[2] The meaning of 'the way' as truth has its origin in things that appear in the spiritual world. There also ways and paths appear, and in the cities streets and lanes; and spirits do not take any except the ones leading to those whom love draws them into association with. This explains why spirits' characters as regards truth may be recognized from the way or road they go along; for all truth leads to its own love, that being called truth which lends support to what is loved. It also explains why in the everyday language people use 'the way to go' denotes that which is true; for human language derives this usage, as it does very many others, from the spiritual world.

[3] This then accounts for the meaning in the Word of 'way', 'path', 'pathway', 'track', 'street', and 'lane' as truths, and in the contrary sense falsities, as is evident from the following places: In Jeremiah,

Stand close to the ways^a and look; ask concerning the ways of old^b, Which way is the best? Jer 6:16.

In the same prophet,

Make good your ways and your works; do not trust in lying words^c. Jer 7:3-5.

In the same prophet,

Do not learn the way of the nations^d. Jer 10:2.

In the same prophet,

I will give to each according to his ways, according to the fruit of his works. Jer 17:10.

In the same prophet,

They have caused them to stumble in their ways, in the pathways of old^b, in order that they go away [into] by-paths and not the highway. Jer 18:15.

In the same prophet,

I will give them one heart and one way. Jer 32:39.

In David,

Make Your ways known to me, O Jehovah, teach me Your paths; lead me in Your truth. Ps 25:4,5.

In the Book of Judges,

In the days of Jael the ways ceased^e. And those going along the paths went along twisting ways. Judg 5:6.

In Isaiah,

Depart from the way, cause [yourselves] to turn aside from the path. Let your ears hear the word from behind you, This is the way; go in it. Isa 30:11,21.

In the same prophet,

The paths have been devastated, the wayfarer has ceased. Isa 33:8.

In the same prophet,

There will also be a path there and a way, which will be called the way of holiness. The unclean one will not pass through it; but it will be for them. [The one] walking in the way and fools will not go astray. Isa 35:8.

[4] In the same prophet,

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of Jehovah; make level in the lonely place a path for our God. With whom did He deliberate, that He might teach Him the way of judgement, and show Him the way of intelligence? Isa 40:3,14.

In the same prophet,

... to say to those who are in darkness, Reveal yourselves. They will feed along the ways. I will set all My mountains as a way; My paths will be raised up. Isa 49:9,11.

In the same prophet,

The way of peace they have not known, and there is no judgement in their tracks. They have perverted their paths for themselves. He who treads that [way] will not know peace. Isa 59:8.

In the same prophet,

Prepare the way for the people. Level out, level out the path. Say to the daughter of Zion, Behold, your salvation comes. Isa 62:10,11.

In the same prophet,

I have made^f a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters. I will place a way in the wilderness. Isa 43:16,19.

In Moses,

Cursed is the one who causes the blind to go astray in the way. Deut 27:18.

In Matthew,

Go to the ends of the ways, and whomever you find, summon to the wedding. Matt 22:9.

In John,

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6.

In these places, and in very many others, 'the way' means truth and in the contrary sense falsity.

Notes