Is every statement either true or false?

Definition and Overview

In classical logic, the principle known as the “law of the excluded middle” states that every proposition must be either true or false; there is no third option. Aristotle is commonly credited with formulating a version of this principle (Metaphysics, Book IV), and it continues to inform discussions in both philosophy and theology. When addressing whether every statement is either true or false, one must consider the nature of human language, the possibility of incomplete or ambiguous statements, and biblical teachings on truth.

Biblical Foundations of Truth

Scripture consistently affirms that truth originates in the Creator and is intrinsically tied to His character. In John 14:6, Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life,” underscoring that truth is personal and of divine origin. Similarly, John 17:17 states, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” These verses show that truth is neither a human invention nor a mere mental construct; it is rooted in the nature and word of God.

Accordingly, if a statement aligns with what is real and what God has ordained, Scripture would categorize that statement as being in harmony with truth. Conversely, the Bible penetrates to the heart of statements that deviate from God’s reality, describing them as false or deceptive. For instance, 1 John 2:21 declares, “No lie comes from the truth,” emphasizing a clear demarcation between what is true and what contradicts it.

Philosophical Considerations

1. Law of Noncontradiction: This principle states that a proposition cannot be both true and not true in the same sense at the same time. A statement such as “it is raining here right now” cannot simultaneously be both absolutely true and absolutely false in the same location and moment. Scripture reflects this principle of consistency, as God’s nature is consistently described as unchangeably faithful (James 1:17).

2. Ambiguity in Language: Some statements might appear neither true nor false when they are incomplete, undefined, or metaphorical. For example, in everyday discourse, a statement like “I’m hungry” can be generally true at one moment yet cease to be so minutes later if the speaker has begun eating. Such examples illustrate the limitations of language, rather than invalidating the principle that a properly defined proposition is either true or false.

3. Use of Parables and Symbolic Speech: In the Bible, there are parables and figures of speech. These narrative or symbolic devices do not negate truth; rather, they convey real truths through illustrations. For instance, in Luke 8:10, Jesus explains that parables can have layers of meaning. Yet the foundational truths these parables represent remain absolutely true (e.g., God’s kingdom and character do not shift based on interpretive ambiguity).

Biblical Illustrations of Truth Versus Falsehood

- The Serpent’s Deception (Genesis 3:1–5): The serpent’s twisting of God’s instructions in Eden exemplifies a statement that moved from partial truth to intentional deceit. The text highlights that certain statements can be explicitly false when they contradict God’s direct word.

- Prophets Versus False Prophets: Throughout the Old Testament, genuine prophets delivered statements that accurately reflected God’s commands and intentions (e.g., Isaiah 1:1–2). False prophets, by contrast, proclaimed misleading predictions or advice (Jeremiah 23:25–26). The distinction demonstrates that declared words were either correct (true) or incorrect (false).

Practical Application

1. Discernment of Truth: The Bible encourages believers to “test all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This testing implies that each claim or statement can be evaluated according to Scriptural truth and reality.

2. Obligation to Speak Truth: Ephesians 4:25 commands, “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor.” While some statements may involve careful nuance, believers are instructed to stand firmly in honesty.

3. Limitations of Human Perspective: People are finite and prone to misunderstanding or lacking full context. Yet these limitations pertain to our interpretation rather than to the objective truth or falsity of a claim. We may not always grasp all the variables, but from a biblical standpoint, the question “Is every statement either true or false?” affirms the existence of objective truth and falsehood, even if our discernment can be flawed.

Relevance of Logic and Scripture

Biblical writings do not explicitly outline a formal logic system. However, Scripture implies that God is a God of order, not of chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33). This orderliness corresponds to the basic rules of thought that guide rational inquiry, such as the laws of logic. When human language is used conscientiously and fully, each proposition that makes a factual or moral claim can be seen as placed either in alignment with God’s truth (true) or in discord with it (false).

Conclusion

By integrating the biblical witness on truth, the classical principles of logic, and the recognition that some statements can be ambiguous only due to human limitations, it remains consistent to affirm that every well-defined, factual statement is ultimately either true or false. Scripture underscores that genuine truth reflects the unchanging reality of the Divine, while falsehood deviates from it.

Consequently, in line with the biblical depiction of God as the very source of truth and through the lens of reason, every assertion that is coherent and fully formed aligns either with truth or with falsehood. This conclusion not only supports the historic Christian perspective on honesty and integrity but also resonates with philosophical traditions that maintain a clear boundary between what is real and what is not.