Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1461 truth, nature of

1461 truth, nature of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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God is the essence of truth and this quality should be reflected in the character of his children. Falsehood is condemned in Scripture, particularly in legal contexts, but truth is praised and advocated. God takes pleasure in truth and honesty, which are marks of an upright person.

Truth originates with God

Truth is an aspect of God's character

It is demonstrated in his faithfulness and reliability

Numbers 23:19; Psalm 33:4 See also 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalm 31:5; Psalm 40:10-11; Psalm 119:160; Isaiah 45:19; Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 42:5; Daniel 10:21; Micah 7:20

It is demonstrated in his justice and mercy

Psalm 96:13 The Hebraic concept of truth embraces the ideas of faithfulness, reliability and justice. See also Psalm 119:30,43-44,142,151

Truth should be reflected in the character of God's people

Zechariah 8:16 See also 1 Kings 17:22-24; Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 51:6; Psalm 145:18; Proverbs 23:23; Jeremiah 4:2; Jeremiah 5:1; Zechariah 7:9; Zechariah 8:3,19; Malachi 2:6

Absence of truth in the human character displeases God

Isaiah 59:14-15 See also Isaiah 48:1; Jeremiah 5:3; Jeremiah 7:28; Jeremiah 9:3

Truth as an abstract quality

Truth is the opposite of falsehood

Proverbs 16:13 See also 1 Kings 17:24; Kings 22:16 pp 2 Chronicles 18:15; Nehemiah 6:6; Proverbs 8:7; Proverbs 12:17; Isaiah 45:19; Zechariah 8:16

Truth is subject to proof

Genesis 42:14-16 See also Deuteronomy 13:12-15; Deuteronomy 17:2-5; Deuteronomy 19:16-19; Deuteronomy 22:20-21; 1 Kings 10:6-7 pp 2 Chronicles 9:5-6; Job 5:27

Truth is commended in Scripture

Proverbs 12:22 See also Exodus 20:16 pp Deuteronomy 5:20; Exodus 23:1,7; Proverbs 12:19; Proverbs 13:5; Proverbs 14:25; Proverbs 19:5,9; Ephesians 4:25; Revelation 22:14-15

Lack of truth is a characteristic of apostasy

Jeremiah 7:28 See also Psalm 52:1-4; Isaiah 59:12-15; Jeremiah 9:5-6; Amos 5:10

Truth as an expression of affirmation

Daniel 11:2 See also Joshua 7:20; Ruth 3:12; 2 Kings 19:17; Jeremiah 26:15; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 8:10; Matthew 21:21; Mark 8:12; Mark 14:30; Luke 4:24; Luke 21:32; John 3:3; John 8:51; John 21:18

Amen as a liturgical affirmation of truth

Of oaths and curses

Numbers 5:22 The word “amen” is closely related to the word for “truth” in Hebrew. It constitutes an affirmation of the truth of what has been said and an acceptance of its consequences. See also Deuteronomy 27:15-26; Nehemiah 5:13; Jeremiah 11:5

Of benedictions and doxologies

1 Chronicles 16:36 See also Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 41:13; Psalm 72:19; Psalm 89:52; Psalm 106:48

In general use

Jeremiah 28:6 See also 1 Kings 1:32-37

In the NT

Romans 1:25 By NT times, the word “Amen” had become a common liturgical phrase of affirmation, used after prayers, benedictions and doxologies. See also Matthew 6:13; Romans 9:5; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 14:16; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 6:18; Philippians 4:20; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 13:20-21; 2 Peter 3:18; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6-7; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 22:20