ἀληθινός (alēthinos)
alēthinos
true
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 26 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word alēthinos means true in the sense of real, genuine, or ideal. It goes beyond simple factual accuracy to describe something that fully corresponds to its idea or name. Unlike a mere resemblance, an alēthinos reality possesses the actual nature it claims to have, standing in direct contrast to what is fictitious, counterfeit, or imperfect.
This distinction appears clearly in Scripture where alēthinos contrasts earthly shadows with heavenly realities. In Hebrews, for example, the tabernacle on earth is described as a copy and shadow, while the true (alēthinos) sanctuary is located in heaven (Hebrews 8:2; 9:24). Similarly, Jesus refers to himself as the "true bread" from heaven, distinguishing his divine origin from the manna that only temporarily sustained Israel’s ancestors (John 6:32).
The word carries significant theological weight in Revelation and the Johannine writings. It describes God as the one who is truly faithful, the true light that enlightens everyone, and the true worshipers who serve in spirit and truth (John 4:23; 1 John 5:20). Translators often render it simply as "true," but the Greek emphasizes substance over appearance, pointing to a reality that is complete and unblemished.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word alēthinos points to something that is genuine in its very nature, not just accurate in description. It distinguishes between a shadow and the substance behind it. When Scripture calls God true, it affirms His reliability and reality. This assurance grounds our faith, knowing that the One we trust is not an illusion or a temporary fix, but the solid foundation of all life.
In John’s writings, this term highlights Jesus as the true bread and the true vine. These images remind us that He alone satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger. The earthly experiences we have are often previews or reflections of what Christ provides fully. We can rest in the knowledge that His presence is real and sustaining, offering a connection to God that no other source can match.
This understanding invites us to worship in spirit and truth. It means moving beyond external rituals to a sincere relationship with the Father. As we seek to know Him, we find that our faith is anchored in a reality that endures forever. This hope encourages us to live with confidence, knowing that God’s promises are as solid as He is.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 26 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- true14×
- true,7×
- true.1×
- true [riches]1×
- true [ones],1×
- true [are]1×
- a sincere1×
- True,1×
- True [One],1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀληθινός,5×
- ἀληθινὸν4×
- ἀληθιναὶ3×
- ἀληθινὸς2×
- ἀληθινοὶ2×
- ἀληθινῷ,1×
- ἀληθινῷ1×
- ἀληθινῶν,1×
- ἀληθινῆς,1×
- ἀληθινῆς1×
- ἀληθινόν.1×
- ἀληθινόν,1×
Key Verses
-
John 6:32
Jesus therefore said to them, “Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn’t Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.
Jesus contrasts the temporary manna with His own divine origin, showing that He alone provides lasting spiritual life.
-
Hebrews 8:2
a servant of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, not man.
This verse distinguishes the earthly tabernacle as a mere copy from the heavenly sanctuary where Christ serves as our true mediator.
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John 15:1
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.
By calling Himself the true vine, Jesus identifies as the only source of genuine spiritual fruitfulness for believers.
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I Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
Paul describes God as living and true to emphasize that He is a real person worthy of service, unlike lifeless idols.
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Revelation of John 3:7
“To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: “He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:
Christ is called 'the true' one, highlighting His absolute faithfulness and authority over the keys of David.