Truth (Emeth)
אֱמֶת (emeth)
Firmness and reliability — what is solid, stable, and absolutely dependable.
Emeth is the Hebrew word for truth, meaning firmness, faithfulness, and reliability. Biblical truth is not abstract philosophy but solid reality — what is dependable, trustworthy, and aligned with God's unchanging character.
"Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." — Psalm 119:160 (KJV)
Key Verses
Psalm 119:160
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”Read in context
Psalm 86:11
“Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H571 — Truth (Emeth) (אֱמֶת (emeth))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where אֱמֶת (emeth) appears.
Open Strong's H571Etymology and Original Meaning
Emeth comes from the root aman, meaning 'to be firm,' 'to be stable,' or 'to be reliable.' It is the same root that gives us 'amen' — 'so be it, truly.' Truth in Hebrew is not primarily a philosophical concept (correspondence with facts) but a relational quality (reliability, dependability, faithfulness). A true person is one you can lean on. A true word is one you can build your life on.
God as Truth
God is called 'a God of truth' (Deuteronomy 32:4) — emeth is His essential character. He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). His word is truth (John 17:17). His ways are truth (Psalm 25:10). Every promise is reliable, every judgment is just, every revelation is dependable. In a world of shifting opinions and unreliable claims, God's emeth is the one absolutely solid reality.
Walking in Truth
The psalmist prays, 'I will walk in thy truth' (Psalm 86:11). Truth is not merely believed but walked — lived out practically. John writes, 'I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth' (3 John 1:4). Walking in truth means aligning every area of life — speech, conduct, relationships, decisions — with God's reliable reality. Truth becomes a way of life, not just a set of beliefs.
Jesus as Truth Incarnate
Jesus declared, 'I am the truth' (John 14:6) — not merely a teacher of truth but truth personified. He is the solid, reliable, dependable reality that all emeth points to. To know Jesus is to know truth; to follow Him is to walk in truth. In a world of competing claims and shifting standards, Christ is the unchanging reference point — the emeth of God made visible and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does truth mean in Hebrew?
Truth (emeth) means firmness, reliability, and faithfulness. It comes from the root aman ('to be firm'), the same root as 'amen.' Biblical truth is what is solid, dependable, and aligned with God's unchanging character.
How is biblical truth different from philosophical truth?
Philosophical truth focuses on correspondence with facts. Biblical truth (emeth) emphasizes reliability — what can be trusted, leaned on, and built upon. It is personal (God is truth), relational (faithfulness), and practical (walked in daily life).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Truth (Emeth)"?
Psalm 119:160 — "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever" (KJV). It also appears in John 14:6, Psalm 86:11.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Truth (Emeth)" matter?
Emeth comes from the root aman, meaning 'to be firm,' 'to be stable,' or 'to be reliable.' It is the same root that gives us 'amen' — 'so be it, truly.' Truth in Hebrew is not primarily a philosophical concept (correspondence with facts)… English uses one word, "Truth (Emeth)", where the Hebrew אֱמֶת (emeth) carries the fuller sense: firmness and reliability — what is solid, stable, and absolutely dependable.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Truth (Emeth) (אֱמֶת (emeth))
Firmness and reliability — what is solid, stable, and absolutely dependable.
Strong's H571 — Truth (Emeth)
אֱמֶת (emeth) • Firmness and reliability — what is solid, stable, and absolutely dependable.
Truth (אֶמֶת (Emet) / ἀλήθεια (Alētheia))
That which is reliable, faithful, and conforms to reality — ultimately God Himself
Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)
Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)
God's presence, purification, and judgment.
Hebrews 10:26 Commentary
In-depth study • The Weight of Wilful Sin
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