Lexical Summary aléthós: Truly, certainly, indeed Original Word: ἀληθῶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance indeed, surely, truly, verily. Adverb from alethes; truly -- indeed, surely, of a surety, truly, of a (in) truth, verily, very. see GREEK alethes HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 230 alēthṓs – truly (an adverb); in accord with fact, i.e. demonstrably valid and therefore genuine (reflecting true reality). See 225/alētheia ("truth"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from aléthés Definition truly NASB Translation certainly (2), indeed (2), really (2), sure (1), surely (2), truly (8), truthfully (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 230: ἀληθῶςἀληθῶς, adverb (from Aeschylus down), truly, of a truth, in reality; most certainly: John 1:47 (48); Topical Lexicon Overview of Usage Strong’s 230 marks emphatic affirmations of factual reality—statements made “as it really is.” Found eighteen times, the term spans the Synoptic Gospels, the Gospel of John, Acts, and two epistles. Each setting underscores reliability: of Christ’s person, of apostolic testimony, and of genuine Christian character. Distribution and Literary Function • Synoptic Gospels: 8 occurrences The adverb generally (1) confirms divine revelation, (2) exposes counterfeit faith, or (3) heightens the certainty of salvation events. Christological Witness in the Synoptics Matthew 14:33, Mark 15:39, and Luke 9:27 frame the public recognition of Jesus’ divine identity. In the storm-stilled boat, “Those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God!’” (Matthew 14:33). At the cross the Roman centurion echoes the confession: “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39). These declarations bracket the narrative arc of Jesus’ earthly ministry and passion, providing Spirit-inspired testimony from both Jewish disciples and a Gentile soldier. Assertions of Historical Fact Luke applies the adverb in narrative asides to guarantee historical reliability: “Truly I tell you,” Jesus says of the widow’s offering (Luke 21:3). Such formulae reassure readers that the recorded events correspond to unembellished reality, consistent with Luke’s stated aim to write “an orderly account” (Luke 1:3). Discipleship and Authenticity The word tests the genuineness of allegiance. In Matthew 26:73 and Mark 14:70 the bystanders press Peter: “Surely you are one of them.” Peter’s denial demonstrates the danger of words that ring hollow. By contrast, John 8:31 offers the positive: “If you remain in My word, you are truly My disciples”. The adverb therefore functions pastorally—calling believers to consistency between confession and conduct. Johannine Emphasis on True Knowledge John’s Gospel clusters the adverb around encounters that reveal authentic insight versus superficial impressions. Samaritans confess, “This is indeed the Savior of the world” (John 4:42). The crowd at Passover responds to the sign of the loaves: “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14). Nathanael receives Jesus’ commendation as a “true Israelite” (John 1:47), signaling that nationality alone is insufficient—integrity of heart is required. Apostolic Confirmation of the Gospel Acts 12:11 records Peter’s deliverance from prison: “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me.” The term underlines fulfilled promise and encourages the persecuted church. Paul similarly employs it: “When you received the word of God…you accepted it not as the word of men but as the word of God, which truly is at work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Apostolic preaching is thus validated as God’s very speech. Ethical and Pastoral Dimensions 1 John 2:5 applies the adverb to personal holiness: “Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him”. Genuine love is demonstrated, not merely professed. The adverb becomes a moral litmus test, separating authentic believers from nominal adherents amid early church controversies. Historical and Theological Reflection Early Christian writers saw in these emphatic “trulys” an answer to skepticism. The repeated confessions—by disciples, crowds, religious leaders, and Roman authorities—form a cumulative case that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah and Son of God. They also protect against early heresies that sought to spiritualize or mythologize the incarnation and resurrection. Implications for Contemporary Ministry 1. Preaching: The preacher, like Luke and Paul, proclaims events that are “truly” historical, grounding faith in objective reality rather than private experience. Summary Strong’s 230 functions as a Spirit-breathed spotlight, illuminating the truthfulness of revelation, the authenticity of faith, and the certainty of salvation history. Whether uttered in worship on a storm-tossed sea, whispered by a repentant Samaritan village, or penned by apostles encouraging nascent churches, the word consistently bears witness that the gospel message is no myth but “truly” God’s redemptive fact. Forms and Transliterations Αληθως αληθώς Ἀληθῶς αλιαίετον Alethos Alethôs Alēthōs Alēthō̂sLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 14:33 AdvGRK: αὐτῷ λέγοντες Ἀληθῶς θεοῦ υἱὸς NAS: Him, saying, You are certainly God's KJV: saying, Of a truth thou art INT: him saying Truly of God Son Matthew 26:73 Adv Matthew 27:54 Adv Mark 14:70 Adv Mark 15:39 Adv Luke 9:27 Adv Luke 12:44 Adv Luke 21:3 Adv John 1:47 Adv John 4:42 Adv John 6:14 Adv John 7:26 Adv John 7:40 Adv John 8:31 Adv John 17:8 Adv Acts 12:11 Adv 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Adv 1 John 2:5 Adv |
    |