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ἀλήθεια

alḗtheia

G225 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The quality or state of being in accordance with fact or reality, genuineness, or what is objectively or subjectively considered to be true; (a) truth, as opposed to falsehood or deception; (b) reality, as that which is non-concealed or disclosed; (c) in ethical contexts, sincerity, integrity, or honesty; (d) in some contexts, the content of what is true, i.e., a true statement or doctrine. The term encompasses both factual correctness and an existential openness or reliability, depending on the context.

Semantic Range

truth (factual reality), genuine character, honesty, integrity, reliability, openness or disclosure, content of what is true, faithfulness, that which is not hidden or concealed

Root / Etymology

From ἀληθής (alēthēs, 'true', 'genuine') and the suffix -ία (-ia) denoting abstract quality or state. Literally 'the state of being true'. The root is ἀ- (a-, 'not') + λήθω/λανθάνω (lanthánō, 'to escape notice, to be hidden'), thus etymologically 'not hidden' or 'unconcealed'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀλήθεια referred to truth in the sense of factual correctness or reality, as well as the quality of being genuine or trustworthy. It was often contrasted with ψεῦδος (pseudos, 'falsehood'). In philosophical literature (e.g., Plato), it could denote both target-independent truth (correspondence) and truth in the sense of sincerity or candor. In Hellenistic Jewish (Septuagint) and New Testament contexts, ἀλήθεια could take on a broad range, from objective fact to ethical integrity or covenantal faithfulness. In the New Testament, it often includes the sense of God's reliability or faithfulness (cf. Hebraic concept of אֱמֶת, 'emet'). In some translation traditions, 'truth' may carry theological weight not inherent in the word's core usage. ἀλήθεια in Koine can be used for statements, ways of life, and divine attributes, and needs context to specify which sense is in view. The full semantic range is broader than simply 'fact' or 'correct doctrine.'

Translation Consistency

primary "truth" 109 occurrences

'Truth' is the natural, common English noun that best captures the primary semantic range of ἀλήθεια — factual reality, genuineness, honesty, and the content of what is true. It is by far the dominant rendering in the corpus (83 of 109 occurrences) and works well for both abstract and concrete uses (reality, sincerity, doctrine), unlike less common or more technical alternatives such as 'verity' or 'unconcealed.'

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀληθής; truth:--true, X truly, truth, verity.

Root Family

ἀλήθεια (alētheia) — truth, unconcealed reality, genuineness, integrity

Root ἀληθ- to be true, to be unconcealed, to be genuine

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G225-01 ἀληθείᾳ aletheia N DAT F SG truth in truth in truth 44
G225-03 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth truth 43
G225-02 ἀλήθειαν aletheian N ACC F SG truth unconcealed truth unconcealed truth 22

Occurrences in Scripture

109 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G225-01 Matthew 22:16 ἀληθείᾳ aletheia N DAT F SG truth in truth in truth
G225-02 Mark 5:33 ἀλήθειαν aletheian N ACC F SG truth unconcealed truth unconcealed truth
G225-03 Mark 12:14 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth truth
G225-03 Mark 12:32 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth truth
G225-03 Luke 4:25 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth truth
G225-03 Luke 20:21 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth truth
G225-03 Luke 22:59 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth truth
G225-03 John 1:14 ἀληθείας aletheias N GEN F SG truth of truth of truth
G225-01 John 1:17 ἀλήθεια aletheia N NOM F SG truth in truth in truth
G225-02 John 3:21 ἀλήθειαν aletheian N ACC F SG truth unconcealed truth unconcealed truth
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