ἀληθῶς (alēthōs)
alēthōs
truly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb alēthōs means truly or surely, affirming that something is real and not merely an appearance. It appears eighteen times in the New Testament, with a significant concentration in the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. The word serves as a strong confirmation, often used to validate a statement against doubt or surprise.
Its usage frequently highlights a moment of recognition or realization. For instance, the crowds identify Jesus as the Prophet after the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:14), and Peter is exposed as a disciple by his accent during Jesus’ trial (Mark 14:70). In these contexts, alēthōs bridges the gap between initial uncertainty and clear understanding.
Etymologically, it derives from alēthēs, the adjective for "true." This root connects it to the concept of reality rather than just factual accuracy. The term carries theological weight in John’s writings, where it underscores the genuine nature of Jesus’ identity and mission, such as when the woman at the well acknowledges him as the Savior of the world (John 4:42).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels uncertain, it helps to remember that truth is not just a concept but a person. The Greek word alēthōs appears in moments where people move from doubt to clear recognition. It marks the shift from guessing to knowing, like the disciples who finally understood Jesus’ identity after seeing His power over nature.
This word invites us to rest in what is real rather than chasing appearances. When we encounter God’s promises, they stand firm against our fears. The centurion at the cross and the Samaritan woman both used this term when their eyes were opened to who Jesus truly is. Their stories show that truth brings peace, not just information.
As you face questions or confusion today, look for the moments where God reveals His character clearly. These instances of alēthōs remind us that He is faithful and present. May you find comfort in knowing that the One who speaks truth never changes, offering you a steady ground to stand on.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- truly10×
- Truly6×
- truthfully1×
- Surely1×
- Of a truth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀληθῶς19×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 14:33
Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
The disciples use this word after walking on water, marking their shift from fear to recognizing Jesus' divine sonship.
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John 4:42
They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
The Samaritans declare Jesus is the Savior not because of the woman's testimony but because they have heard Him directly.
-
Mark 15:39
When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
A Roman centurion uses this term at the moment of Jesus' death, confessing His identity in a way that surprises his own culture.
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Acts 12:11
When Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting.”
Peter uses this word to express his sudden realization that God has actually intervened to save him from prison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does alēthōs mean in the New Testament?
How is alēthōs different from aletheia?
Why does John use this word so often?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
Matthew 26:73After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes…
Matthew 27:54Now the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were…