheia
Lexical Summary
alétheia: Truth

Original Word: ἀλήθεια
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: alétheia
Pronunciation: ah-LAY-thay-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (al-ay'-thi-a)
KJV: true, X truly, truth, verity
NASB: truth, most
Word Origin: [from G227 (ἀληθής - true )]

1. truth

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
truth

From alethes; truth -- true, X truly, truth, verity.

see GREEK alethes

HELPS Word-studies

225 alḗtheia (from 227 /alēthḗs, "true to fact") – properly, truth (true to fact), reality.

[In ancient Greek culture, 225 (alḗtheia) was synonymous for "reality" as the opposite of illusion, i.e. fact.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from aléthés
Definition
truth
NASB Translation
certainly* (2), most (1), rightly* (1), truly* (2), truth (104).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 225: ἀλήθεια

ἀλήθεια, (ας, (ἀληθής) (from Homer down), verity, truth.

I. objectively;

1. universally, what is true in any matter under consideration (opposed to what is feigned, fictitious, false): James 3:14; ἀλήθειαν λέγειν, έ᾿ρειν, John 8:45; John 16:7; Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 12:6; 1 Timothy 2:7; εἶπεν αὐτῷ πᾶσαν τήν ἀλήθειαν, everything as it really was, Mark 5:33 (so in classics); μαρτυρεῖν τῇ ἀλήθεια to testify according to the true state of the case, John 5:33; in a broader sense, λαλεῖν ἀλήθειαν, to speak always according to truth, Ephesians 4:25; (ἀληθείας ῤήματα ἀποφθέγγομαι, as opposed to the vagaries of madness, Acts 26:25); ἀλήθεια ἐγένετο, was shown to be true by the event, 2 Corinthians 7:14. ἐν ἀλήθεια, in truth, truly, as the case is, according to fact: Matthew 22:16; John 4:23f (as accords with the divine nature); 2 Corinthians 7:14; Colossians 1:6; ἐπ' ἀληθείας a. truly, in truth, according to truth: Mark 12:32; Luke 4:25 (Job 9:2 the Sept.; Philo, vit. Moys. i., § 1).

b. of a truth, in reality, in fact, certainly: Mark 12:14; Luke 20:21; (); Acts 4:27; Acts 10:34 (Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 23, 5 [ET] and 47, 3 [ET]); (cf. Winers Grammar, § 51, 2 f.; Buttmann, 336 (289)); κατ' ἀλήθειαν in accordance with fact, i. e. (according to the context) justly, without partiality: Romans 2:2; εἴτε προφάσει, εἴτε ἀλήθεια, Philippians 1:18; ἐν ἔργῳ καί ἀλήθεια, 1 John 3:18 (Rec. omits ἐν; so Ephesians 4:21 WH marginal reading).

2. In reference to religion, the word denotes what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, (`moral and religions truth'); and that a. with the greatest latitude, in the sceptical question τί ἐστιν ἀλήθεια, John 18:38;

b. the true notions of God which are open to human reason without his supernatural intervention: Romans 1:18; also ἀλήθεια Θεοῦ the truth of which God is the author, Romans 1:25, cf. 19 ( ἀλήθεια τοῦ Χριστοῦ, Ev. Nicod., c. 5, 2; accordingly, it is not, as many interpret the phrase, the true nature of God (yet see Meyer at the passage)); truth, the embodiment of which the Jews sought in the Mosaic law, Romans 2:20.

c. "the truth, as taught in the Christian religion, respecting God and the execution of his purposes through Christ, and respecting the duties of man," opposed alike to the superstitions of the Gentiles and the inventions of the Jews, and to the corrupt opinions and precepts of false teachers even among Christians: ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου the truth which is the gospel or which the gospel presents, Galatians 2:5, 14 (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3 a.); and absolutely ἀλήθεια and ἀλήθεια: John 1:14, 17; John 8:32, 40; (); ; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 2:4, 21; 2 John 1:1-3; Galatians 3:1 (Rec.); Galatians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 4:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:10, 12; 1 Timothy 2:7 (ἐν πίστει καί ἀλήθεια in faith and truth, of which I became a partaker through faith); ; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:14; 2 Peter 1:12; (3 John 1:8, 12); λόγος τῆς ἀληθείας, Colossians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15; λόγος ἀληθείας, 2 Corinthians 6:7; James 1:18; ὁδός τῆς ἀληθείας, 2 Peter 2:2; πίστις ἀληθείας, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (Winer's Grammar, 186 (175)); ὑπακοὴ τῆς ἀληθείας, 1 Peter 1:22; ἐπίγνωσις τῆς ἀληθείας, Hebrews 10:26; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; 2 Timothy 3:7; (Titus 1:1); πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας the Spirit (of God) which is truth (1 John 5:6) and imbues men with the knowledge of the truth, John 14:17; (); ; 1 John 4:6; ἐγώ εἰμί ἀλήθεια, I am he in whom the truth is summed up and impersonated, John 14:6; ἀλήθεια σου (Rec.) (i. e. Θεοῦ) the truth which is in thee and proceeds from thee, John 17:17; (ἐστιν ἀλήθεια Χριστοῦ ἐν ἐμοί, i. e., controls, actuates, me, 2 Corinthians 11:10); εἶναι ἐκ τῆς ἀληθείας to be eager to know the truth, John 18:37 (see ἐκ, II. 7, and εἰμί, V. 3 d.); to proceed from the truth, 1 John 2:21; to be prompted and controlled by the truth, 1 John 3:19; μαρτυρεῖν τῇ ἀληθ., to give testimony in favor of the truth in order to establish its authority among men, John 18:37; ἀλήθειαν ποιεῖν to exemplify truth in the life, to express the form of truth in one's habits of thought and modes of living, John 3:21; 1 John 1:6 (Tobit 13:6 Tobit 4:6; cf. Nehemiah 9:33; ὁδόν ἀληθείας αἰρετίζεσθαι, Psalm 118:30 ()); so also περιπατεῖν ἐν τῇ ἀλήθεια. 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3f; ἀπειθεῖν τῇ ἀλήθεια is just the opposite, Romans 2:8; so also πλανηθῆναι ἀπό τῆς ἀληθείας, James 5:19.

II. (subjectively) "truth as a personal excellence; that candor of mind which is free from affectation, pretence, simulation, falsehood, deceit": John 8:44; sincerity of mind and integrity of character, or a mode of life in harmony with divine truth: 1 Corinthians 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:6 (opposed to ἀδικία); Ephesians 4:21 (see I. 1 b. above); ; (); σου ἀλήθεια the truth as it is discerned in thee, thy habit of thinking and acting in congruity with truth, 3 John 1:3; ἀλήθεια τοῦ Θεοῦ which belongs to God, i. e., his holiness (but cf. περισσεύω, 1 b. at the end), Romans 3:7; specifically, veracity (of God in keeping his promises), Romans 15:8; ἐν ἀλήθεια sincerely and truthfully, 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1. The word is not found in Revelation ((nor in 1 Thessalonians, Philemon, Jude)). Cf. Holemann, Bibelstudien (Lpz. 1859) 1te Abth., p. 8ff; (Wendt in Studien und Kritiken, 1883, p. 511ff.)

Topical Lexicon
Overview

Strong’s Greek 225 underlies the New Testament’s rich portrait of “truth,” a concept that embraces factuality, moral rectitude, covenantal faithfulness, and ultimate reality as revealed in God Himself. Used 109 times, the noun permeates every major theological theme—from the nature of God to the believer’s daily walk—forming a golden thread that binds the Gospel narrative, apostolic doctrine, and practical discipleship.

The Divine Attribute of Truth

God is repeatedly declared to be true, faithful, and incapable of lying (Romans 3:4; Titus 1:2). “God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Truth therefore is more than accuracy; it is the very moral and ontological integrity of the Creator. Because God is true, His Word is trustworthy, His promises are sure, and His judgments are righteous (Romans 2:2; Hebrews 10:26).

Truth Incarnate in Jesus Christ

John’s Gospel concentrates nearly half of all occurrences, emphasizing that truth is personified in Jesus Christ: “The Word became flesh … full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Jesus’ self-disclosure—“I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)—claims exclusive, ultimate authority. Pilate’s skeptical “What is truth?” (John 18:38) is answered not by philosophical abstraction but by the standing presence of the incarnate Son, whose kingdom is advanced “to testify to the truth” (John 18:37).

Truth and the Holy Spirit

The Spirit is “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive” (John 14:17). He proceeds from the Father (John 15:26) and “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit’s ministry ensures the Church’s continuity in truth, illumines Scripture, convicts of falsehood, and vindicates apostolic witness (1 John 4:6).

Truth and the Word of God

Scripture is the consecrating agent of truth: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Paul urges Timothy to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) and warns of those “always learning yet never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). James states that believers are birthed “by the word of truth” (James 1:18), demonstrating that divine truth both begets and matures the people of God.

Truth and Salvation

Saving faith rests on accepting the true gospel. “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13). God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Election involves belief in “the truth” through the Spirit’s sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2:13), while final judgment falls on those who “refused to love the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Truth and Worship

Authentic worship unites inward reality with external form: “The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). The Samaritan-Jewish debate over place is eclipsed by a higher demand—alignment with God’s disclosed reality, made possible through Christ and effected by the Spirit.

Truth and Christian Conduct

Truth shapes ethical living. Believers “have put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). Thus they “speak truth each to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25), celebrate “the feast … with sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8), and demonstrate love “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Walking “in the truth” is the pastor’s joy (3 John 1:4).

Truth in Church Ministry

The Church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Apostolic labor is marked by “setting forth the truth plainly” (2 Corinthians 4:2) and by refusing to serve with anything “contrary to the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8). Genuine ministers act “in truth” (2 Corinthians 7:14), and missionaries are fellow workers “for the truth” (3 John 1:8).

Truth Opposed

Satan is “a liar and the father of lies” with “no truth in him” (John 8:44). Humanity suppresses truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18) and exchanges it for a lie (Romans 1:25). False teachers “oppose the truth” (2 Timothy 3:8), “turn their ears away from the truth” (2 Timothy 4:4), and lead many to “follow sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be maligned” (2 Peter 2:2). Persistent resistance invites divine wrath.

Truth and Covenant Faithfulness

Paul highlights Jesus Christ as “a servant to the circumcision on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs” (Romans 15:8). Truth thus encompasses God’s steadfast loyalty to His covenants, underscoring the unity of Old and New Testaments.

Eschatological Significance of Truth

End-time deception is measured against unwavering truth. The man of lawlessness wields “every wicked deception” toward those perishing “because they refused to love the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Conversely, heavenly worship in Revelation celebrates God’s “true and just” judgments, amplifying the enduring triumph of truth.

Historical Notes

In Septuagint usage, the term often translates Hebrew ‘emet, denoting reliability and faithfulness. Greco-Roman culture prized speculative truth, yet New Testament writers redirect the concept toward revelation—truth disclosed, not discovered—challenging both Jewish legalism and Hellenistic relativism.

Pastoral and Missional Implications

1. Proclamation: Evangelism must present Christ as the only truth that liberates (John 8:32).
2. Discipleship: Spiritual growth requires immersion in Scripture, the “word of truth.”
3. Apologetics: Truth is objective and defendable; the Church refutes error while embodying integrity.
4. Unity: Fellowship flourishes among those “established in the truth” (2 Peter 1:12), whereas error divides.
5. Holiness: Personal sanctification is inseparable from embracing and practicing truth.

Summary

Truth in the New Testament is not an abstract ideal but the self-revelation of the Triune God, enfleshed in Jesus Christ, communicated by the Spirit, inscribed in Scripture, and experienced in the redeemed community. To receive, love, and live this truth is to participate in God’s own faithfulness and to enter the freedom for which humanity was created.

Forms and Transliterations
αληθεια αληθεία αληθέια αλήθεια αλήθειά αλήθεία ἀληθείᾳ ἀλήθεια ἀλήθειά αλήθειαι αληθειαν αλήθειαν αλήθειάν ἀλήθειαν αληθειας αληθείας ἀληθείας aletheia alētheia alḗtheia alḗtheiá aletheíāi alētheíāi aletheian alētheian alḗtheian aletheias aletheías alētheias alētheías
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 22:16 N-DFS
GRK: θεοῦ ἐν ἀληθείᾳ διδάσκεις καὶ
NAS: of God in truth, and defer
KJV: of God in truth, neither
INT: of God in truth teach and

Mark 5:33 N-AFS
GRK: πᾶσαν τὴν ἀλήθειαν
NAS: Him and told Him the whole truth.
KJV: him all the truth.
INT: all the truth

Mark 12:14 N-GFS
GRK: ἀλλ' ἐπ' ἀληθείας τὴν ὁδὸν
NAS: of God in truth. Is it lawful
KJV: of God in truth: Is it lawful to give
INT: but with truth the way

Mark 12:32 N-GFS
GRK: διδάσκαλε ἐπ' ἀληθείας εἶπες ὅτι
KJV: thou hast said the truth: for there is
INT: teacher according to truth you have said that

Luke 4:25 N-GFS
GRK: ἐπ' ἀληθείας δὲ λέγω
NAS: But I say to you in truth, there were many
KJV: you of a truth, many widows
INT: over in truth moreover I say

Luke 20:21 N-GFS
GRK: ἀλλ' ἐπ' ἀληθείας τὴν ὁδὸν
NAS: the way of God in truth.
KJV: the way of God truly:
INT: but with truth the way

Luke 22:59 N-GFS
GRK: λέγων Ἐπ' ἀληθείας καὶ οὗτος
KJV: saying, Of a truth this [fellow] also
INT: saying In truth also this one

John 1:14 N-GFS
GRK: χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας
NAS: full of grace and truth.
KJV: of grace and truth.
INT: of grace and truth

John 1:17 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια διὰ Ἰησοῦ
NAS: grace and truth were realized
KJV: [but] grace and truth came by
INT: and truth through Jesus

John 3:21 N-AFS
GRK: ποιῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἔρχεται πρὸς
NAS: But he who practices the truth comes
KJV: But he that doeth truth cometh to
INT: practices the truth comes to

John 4:23 N-DFS
GRK: πνεύματι καὶ ἀληθείᾳ καὶ γὰρ
NAS: in spirit and truth; for such people
KJV: spirit and in truth: for the Father
INT: spirit and truth also indeed

John 4:24 N-DFS
GRK: πνεύματι καὶ ἀληθείᾳ δεῖ προσκυνεῖν
NAS: worship in spirit and truth.
KJV: spirit and in truth.
INT: spirit and truth must worship

John 5:33 N-DFS
GRK: μεμαρτύρηκεν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ
NAS: and he has testified to the truth.
KJV: and he bare witness unto the truth.
INT: he has borne witness to the truth

John 8:32 N-AFS
GRK: γνώσεσθε τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ ἡ
NAS: and you will know the truth, and the truth
KJV: ye shall know the truth, and
INT: you will know the truth and the

John 8:32 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια ἐλευθερώσει ὑμᾶς
NAS: the truth, and the truth will make you free.
KJV: and the truth shall make
INT: and the truth will set free you

John 8:40 N-AFS
GRK: ὃς τὴν ἀλήθειαν ὑμῖν λελάληκα
NAS: has told you the truth, which
KJV: you the truth, which
INT: who the truth to you has spoken

John 8:44 N-DFS
GRK: ἐν τῇ ἀληθείᾳ οὐκ ἔστηκεν
NAS: and does not stand in the truth because
KJV: not in the truth, because there is
INT: in the truth not has stood

John 8:44 N-NFS
GRK: οὐκ ἔστιν ἀλήθεια ἐν αὐτῷ
NAS: there is no truth in him. Whenever
KJV: there is no truth in him.
INT: not there is truth in him

John 8:45 N-AFS
GRK: ὅτι τὴν ἀλήθειαν λέγω οὐ
NAS: I speak the truth, you do not believe
KJV: I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me
INT: because the truth speak not

John 8:46 N-AFS
GRK: ἁμαρτίας εἰ ἀλήθειαν λέγω διὰ
NAS: I speak truth, why
KJV: if I say the truth, why do
INT: sin if truth I speak because of

John 14:6 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ
NAS: the way, and the truth, and the life;
KJV: the way, the truth, and the life:
INT: and the truth and the

John 14:17 N-GFS
GRK: πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ὃ ὁ
NAS: [that is] the Spirit of truth, whom
KJV: [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom
INT: Spirit of truth whom the

John 15:26 N-GFS
GRK: πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ὃ παρὰ
NAS: [that is] the Spirit of truth who
KJV: [even] the Spirit of truth, which
INT: Spirit of truth who from

John 16:7 N-AFS
GRK: ἐγὼ τὴν ἀλήθειαν λέγω ὑμῖν
NAS: But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage
KJV: you the truth; It is expedient
INT: I the truth say to you

John 16:13 N-GFS
GRK: πνεῦμα τῆς ἀληθείας ὁδηγήσει ὑμᾶς
NAS: He, the Spirit of truth, comes,
KJV: the Spirit of truth, is come,
INT: Spirit of truth he will guide you

Strong's Greek 225
109 Occurrences


ἀληθείᾳ — 44 Occ.
ἀλήθειαν — 22 Occ.
ἀληθείας — 43 Occ.

224
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