Emet (truth)
Emet (אֱמֶת) is a Hebrew word for truth, which "carries the idea of firmness, reliability, faithfulness, and stability"[1] in addition to the meaning of factuality.[2][3] It can also describe fidelity or trust within relationships.[4]
Roots (disputed)
[edit]The root of the word is א-מ-ן, (alef-mem-nun) meaning 'stability'.[citation needed]
Spellings in English
[edit]- Emet
- Emes
- Emeth
Usage
[edit]Emet appears in the phrase Baruch dayan emet ("Blessed is the true Judge"), which is traditionally said upon hearing of a death.[6]
In Jewish liturgy
[edit]Emet appears multiple times in Jewish prayer services.[6] Most famously found in the Shema to affirm that hashem's unity and presence are absolutely true.[7]
In Yiddish
[edit]In Yiddish, the word emet carries a connotation of "unvarnished frankness".[6]
Grouping with other virtues
[edit]In the Bible and Talmud, emet is often grouped with other virtues, including peace (Zacharia 8:19) and justice (Pirkei Avot).[6]
References
[edit]- ↑ Kress, Alex. "Emet–Truth: Emet as a Way of Being". sefaria.org. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
- ↑ Brake, Aaron (February 6, 2018). "What Is Truth?". Stand to Reason | Clear-Thinking Christianity. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
- ↑ "Hebrew Word of the Week — Emet (אֱמֶת) — Truth That Does Not Shift". Voice of Judah Israel. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
- ↑ Ochs, Peter (1986). "A Scriptural Pragmatism: : Jewish Philosophy's Conception of Truth". International Philosophical Quarterly. 26 (2): 131–135.
- ↑ "BDB-T Bible Dictionary". BDB-T Bible Dictionary. Retrieved August 26, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 Schwartz, Amy E. (2020-01-13). "Jewish Word | Emet". Moment Magazine. Retrieved 2026-08-27.
- ↑ Reiss Medwed, Karen. "What is the Shema?". Exploring Judaism. Retrieved August 27, 2026.