John 20:24

KJV

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Thomas {G2381}, one {G1520} of {G1537} the twelve {G1427}, called {G3004} Didymus {G1324}, was {G2258} not {G3756} with {G3326} them {G846} when {G3753} Jesus {G2424} came {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now T’oma (the name means “twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Yeshua came.

Berean Standard Bible

Now Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

American Standard Version

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:24 introduces Thomas, one of the original twelve disciples, by his dual name and highlights his crucial absence during Jesus' initial post-resurrection appearance to the other disciples. This specific detail sets the narrative stage for Thomas's well-known struggle with doubt, his demand for empirical proof of the resurrection, and his eventual profound confession of faith in the risen Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, who were gathered in a locked room for fear of the Jewish authorities ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to His Disciples")). During this initial encounter, Jesus showed them His hands and side, proving His identity, and then commissioned them, breathing on them the Holy Spirit ([John 20:20-23](/john/20-20-23 "John 20:20-23 - Jesus' Commission and Holy Spirit")). John 20:24 functions as a narrative pivot, explaining why Thomas missed this foundational experience and thereby setting up the subsequent account of his skepticism and Jesus' gracious response to it. The verse directly foreshadows the pivotal exchange in [John 20:25-29](/john/20-25-29 "John 20:25-29 - Thomas's Doubt and Confession"), where Thomas's doubt is addressed and ultimately resolved.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the crucifixion, Jesus' disciples would have been in a state of profound grief, confusion, and fear. The Jewish authorities had successfully orchestrated Jesus' death, and His followers would have been seen as a threat, potentially facing similar persecution. Gathering in a locked room was a practical measure for safety. In this context, eyewitness testimony was paramount for establishing truth and authority. The disciples' initial fear and subsequent joy upon seeing the risen Christ, followed by Thomas's demand for physical proof, reflect the real human struggle to comprehend such a miraculous event, especially when not present for the initial, transformative encounter. The emphasis on seeing and touching aligns with the legal and cultural expectations for verifying claims in the ancient world.

* **Key Themes:** John 20:24 contributes to several significant themes within the Gospel of John and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **importance of community and fellowship** within the nascent Christian movement; Thomas's physical absence from the gathered disciples directly leads to his spiritual struggle with belief, highlighting the unique strengthening that comes from corporate encounter with God. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **faith versus sight**, setting the stage for Jesus' declaration in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessed Are Those Who Have Not Seen") about the blessedness of those who believe without seeing. Thomas's journey becomes a paradigm for those who come to faith through testimony rather than direct physical encounter. Lastly, the verse subtly emphasizes **Jesus' divine patience and personal engagement** with His disciples, even in their weaknesses, as He later appears specifically to address Thomas's doubt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thomas (Greek, _Thōmâs_):** This name is of Aramaic origin (תָּאוֹם, _Ta'oma_), meaning "twin." The Gospel of John consistently pairs it with its Greek equivalent, Didymus, emphasizing this distinctive aspect of his identity. While the identity of his twin is never revealed in Scripture, the dual naming serves to uniquely identify him within the narrative, perhaps hinting at a deeper, internal duality or a personal characteristic that might predispose him to a particular way of processing the resurrection.
* **Didymus (Greek, _Dídymos_):** As the Greek translation of Thomas, this name literally means "twin" or "double." Its inclusion alongside "Thomas" in [John 20:24](/john/20-24 "John 20:24 - Thomas's Absence") and other passages ([John 11:16](/john/11-16 "John 11:16 - Thomas Called Didymus"), [John 21:2](/john/21-2 "John 21:2 - Thomas Didymus at the Sea of Tiberias")) reinforces his identity. The repetition might subtly highlight his unique personality or the particular role he plays in the narrative as the one who required "double" assurance—both the testimony of others and personal, empirical proof.
* **was not (Greek, _ēn ou_):** The Greek phrase combines the imperfect form of the verb "to be" (_ēn_) with the absolute negative particle (_ou_). This simple phrase conveys a state of being absent, a factual reality that has profound narrative and theological implications. It is not merely that Thomas "did not come," but that he "was not" present—a state of being that defined his experience of this pivotal moment and set him apart from the other disciples who received the Holy Spirit directly from the risen Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus,"**: This clause immediately identifies the specific disciple in question, Thomas, and provides additional identifying information: his status as one of the inner circle ("one of the twelve") and his common appellation, "Didymus." The "But" (G1161, _dé_) serves as an adversative particle, signaling a contrast or a shift in focus from the collective group to an individual who was an exception. This highlights his unique position in the narrative that follows.
* **"was not with them"**: This is the critical piece of information. Thomas's physical absence from the gathering of the other disciples is the direct cause of his subsequent doubt. He missed the initial, transformative encounter with the risen Jesus that brought peace and conviction to the others. This absence underscores the importance of communal presence in receiving divine revelation and spiritual blessings.
* **"when Jesus came."**: This final clause specifies the precise timing of Thomas's absence. It was during the very moment of Jesus' miraculous appearance to the disciples in the locked room. The verb "came" (G2064, _érchomai_) emphasizes the sudden, unexpected, and supernatural arrival of Jesus, making Thomas's missed opportunity even more significant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to set the stage for the unfolding narrative. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Thomas's absence directly foreshadows his subsequent doubt and the dramatic encounter where Jesus addresses his skepticism. The simple statement of his non-presence creates narrative tension, prompting the reader to anticipate how this will impact his faith journey. There is also a subtle **irony** in the fact that the disciple named "Twin" (Didymus) is precisely the one who is isolated from the group at this crucial moment, highlighting his individual struggle. Furthermore, the verse serves as a powerful piece of **characterization**, immediately distinguishing Thomas from the other disciples and establishing him as the figure through whom the Gospel will explore the nature of belief and doubt in the face of the resurrection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:24, though brief, carries profound theological weight, underscoring the significance of communal experience in the life of faith and the reality of doubt within the journey of belief. Thomas's absence from the initial post-resurrection gathering highlights how shared spiritual encounters can solidify faith and how missing such moments can lead to personal struggle. Yet, the subsequent narrative reveals God's gracious accommodation of human doubt, demonstrating that genuine faith, even when born from initial skepticism, is deeply valued. The verse implicitly raises questions about the nature of evidence, the role of eyewitness testimony, and the ultimate source of conviction in the resurrected Christ.

* [John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Demand for Proof")
* [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Jesus' Blessing for Believers")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - The Definition of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Thomas's story, beginning with his absence in John 20:24, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a poignant reminder of the value of Christian community and the unique blessings derived from corporate worship and fellowship. While God is sovereign and can meet us anywhere, there is a profound strengthening and encouragement found in being present with other believers, sharing in their experiences of God's presence, and receiving the Holy Spirit in a communal context. Thomas's missed encounter led to a period of doubt, illustrating that isolation, whether physical or spiritual, can sometimes hinder our faith journey. However, his story also beautifully illustrates God's patience and grace in addressing individual doubt, showing that honest questions and even skepticism do not disqualify one from God's love or the opportunity for profound faith. We are invited to bring our doubts to Christ, trusting that He will meet us with compassion and provide the conviction we need, just as He did for Thomas.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my consistent presence (or absence) within a community of believers impact my personal faith journey and understanding of God?**
* **In what ways do I, like Thomas, sometimes require empirical evidence or personal experience to believe, and how can I cultivate a faith that trusts even when I have not "seen"?**
* **What does Thomas's story teach me about God's patience and willingness to meet individuals where they are, even in their moments of doubt and skepticism?**

### FAQ
**Why is Thomas also called Didymus?**

Answer: Thomas is called Didymus because both names mean "twin." "Thomas" (G2381, _Thōmâs_) is derived from the Aramaic word for twin (תָּאוֹם, _Ta'oma_), while "Didymus" (G1324, _Dídymos_) is its direct Greek equivalent. The Gospel of John consistently uses both names for him, as seen in [John 11:16](/john/11-16 "John 11:16 - Thomas Called Didymus") and [John 21:2](/john/21-2 "John 21:2 - Thomas Didymus at the Sea of Tiberias"). While Scripture never identifies his twin, the dual naming serves to uniquely identify him and may subtly emphasize his distinct personality or the "double" nature of his struggle with belief and his need for "double" assurance regarding the resurrection.

**Why was Thomas not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared?**

Answer: The Gospel of John does not explicitly state why Thomas was absent from the initial gathering of the disciples. Various theories exist, such as him being on an errand, still in deep personal grief, or simply separated from the group due to the chaotic and fearful circumstances following Jesus' crucifixion. What is clear is that his absence was a factual reality that set the stage for his subsequent doubt. This detail is crucial for the narrative, as it allows for the unique and impactful encounter between Jesus and Thomas that follows, highlighting Jesus' willingness to meet individual needs and address specific struggles with faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:24, by highlighting Thomas's absence and setting the stage for his doubt, ultimately points to the profound Christ-centered fulfillment found in Jesus' compassionate pursuit of His disciples. The risen Christ, knowing Thomas's need, did not abandon him to his skepticism but graciously appeared a second time specifically for his sake ([John 20:26](/john/20-26 "John 20:26 - Jesus Appears to Thomas")). This act reveals Jesus as the Good Shepherd who seeks out the one lost sheep ([Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), demonstrating His unwavering love and personal care for each of His followers. By inviting Thomas to touch His wounds, Jesus revealed that His resurrected body, though glorified, still bore the marks of His atoning sacrifice on the cross. These very wounds, which purchased our salvation, became the undeniable proof that transformed Thomas's doubt into the profound confession, "My Lord and my God!" ([John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's Confession")). Thus, Thomas's journey from absence to presence, from doubt to definitive faith, foreshadows the experience of all who would come to believe in Christ through the testimony of others, fulfilling Jesus' blessing, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" ([John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Jesus' Blessing for Believers")). The entire episode underscores that the resurrected Christ is not only the object of our faith but also the compassionate enabler of it, meeting us in our weaknesses and confirming His truth by His very presence and power, even through His Spirit in the absence of physical sight ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")).

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.

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

John 6:66

From that [time] many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

John 6:67

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

John 21:2

There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

John 14:5

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

Matthew 10:3

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;