“The Classic Washington Scandal: we screwed up by telling the truth.” From the West Wing (3.27.2002)

The Definition of Truth

The Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary defines truth as:

“1. The true or actual state of a matter
2. Conformity with fact or reality; verity (state/quality of being true)
3. A verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like
4. The state or character of being true (being in accordance with the actual state of conditions; conforming to reality or fact; not false)
5. Actuality or actual existence
6. An obvious or accepted fact; truism (self evident obvious truth); platitude (flat dull remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound)
7. Honesty; integrity; truthfulness (1. telling the truth; 2. conforming to the truth; 3. corresponding to reality)
8. Ideal or fundamental (foundation, basis, essential part of) reality apart from and transcending (to rise above or go beyond) perceived experience often capitalized
9. Agreement with a standard or original
10. Accuracy as of position or adjustment
11. Archaic r k ick (marked by the characteristic of an earlier period) fidelity (strict observance of promises duties etc.) or constancy (quality of being unchanging/ unwavering)
12. In truth in reality (quality of being real true); in fact; actually.”

As one can see various definitions of “truth” are used for the general term.

Many people have said something about truth. Chances are that you, reader, have said something about truth. Albert Schweitzer said, “Truth has no special time of its own. Its hour is now- always.” According to this quote, truth exists always, and truth should be told always. We are not to beat around the bush, but to come out and say what we mean.

Thomas Jefferson said, “It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.” This statement supplies that truth is strong, never wavering. Truth is able to be there in all its glory without anyone or anything to support it.

Benso di Vacour said, “I have discovered the art of fooling diplomats; I speak the truth and they never believe me.” Di Vacour has stated truth seems to be rare in political places and minds. Politics is a shroud of compromise that chokes out what truth people have to tell.

And finally, Harry S. Truman said, “I never give them hell. I just tell the truth, and they think it’s hell.” This quote says truth may hurt and may be awful when shown. Truth is difficult to understand and accept because it is so candid and open.

All people seem to have a varied opinion as to what truth is. However, all their definitions seem to come back to mainly either numbers 1, 2, or 3 of Webster’s definition. The Bible has this to say about truth:

“’You are king then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. ‘What is truth?’ Pilate asked.” (John 18:37,38a)

Pontius Pilate asked a wonderful question, but unfortunately didn’t stick around to find out the answer. He leads us to the question, which remains, “What is Truth?” The fact exists that we can answer that question. Jesus gives us the ability to answer for all who ask this question of us. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6) note 1.’”

This is all we need to know, because as soon as we know this, we can deduce that the truth is Jesus Christ. The definition of truth is argued and debated among many great men and women of the past and present, but my conclusion is truth is what is true. And what is true is Jesus Christ.

Notes:
Note 1: From the Key Word Study Bible, New International Version:
Alethia is the Greek word used for truth in John 14:6
“Alethia (Greek meaning: true reality fact) Jesus Christ is the embodiment of Truth, Himself, God, and the consummate (to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill) disclosure of God to man, the telos (the end term of goal- directed process Greek) of redemptive revelation. In biblical terms, truth is determined by divine viewpoint, and is expressed through revelation (both creational and redemptive).”