The NT encompasses the Greek idea of truth as reality, as well as the Hebraic concepts of faithfulness and reliability. Jesus Christ is shown as “the Truth” and the apostles present the gospel as “truth”.
Truth as opposed to falsehood and lies
Ephesians 4:25 See also John 3:33, John 4:37, John 18:23, John 19:35; Acts 7:1, Acts 21:24, Acts 24:8, Acts 26:25; Romans 1:18, Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 15:54; 2 Corinthians 7:14; Galatians 4:16; Titus 1:13; 2 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:4; 2 John 1:1–2
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another.
Truth as reality
Hebrews 9:24 See also John 1:9, John 4:23, John 17:3; Ephesians 4:24; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:2, 1 Timothy 6:19; Titus 1:2, Titus 3:2; Hebrews 8:2, Hebrews 12:8; 1 Peter 5:12; 1 John 2:5, 1 John 2:8, 1 John 5:20; Revelation 19:9
For Christ did not enter a man-made copy of the true sanctuary, but He entered heaven itself, now to appear on our behalf in the presence of God.
Truth as trustworthy affirmations
John 6:47 See also Matthew 6:2, Matthew 10:23, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 19:23, Matthew 23:36, Matthew 26:13; Mark 9:41, Mark 11:23; Luke 12:44, Luke 21:3; John 1:51, John 5:24–25, John 8:34, John 10:7, John 16:7; Philippians 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:9
Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life.
Truth as faithfulness and reliability
The quality of truth
Philippians 4:8 See also John 1:17, John 3:21, John 4:24, John 17:17; Romans 2:20; 1 Corinthians 5:8, 1 Corinthians 13:6; 2 Corinthians 13:8; Ephesians 5:9, Ephesians 6:14; 3 John 1:12
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things.
Truth as an aspect of the character of God
Romans 3:3–4 See also Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:7, Romans 15:8; 1 John 5:20; Revelation 3:7, Revelation 3:14, Revelation 6:10, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 16:7, Revelation 19:2, Revelation 19:11
What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.”
Truth as a human quality
Acts 11:23; 1 John 1:8 See also John 3:21, John 7:18; Acts 14:22; Ephesians 4:15; Philippians 1:18; Revelation 2:13
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Jesus Christ as truth
John 14:6 See also John 1:14, John 15:1, John 18:37–38; 1 John 5:20
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
The Spirit of God as truth
John 16:13 See also John 14:16–17, John 15:26; 1 John 4:6, 1 John 5:6
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
The gospel and the Christian faith as truth
Ephesians 1:13 See also John 8:31–32; Acts 20:30; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Galatians 2:5; Colossians 1:5; 1 Timothy 2:3–4, 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:18, 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:1; James 5:19; 2 Peter 2:2; 1 John 3:19
And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth — the gospel of your salvation — you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.