John 20:20

KJV

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when he had {G2036} so {G5124} said {G2036}, he shewed {G1166} unto them {G846} his hands {G5495} and {G2532} his {G846} side {G4125}. Then {G3767} were {G5463} the disciples {G3101} glad {G5463}, when they saw {G1492} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Having greeted them, he showed them his hands and his side. The talmidim were overjoyed to see the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

American Standard Version

And when he had said this, he showed unto them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:20 captures the pivotal moment of Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, who were gathered in a locked room out of fear. Following His greeting of peace, Jesus offered irrefutable physical proof of His identity and resurrection by displaying the nail marks in His hands and the spear wound in His side. This tangible evidence transformed the disciples' despair into profound joy, affirming the reality of His triumph over death and establishing the foundation for their renewed faith and future mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 20:20 occurs immediately after Jesus' initial appearance to His disciples on the evening of the resurrection day. The preceding verse, [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Disciples in a Locked Room"), sets the scene, describing the disciples huddled behind locked doors, paralyzed by fear of the Jewish authorities. Jesus' sudden appearance, despite the locked doors, demonstrates His glorified body's unique properties. His first words, "Peace be unto you," directly address their inner turmoil. The act of showing His wounds in verse 20 serves as the undeniable physical confirmation that He is indeed the crucified Jesus, not a ghost or an illusion, thereby validating His earlier greeting and preparing them for the subsequent commissioning in [John 20:21-23](/john/20-21-23 "John 20:21-23 - Jesus Commissions His Disciples"). This sequence moves the narrative from fear and uncertainty to peace, conviction, and empowerment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion, the disciples were in a state of profound shock, grief, and fear. Their leader had been brutally executed, and they themselves were now potential targets of the same authorities. Jewish culture, while anticipating a Messiah, did not generally conceive of a suffering, crucified, and then physically resurrected Messiah in this manner. The concept of a physical resurrection was debated among Jewish groups (e.g., Pharisees believed, Sadducees did not). Therefore, the disciples' fear was rational given the political climate, and their need for tangible proof of resurrection was deeply rooted in their cultural and theological understanding, or lack thereof, regarding a Messiah who would conquer death in such a way. The wounds Jesus displayed would have been instantly recognizable as the marks of crucifixion, a Roman form of execution designed for maximum public humiliation and suffering.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **reality and physicality of Jesus' resurrection**. John consistently emphasizes that Jesus' post-resurrection appearances were not spectral but involved a tangible body, capable of being seen and touched, as further evidenced by [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Thomas's Doubt and Belief"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **joy and peace in the presence of Christ**. The disciples' transformation from fear to gladness illustrates the profound emotional and spiritual impact of encountering the living Lord, a joy that Jesus had promised would follow His return (e.g., [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn to Joy")). Thirdly, the enduring presence of His wounds speaks to the **eternal significance of His atoning sacrifice**. Even in His glorified state, Jesus bears the marks of His passion, serving as a perpetual reminder of the cost of redemption and the depth of God's love, a concept echoed in [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shewed (Greek, _deiknýō_):** This verb signifies a clear, undeniable demonstration or revelation. It implies a purposeful act of presenting something for observation, designed to remove doubt or to make something known definitively. In this context, Jesus' action was not a casual gesture but a deliberate unveiling of His wounds to provide irrefutable evidence of His identity and resurrection.
* **glad (Greek, _chaírō_):** This word denotes a deep, overflowing joy or cheerfulness. It describes a state of profound inner happiness, often associated with a sense of well-being or delight. The disciples' gladness here is a stark contrast to their previous fear and sorrow, indicating a complete transformation of their emotional state brought about by the sight of their resurrected Lord.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** Derived from a root meaning "supremacy," _kýrios_ signifies one who is supreme in authority, a controller, or Master. It is a respectful title implying ownership and ultimate authority. When the disciples saw "the Lord," they recognized Him not merely as their teacher or friend, but as the sovereign, resurrected Christ, confirming His divine status and authority over life and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he had so said,"**: This clause connects Jesus' action to His preceding words, "Peace be unto you" ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus' Greeting of Peace")). It indicates that the demonstration of His wounds immediately followed His verbal assurance, reinforcing His message of peace with tangible proof.
* **"he shewed unto them his hands and his side."**: This is the central action of the verse. Jesus deliberately presented the physical evidence of His crucifixion—the nail marks in His hands (or wrists) and the spear wound in His side ([John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side")). This act was crucial for authenticating His identity as the same Jesus who had been crucified and for proving the physical reality of His resurrection, dispelling any notion that He was a spirit or an illusion.
* **"Then were the disciples glad,"**: The immediate and profound emotional response of the disciples. Their fear and despair, which had gripped them since Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, were instantaneously replaced by overwhelming joy. This gladness was not merely relief but a deep spiritual delight born from the realization that their Lord was alive, victorious over death, and His promises were true.
* **"when they saw the Lord."**: This final phrase identifies the direct cause of their gladness. It was not just seeing *someone*, but seeing "the Lord"—their Master, their Messiah, their God—alive and bearing the marks of His triumph. This visual confirmation was the catalyst for their transformation from sorrow to joy, from doubt to belief.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the dramatic shift from the disciples' fear and despair (implied from [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Disciples in a Locked Room")) to their overwhelming "gladness." This emotional transformation underscores the power of Christ's resurrected presence. **Symbolism** is also central, as Jesus' hands and side, bearing the marks of crucifixion, are not merely physical wounds but powerful symbols of His atoning sacrifice and His victory over death. These wounds, though signs of past suffering, become emblems of His enduring love and the reality of His triumph. Furthermore, the verse relies on **Eyewitness Testimony**, emphasizing the disciples' direct visual experience ("when they saw the Lord") as the basis for their belief and joy, reinforcing the historical veracity of the resurrection account.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:20 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christ's resurrection and its implications for Christian faith. The display of Jesus' wounds confirms the physical reality of His resurrection, asserting that His body, though glorified, remained identifiable with His crucified self. This physical continuity is crucial for Christian theology, affirming that redemption is not merely spiritual but encompasses the whole person and the material world. The disciples' joy, upon seeing the living Lord, anticipates the eschatological joy of believers who will one day see Christ face-to-face, and it underscores that true, lasting peace and gladness are found in His presence. The enduring marks of His sacrifice also remind us that His atoning work is eternally efficacious and central to His identity as the Lamb of God.

* [Luke 24:39](/luke/24-39 "Luke 24:39 - See My Hands and Feet")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ Died and Rose Again")
* [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in John 20:20 offers profound comfort and challenge to believers today. Just as the disciples moved from fear to joy at the sight of the resurrected Christ, so too can we find peace and gladness in the reality of His victory over sin and death. Our faith is not based on wishful thinking but on the historical, verifiable resurrection of Jesus, evidenced by His enduring wounds. These marks remind us of the immense cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love, prompting us to live lives of gratitude and devotion. In moments of doubt, fear, or despair, we are invited to "see the Lord" through faith, remembering that His presence transforms our circumstances and fills us with an unshakeable joy that the world cannot give or take away. This verse calls us to embrace the reality of the living Christ, allowing His triumphant presence to dispel our anxieties and empower our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the physical evidence of Jesus' wounds strengthen your faith in His resurrection?**
* **What "fears" or "locked doors" in your life might be transformed by encountering the resurrected Christ?**
* **How does the disciples' sudden "gladness" inspire your own emotional and spiritual response to Jesus?**
* **In what ways do Jesus' enduring wounds remind you of the ongoing significance of His sacrifice for your life?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus show His hands and side specifically?**

Answer: Jesus specifically showed His hands (or wrists, where the nails would have been) and His side (where a Roman soldier pierced Him with a spear, as recorded in [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The Piercing of Jesus' Side")) to provide undeniable, tangible proof of His identity and the physical reality of His resurrection. These were the very marks of His crucifixion, serving as irrefutable evidence that He was indeed the same Jesus who had died on the cross, not a ghost or an imposter. This satisfied the disciples' need for concrete proof, especially given their fear and the extraordinary nature of His return from the dead.

**What is the significance of the disciples being "glad"?**

Answer: The disciples' "gladness" (Greek: _chaírō_) signifies a profound, overflowing joy that replaced their prior fear, sorrow, and despair. This radical emotional shift underscores the immense impact of encountering the resurrected Lord. Their gladness was not merely relief, but a deep spiritual delight that came from the realization that Jesus' promises were true, that death had been conquered, and that their hope was gloriously vindicated. This joy is a foretaste of the joy that believers experience in the presence of Christ, as He promised in [John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn to Joy"): "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:20 powerfully points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, by displaying His hands and side, reveals Himself as the resurrected Lord who bears the eternal marks of His atoning sacrifice. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant, whose wounds bring healing (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His Wounds We Are Healed")). His appearance to the disciples, transforming their fear into joy, foreshadows the spiritual transformation He brings to all who believe in Him. He is the source of true peace, a peace that transcends earthly circumstances and is rooted in His victory over sin and death ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Promise of Peace")). The glorified Christ, with His visible wounds, stands as the eternal Lamb of God, who was slain and now lives, forever interceding for His people and reigning in glory ([Revelation 5:6](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb Standing as if Slain"); [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Lives to Intercede")). His resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, validating His divine claims and securing the hope of eternal life for all who see and believe in Him as Lord.

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 16:22

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

John 16:20

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

John 20:27

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

1 John 1:1

¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

Luke 24:39

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Luke 24:41

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

John 19:34

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.