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TEVET 7

Truth

 

“Who does dwell in Your set-apart mountain? He who … speaks the truth in his heart …” (Ps 15:1-2 ISR)

Emet (Strong’s H571) is the Hebrew word that is most generally translated as ‘truth’, as it is here in this verse.  And as it is with most of the translations available today, much of the broader meaning of the word emet has been lost.  Included in the definition of this word is also the sense of firmness, stability, faithfulness, and integrity.  Jeff Benner, in his Ancient Hebrew Dictionary, has this to say concerning the word emet:

“The root of this word is aman, a word often translated as "believe," but more literally means "support," as we see in Isaiah 22:23 where it says "I will drive him like a peg in a place of support..." A belief in Elohiym is not a mental exercise of knowing that Elohiym exists but rather our responsibility to show him our support. The word emet has the similar meaning of firmness, something that is firmly set in place. Psalms 119:142 says, "the "Torah" (the teachings of Elohiym) is emet (set firmly in place).”^[1]

Perhaps it is time to examine what – exactly - we are speaking within our own hearts and minds.  We are all aware, when we are honestly looking at ourselves in the mirror, that we are proficient at projecting an image that may not truthfully represent who we are.  As an example, we are able to project the image of one who is cheerful and happy when in reality we are discouraged, despondent, and depressed.  I believe this is part of human nature; we have no desire for others to think badly of us.  However, to pretend to be someone – or something - that is not who we are is very, very dangerous, for we are first and foremost deceiving ourselves.  We are not ‘speaking the truth in our hearts’.

What is this truth – emet – that we are to speak in our heart, to hold fast to, to meditate on, and allow it to change us?  Again, the Scriptures validate themselves …

 

“Your righteousness is righteousness forever, And YOUR TORAH IS TRUTH.”  (Ps 119:142 ISR, emphasis mine)

“Into your hand I commit my spirit; you will redeem me, Adonai, GOD OF TRUTH.” (Ps 31:5 CJB, emphasis mine)

“Yeshua said to him, “I am the way, THE TRUTH, and the life! No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 TLV, emphasis mine)

 

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[1] Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible; ©2006 Ancient Hebrew Research Center; ISBN: 1589397762 Author: Jeff Benner