John 14:5

KJV

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?

KJV (with Strong's)

Thomas {G2381} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, Lord {G2962}, we know {G1492} not {G3756} whither {G4226} thou goest {G5217}; and {G2532} how {G4459} can we {G1410} know {G1492} the way {G3598}?

Complete Jewish Bible

T’oma said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you’re going; so how can we know the way?”

Berean Standard Bible

“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?”

American Standard Version

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 14:5 captures Thomas's earnest, yet literal, inquiry during Jesus's Farewell Discourse. In response to Jesus's declaration that His disciples knew His destination and the way to it, Thomas, speaking for the group's confusion, admits their ignorance regarding where Jesus was going and, consequently, how they could possibly know the path to follow Him. This direct question serves as a crucial setup for one of Jesus's most profound self-revelations about His identity as the exclusive "Way."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus's "Farewell Discourse" (John 13-17), delivered in the Upper Room on the night before His crucifixion. The preceding verses (John 14:1-4) show Jesus comforting His disciples, who are troubled by His impending departure and Peter's predicted denial. Jesus assures them of a future dwelling place with Him in His Father's house, stating, "And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know" [John 14:4](/john/14-4 "John 14:4 - Jesus's Comforting Words"). Thomas's question in [John 14:5](/john/14-5 "John 14:5 - Thomas's Question") directly challenges this assertion, highlighting the disciples' literal understanding of Jesus's spiritual pronouncements and setting the stage for Jesus's pivotal self-identification in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish disciples would have understood "the way" in both a literal sense (a physical road or journey) and a metaphorical sense, referring to a course of life, a teaching, or a religious path (e.g., "the Way of the Lord" in [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord") or "the Way" as a designation for early Christianity in [Acts 9:2](/acts/9-2 "Acts 9:2 - Saul and the Way")). However, their expectation of a Messiah who would establish an earthly kingdom led them to interpret Jesus's words about "going away" and "knowing the way" through a temporal, political lens rather than a spiritual, eternal one. They anticipated a physical journey or a strategic plan for the kingdom, not a spiritual departure to the Father.

* **Key Themes:** A pervasive theme throughout [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John") is the disciples' struggle to grasp the spiritual realities Jesus teaches, often interpreting His words literally (e.g., [John 4:32-34](/john/4-32-34 "John 4:32-34 - Jesus's Food") regarding food, or [John 11:11-13](/john/11-11-13 "John 11:11-13 - Lazarus's Sleep") regarding Lazarus's sleep). Thomas's question exemplifies this, as he fails to comprehend Jesus's spiritual destination (the Father's house) and the spiritual nature of the "way" to get there. Thomas, often characterized by his directness and need for tangible proof (cf. [John 20:24-29](/john/20-24-29 "John 20:24-29 - Doubting Thomas")), serves as a foil here. His blunt admission of ignorance, though seemingly a moment of doubt, becomes the very prompt for Jesus to deliver one of His most profound and exclusive claims, revealing Himself as the unique path to God. Thomas's inquiry about "the way" is central. While he seeks a literal route, Jesus's subsequent response redefines "the way" from a geographical path or a set of instructions to a personal relationship with Himself. This sets up the critical theological truth that salvation and access to God are found exclusively in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thomas (Greek, _Thōmâs'_):** Derived from a Chaldean word meaning "the twin," Thomas is one of Jesus's twelve disciples. He is often portrayed as practical, direct, and sometimes skeptical, famously requiring tangible proof of Jesus's resurrection in [John 20:24-29](/john/20-24-29 "John 20:24-29 - Doubting Thomas"). Here, his character is consistent, as he voices a literal and pragmatic question in response to Jesus's spiritual statements.
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb primarily means "to see" (literally or figuratively), but in its perfect tense, as used here, it implies "to know" or "to have knowledge." Thomas's statement, "we know not," directly contradicts Jesus's prior assertion, "ye know," highlighting the disconnect between Jesus's spiritual understanding of their knowledge and the disciples' literal lack of information about His destination.
* **way (Greek, _hodós'_):** This multifaceted term can denote a literal "road" or "path," a "journey," or, metaphorically, a "course of conduct," a "doctrine," or the "means to an end." Thomas's question clearly uses _hodós_ in its literal sense, seeking geographical directions. However, Jesus's response in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") dramatically redefines _hodós_ as a personal, spiritual reality, identifying Himself as the singular "Way" to the Father.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest;":** Thomas, addressing Jesus with the respectful title "Lord" (Greek, _kýrios'_), openly expresses the disciples' collective bewilderment. His "we know not" directly contradicts Jesus's previous statement in [John 14:4](/john/14-4 "John 14:4 - Jesus's Confidence in Disciples' Knowledge"), "And whither I go ye know." This indicates the disciples' profound misunderstanding of Jesus's impending departure (Greek, _hypágō'_), which Jesus intends as a spiritual return to the Father, but which they perceive as a physical, unexplained journey.
* **"and how can we know the way?":** This second clause logically follows the first. If they do not know Jesus's destination ("whither thou goest"), then it is impossible for them to know "the way" (Greek, _hodós'_) to that unknown place. Thomas's question, using the interrogative "how" (Greek, _pōs'_), seeks practical instruction or a map. It reveals their literal-mindedness and their inability to grasp the spiritual, metaphorical sense of "the way" that Jesus has in mind. The phrase "can we know" (Greek, _dýnamai eídō'_) underscores their perceived inability to comprehend the path without explicit directions.

#### Literary Devices
John 14:5 employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and set the stage for Jesus's subsequent revelation. **Dialogue** is central, as Thomas's direct question serves as a pivotal moment in the discourse, moving the narrative forward and prompting Jesus's profound response. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as Jesus has just stated, "And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know" [John 14:4](/john/14-4 "John 14:4 - Jesus's Certainty"). Thomas's immediate contradiction ("we know not") highlights the disciples' limited, literal understanding versus Jesus's spiritual truth, creating a dramatic tension that is resolved in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). Furthermore, there is a subtle **Foreshadowing** at play; Thomas's question about "the way" directly anticipates Jesus's self-identification as "the Way," preparing the reader for this foundational theological declaration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Thomas's question in [John 14:5](/john/14-5 "John 14:5 - Thomas's Honest Question") is not merely a practical inquiry but a profound theological pivot. It exposes the inherent human limitation in comprehending divine realities without divine revelation. The disciples, like humanity, are lost without a clear path to God. This verse underscores the necessity of Jesus's subsequent declaration, establishing Him as the sole mediator and the exclusive means by which humanity can approach God the Father. It highlights the Christian understanding that salvation is not achieved through human effort, knowledge, or adherence to a set of rules, but through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, who embodies the truth and life necessary for spiritual passage.

* [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")
* [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")
* [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Thomas's honest, albeit literal, question in [John 14:5](/john/14-5 "John 14:5 - Thomas's Questioning") offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that it is permissible, even beneficial, to voice our uncertainties and confusion in our spiritual journey. Rather than feigning understanding or suppressing genuine doubts, we are invited to bring our questions directly to Jesus, just as Thomas did. His question serves as a model for authentic discipleship, demonstrating that vulnerability can open the door to deeper revelation. In a world offering countless "ways" to fulfillment or spiritual enlightenment, Thomas's inquiry also underscores our innate human need for clear direction and purpose. This verse encourages us to continually seek Jesus as the definitive answer to life's most fundamental questions, trusting that He will illuminate the path, even when it seems obscure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of your faith journey currently feel unclear or confusing, similar to Thomas's bewilderment?**
* **How might voicing your honest questions, rather than suppressing them, lead to deeper understanding and revelation from God?**
* **In what practical ways can you seek Jesus as "the Way" in your daily decisions and spiritual growth?**

### FAQ
**Why did Thomas ask this question if Jesus had just said, "ye know"?**

Answer: Thomas's question highlights the disciples' persistent struggle to grasp the spiritual nature of Jesus's teachings, often interpreting them literally. When Jesus said, "And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know" [John 14:4](/john/14-4 "John 14:4 - Jesus's Confidence in Disciples' Knowledge"), He was referring to His spiritual return to the Father and the path of faith in Him. The disciples, however, were still thinking in terms of a physical departure and a literal journey, expecting an earthly kingdom. Thomas, ever practical and direct, voiced the collective confusion, admitting their ignorance of Jesus's physical destination and, consequently, how they could know the route to it. His question, though born of misunderstanding, served as a crucial catalyst for Jesus to articulate one of His most profound theological truths in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life").

**Does Thomas's question imply a lack of faith?**

Answer: While Thomas's question reveals a literal-mindedness and a lack of full spiritual comprehension, it doesn't necessarily imply a fundamental lack of faith. Instead, it demonstrates his honesty and earnest desire for clarity. Thomas was willing to admit his confusion, which is a sign of intellectual integrity, rather than pretending to understand. This openness allowed Jesus to provide a direct and foundational answer. Throughout the Gospels, the disciples frequently misunderstand Jesus's words (e.g., [Matthew 16:6-12](/matthew/16-6-12 "Matthew 16:6-12 - The Leaven of the Pharisees")), but their faith, though imperfect, was still growing. Thomas's question is less about doubt in Jesus's person and more about confusion regarding His immediate plans and the spiritual realities He was conveying.

**How does Thomas's question relate to the broader theme of "knowing" in John's Gospel?**

Answer: The theme of "knowing" (Greek, _eídō'_) is central to [John's Gospel](/john "The Gospel According to John"), often distinguishing between superficial understanding and true, experiential knowledge of God and Jesus. In [John 14:5](/john/14-5 "John 14:5 - Thomas's Question"), Thomas admits "we know not," directly contrasting with Jesus's assertion that "ye know" [John 14:4](/john/14-4 "John 14:4 - Jesus's Confidence in Disciples' Knowledge"). This highlights the gap between human perception and divine truth. For John, true "knowing" is not merely intellectual assent but a relational, transformative understanding that comes through faith in Jesus. Jesus's subsequent declaration in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") reveals that to truly "know" the way to the Father is to "know" Jesus Himself, as He embodies that path. This concept of knowing is deeply tied to eternal life (cf. [John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Thomas's bewildered question, "how can we know the way?" in [John 14:5](/john/14-5 "John 14:5 - Thomas's Question") finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. The Old Testament often spoke of "the way of the Lord" (e.g., [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")) as a path of righteousness and obedience, but it remained a path that humanity struggled to perfectly walk. In Christ, this abstract concept becomes incarnate. Jesus does not merely *show* the way; He *is* the way, the truth, and the life, as He explicitly declares in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"). His life, death, and resurrection constitute the very means by which humanity can access God. He is the new and living way (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")) through the veil of His flesh, offering direct access to the Father that was once impossible. Therefore, Thomas's question, born of human limitation, serves as a divine setup for the revelation that the ultimate answer to humanity's lostness and search for purpose is found exclusively in the person of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). He is the one through whom all who believe find their path to eternal life and communion with God (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 11:16

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

Mark 9:19

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.

John 20:25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

John 20:28

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

John 15:12

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Luke 24:25

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

Hebrews 5:11

Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.