I recently learned a fascinating insight about the Hebrew meaning of truth.
In What Is Truth? Navigating a World of Faith, Science, and Noise, Dr. Aaron D. Franklin references the differences between Greek and Hebrew ideas of truth:
“One side (Greek) sees truth as related to fixed ideas and specifics about what transpires, while the other side (Hebrew) sees truth as a person with context and the ability to change. By way of Hebrew thought, Jesus is the capital T Truth that we must come to know.”1
This Hebrew framework of truth opens inspiring possibilities for our testimonies. We can build an ever-growing relationship with Truth Himself, coming to know Christ and deepening our understanding of Him and the world around us.
Discovering the Capital T Truth
Dr. Franklin believes that learning about truth in all its forms—whether religious or scientific—can bring us closer to the capital T Truth: Christ.
“When you discover truth, it is about discovering your relationship with Him,” he shared on an episode of the Out of the Best Books podcast. “And if it’s a relationship [with] Truth, then you’re learning at every step something new, and so, it’s going to evolve in some respects. It’s going to be dynamic in some respects.
“So, if truth is Christ and Christ is the head of the Church on earth, then there’s going to be latitude for navigating a path ahead that is different than the one behind.”
This lens reminds us that we are always learning and growing in our relationship with Christ. It also encourages us to seek continuing revelation as we navigate what Dr. Franklin calls the “mass information deluge” of today’s world.
How Who Is Truth Helps Us Discern What Is Truth
Dr. Franklin believes that viewing our relationship with Christ as dynamic allows us to discern what is true in a complex environment. He explains that one tool Christ has given us to navigate the noise is “[constant] communication via ‘the Spirit of truth.’”
“That enables [us] to comprehend more and more about the world around [us],” he says. “And that includes not just the gospel, but the world itself, that God, I think, very much wants us to come to a better understanding of as we live in and are a part of it.”
Another resource that Christ has given us to determine what is true is His word. Dr. Franklin explains, “The prophecies and teachings of scripture and modern prophets provide another conduit for accessing the all-encompassing source of truth, which stems from God.”2
As we strengthen our relationship with Christ, seeking Him through the Spirit and messages of scriptures and prophets, we can distinguish truth from error. We can also grow more like the Savior and live with less fear.
“It is knowing Him, including His character and attributes, that will ultimately free us from sin and bondage (see John 14:6),” Dr. Franklin writes. “By coming to know Him, we become more like Him, ‘abundant in goodness and truth’ (Exodus 34:6).”3
Learn more from Dr. Franklin on the Out of the Best Books podcast, which is available on all major streaming platforms.
Discover divine truth
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Notes
1. Dr. Franklin recommends reading Who Is Truth? Reframing Our Questions for a Richer Faith by Jeffrey L. Thayne and Edwin E. Gantt for more insights on this topic.
2. Aaron D. Franklin, What Is Truth? Navigating a World of Faith, Science, and Noise (Deseret Book, 2025), 7.
3. Ibid.
