ἀληθῶς
alēthōs
G230 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In reality, genuinely, as an actual fact; introduces an assertion that is regarded as true or corresponds with reality. It can serve as an emphatic confirmation or affirmation of what precedes, and sometimes expresses agreement or acknowledgment of truthfulness. In narrative or dialogue, it frequently underscores the authenticity or certainty of a statement.
Semantic Range
truly, indeed, in fact, really, actually, certainly, genuinely, emphatically
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἀληθής (true, real, genuine); ἀληθῶς is its adverbial form, constructed with the manner adverbial suffix -ως.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀληθῶς was used to affirm the reality or truthfulness of statements, often with a nuance of authenticity versus pretense. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew adverbial expressions of truth or certainty (like אָמֵן or בֶּאֱמֶת). In the New Testament, it functions to introduce emphatic assertions ('truly,' 'indeed') and to express genuine acknowledgment. Standard English translations such as 'truly,' 'indeed,' or 'verily' capture most usages, but ἀληθῶς can also signal actual realization or correspondence with reality, not just affirmation. It may respond affirmatively in dialogue ("Yes, truly") or highlight the essential quality of something ("genuinely"). The nuance may be richer than the simple 'truly' of English, sometimes bordering on 'in fact' or 'in reality.' Not to be confused with ἀληθῶς as an adjective; this form is exclusively adverbial.
Translation Consistency
As an adverb denoting affirmation or correspondence with reality, “truly” is the most natural, common, and precise single-word rendering of ἀληθῶς. It matches the SILEX semantic range (truly/indeed/really), is the form already used across all P2 occurrences, and conveys the emphatic confirmation or certainty typical of this word in both narrative and dialogue.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἀληθής; truly:--indeed, surely, of a surety, truly, of a (in) truth, verily, very.
Root Family
ἀληθ- (alḗtheia) — to be true, to be unconcealed, to be genuine
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G225 | ἀλήθεια | in truth |
| G226 | ἀληθεύω | the one acting truthfully |
| G227 | ἀληθής | true things |
| G228 | ἀληθινός | genuine ones |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G230-01 |
ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly | 18 |
Occurrences in Scripture
18 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G230-01 |
Matthew 14:33 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
Truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Matthew 26:73 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
surely | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Matthew 27:54 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
Truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Mark 14:70 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
Certainly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Mark 15:39 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
Truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Luke 9:27 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Luke 12:44 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
Truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Luke 21:3 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
Truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 1:47 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 4:42 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 6:14 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 7:26 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
indeed | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 7:40 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 8:31 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
John 17:8 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
Acts 12:11 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
of a truth | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
1 Thessalonians 2:13 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |
G230-01 |
1 John 2:5 | ἀληθῶς | alethos | ADV |
truly | truly | truly |