True in the sense of being unconcealed, real, and genuine — from a- (not) + lēthō (to escape notice). Alēthēs describes what corresponds to reality and what is dependable. It characterizes both statements (true testimony) and persons (a truthful witness).
Jesus claims to be not merely truthful but truth itself: 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6). God's word is alēthēs — reliable, tested, and unfailing. In John's writings, truth is not abstract philosophy but embodied in a person. The Spirit is called 'the Spirit of truth' who guides into all truth (John 16:13). Christian faith rests on historical truth claims, not myths.