1461 truth, nature of

God is the essence of truth and this quality should be reflected in the character of his children. Falsehood is condemned in Scripture, particularly in legal contexts, but truth is praised and advocated. God takes pleasure in truth and honesty, which are marks of an upright person.

Truth originates with God

Ps 43:3 See also Ps 25:5; Ps 26:3; Ps 86:11; Isa 65:16; Da 9:13

Truth is an aspect of God’s character

It is demonstrated in his faithfulness and reliability Nu 23:19; Ps 33:4 See also 1Sa 15:29; Ps 31:5; Ps 40:10-11; Ps 119:160; Isa 45:19; Jer 10:10; Jer 42:5; Da 10:21; Mic 7:20

It is demonstrated in his justice and mercy Ps 96:13 The Hebraic concept of truth embraces the ideas of faithfulness, reliability and justice. See also Ps 119:30,43-44,142,151

Truth should be reflected in the character of God’s people

Zec 8:16 See also 1Ki 17:22-24; Ps 15:1-5; Ps 51:6; Ps 145:18; Pr 23:23; Jer 4:2; Jer 5:1; Zec 7:9; Zec 8:3,19; Mal 2:6

Absence of truth in the human character displeases God

Isa 59:14-15 See also Isa 48:1; Jer 5:3; Jer 7:28; Jer 9:3

Truth as an abstract quality

Ps 45:4 See also Pr 23:23; Da 8:12

Truth is the opposite of falsehood

Pr 16:13 See also 1Ki 17:24; 1Ki 22:16 pp 2Ch 18:15; Ne 6:6; Pr 8:7; Pr 12:17; Isa 45:19; Zec 8:16

Truth is subject to proof

Ge 42:14-16 See also Dt 13:12-15; Dt 17:2-5; Dt 19:16-19; Dt 22:20-21; 1Ki 10:6-7 pp 2Ch 9:5-6; Job 5:27

Truth is commended in Scripture

Pr 12:22 See also Ex 20:16 pp Dt 5:20; Ex 23:1,7; Pr 12:19; Pr 13:5; Pr 14:25; Pr 19:5,9; Eph 4:25; Rev 22:14-15

Lack of truth is a characteristic of apostasy

Jer 7:28 See also Ps 52:1-4; Isa 59:12-15; Jer 9:5-6; Am 5:10

Truth as an expression of affirmation

Da 11:2 See also Jos 7:20; Ru 3:12; 2Ki 19:17; Jer 26:15; Mt 5:18; Mt 8:10; Mt 21:21; Mk 8:12; Mk 14:30; Lk 4:24; Lk 21:32; Jn 3:3; Jn 8:51; Jn 21:18

Amen as a liturgical affirmation of truth

Of oaths and curses Nu 5:22 The word “amen” is closely related to the word for “truth” in Hebrew. It constitutes an affirmation of the truth of what has been said and an acceptance of its consequences. See also Dt 27:15-26; Ne 5:13; Jer 11:5

Of benedictions and doxologies 1Ch 16:36 See also Ne 8:6; Ps 41:13; Ps 72:19; Ps 89:52; Ps 106:48

In general use Jer 28:6 See also 1Ki 1:32-37

In the NT Ro 1:25 By NT times, the word “Amen” had become a common liturgical phrase of affirmation, used after prayers, benedictions and doxologies. See also Mt 6:13; Ro 9:5; Ro 11:36; 1Co 14:16; 2Co 1:20; Gal 6:18; Php 4:20; 1Ti 1:17; Heb 13:20-21; 2Pe 3:18; Jude 25; Rev 1:6-7; Rev 7:12; Rev 22:20

See also