Truth
אֶמֶת (Emet) / ἀλήθεια (Alētheia)
That which is reliable, faithful, and conforms to reality — ultimately God Himself
Truth in the Bible is not merely factual accuracy but faithfulness, reliability, and conformity to ultimate reality. The Hebrew 'emet' and Greek 'alētheia' both convey trustworthiness. Jesus declared Himself to be 'the truth' — truth personified.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." — John 14:6 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”Read in context
Psalm 119:160
“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”Read in context
The Biblical Concept of Truth
The Hebrew word 'emet' comes from the root 'aman' (from which we get 'amen'), meaning firmness, reliability, and faithfulness. Truth in the Hebrew mind is not abstract philosophy but solid, dependable reality you can build your life on. The Greek 'alētheia' literally means 'un-concealment' — the unveiling of what is real. Together, these words paint a picture of truth as that which is completely reliable and fully revealed.
God as the Source of Truth
Scripture presents God as the ultimate source and standard of truth. He is called 'the God of truth' (Psalm 31:5). His word is truth (John 17:17), His judgments are true (Psalm 19:9), and His ways are truth (Psalm 25:10). Truth is not defined by human opinion or cultural consensus but by God's character. What He says, is. What He promises, happens. In a world of shifting standards, God's truth is the unmoving foundation.
Jesus Is the Truth
When Jesus said 'I am the truth' (John 14:6), He made a claim without parallel in religious history. He did not merely teach truth or point to truth — He is truth incarnate. To know Jesus is to know truth itself. To reject Jesus is to reject reality. This claim means that all truth — scientific, moral, philosophical, relational — ultimately finds its coherence and meaning in the person of Jesus Christ.
Living in Truth
The Bible calls believers to love truth (Zechariah 8:19), speak truth (Ephesians 4:15), walk in truth (3 John 1:4), worship in truth (John 4:24), and put on truth as spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:14). Living truthfully means more than not lying — it means aligning every aspect of life with reality as God defines it. In an age of deception and relativism, commitment to truth is both countercultural and essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'the truth shall make you free' mean?
In John 8:32, Jesus taught that knowing the truth — specifically, the truth revealed through Him and His word — liberates people from bondage to sin, deception, and spiritual darkness. Truth sets us free from false beliefs about God, ourselves, and the world. It is not abstract knowledge but a living relationship with Jesus, who is the Truth.
What does it mean that Jesus is the truth?
When Jesus said 'I am the truth' (John 14:6), He declared that He is the ultimate reality — the person in whom all truth finds its source and meaning. Unlike prophets or teachers who merely communicated truth, Jesus embodies it. To know Him is to know what is truly real. All genuine truth in every field ultimately points back to Him.
What is the Hebrew word for "Truth" in the Bible?
אֶמֶת (Emet) / ἀλήθεια (Alētheia), pronounced "eh-MET / ah-LAY-thay-ah." It means that which is reliable, faithful, and conforms to reality — ultimately god himself. It is the word behind "Truth" in both Testaments, for example in John 14:6.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Truth"?
John 14:6 — "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (KJV). It also appears in John 8:32, Psalm 119:160.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Truth (אֶמֶת (Emet) / ἀλήθεια (Alētheia))
That which is reliable, faithful, and conforms to reality — ultimately God Himself
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.
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.
Strong's G32 — Angel
ἄγγελος (angelos) • A messenger — a heavenly being sent by God to deliver His word and carry out His will.
Where to go next
Studied the meaning of Truth? Continue with these word-study and Scripture pages.
- Bible word meanings A–ZHebrew and Greek words explained in plain English.Continue
- Go deeper with word studiesStrong's numbers, usage and every KJV occurrence.Continue
- Bible questions answered from ScriptureStraight KJV answers to common questions.Continue
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