ὄντως
óntōs
G3689 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adverb meaning 'really, actually, truly, in reality.' It affirms the actual existence, truth, or factuality of a statement, as opposed to what is apparent, assumed, or hypothetical. In discourse, often used to emphasize that something exists or is the case in actuality, not just in word or appearance. Depending on context, can also reinforce a previous statement, or distinguish the true state of something from a false or superficial one.
Semantic Range
truly, really, actually, in reality, in truth, indeed, certainly, verily
Root / Etymology
From the present participle ὤν ('being') of εἰμί ('to be'), suffixed with the adverbial ending -τως, thus literally 'in a being manner' or 'really, in actuality.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
ὄντως is a late classical and Hellenistic adverb derived from the participle ὤν of the verb εἰμί ('to be'). In classical Greek, it appears in philosophical and rhetorical contexts to distinguish what is true/real (ὄντως) from what merely appears (φαίνεταί). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it serves to affirm the true existence, status, or quality of something, often with existential nuance (e.g., 'truly the Son of God,' 'in reality'). English translation traditions often render it as 'indeed,' 'truly,' or 'really,' but these may lack its specific function of affirming accordance with reality or fact. There is often a contrast implied with things that are so only in appearance (δοκεῖ) or claim (λεγόμενος). Usage is consistent from late classical through Koine Greek, and the word does not markedly shift in Christian or non-Christian literature.
Translation Consistency
ὄντως affirms factual reality or truth; ‘truly’ is a natural, concise adverb that consistently conveys that sense (equivalent to really/indeed/actually) and fits the typical biblical register while remaining widely understandable.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb of the oblique cases of ὤν; really:--certainly, clean, indeed, of a truth, verily.
Root Family
ὄντως (ontōs) — to be, to exist, to be real
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3689-01 |
ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
indeed | in reality | truly | 10 |
Occurrences in Scripture
10 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3689-01 |
Mark 11:32 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
really | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
Luke 23:47 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
Certainly | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
Luke 24:34 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
indeed | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
John 8:36 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
indeed | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
1 Corinthians 14:25 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
really | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
Galatians 3:21 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
truly | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
1 Timothy 5:3 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
indeed | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
1 Timothy 5:5 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
indeed | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
1 Timothy 5:16 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
really | in reality | truly |
G3689-01 |
1 Timothy 6:19 | ὄντως | ontos | ADV |
indeed | in reality | truly |