ἀψευδής (apseudēs)
apseudēs
not a liar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective apseudēs describes someone who is free from falsehood or truthful. Formed from the negative prefix a- and the root pseudes (lie), it literally means "not lying." In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Titus 1:2, where God is described as one who cannot lie.
This usage carries significant theological weight. By attributing apseudēs to God, the text emphasizes His absolute reliability and truthfulness. Unlike human beings, who may deceive or be mistaken, God’s nature is inherently honest. This characteristic serves as a foundation for the hope of eternal life promised in Scripture, assuring believers that divine promises are trustworthy.
While the word itself is simple, its application to God highlights a key distinction between the Creator and creation. It reinforces the idea that God’s word is secure and dependable, providing a solid basis for faith. The term reminds readers that truth is not just an action but an essential attribute of God’s character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face uncertainty, it is natural to look for something solid to hold onto. The word apseudēs describes God as one who cannot lie. This is not just a moral choice He makes; it is who He is. His nature is free from falsehood, meaning His character is inherently honest and reliable.
This truth anchors our hope in eternal life. In Titus 1:2, we are reminded that the promise of eternal life was given by God before time began. Because He cannot lie, these ancient promises remain secure today. You can trust that what He has said will come to pass, even when circumstances seem unclear or difficult.
Knowing that God is truthful brings peace to your heart. It means you do not have to guess if He is being honest with you. His word is a firm foundation for your faith, offering stability in a changing world. Rest in the certainty of His character and the reliability of His promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- who cannot lie1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀψευδὴς1×
Key Verses
-
Titus 1:2
in hope of eternal life, which God, who can’t lie, promised before time began;
This verse uniquely applies apseudēs to God, establishing His inability to lie as the basis for the hope of eternal life promised before time began.