John 20:25

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The other {G243} disciples {G3101} therefore {G3767} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, We have seen {G3708} the Lord {G2962}. But {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Except {G3362} I shall see {G1492} in {G1722} his {G846} hands {G5495} the print {G5179} of the nails {G2247}, and {G2532} put {G906} my {G3450} finger {G1147} into {G1519} the print {G5179} of the nails {G2247}, and {G2532} thrust {G906} my {G3450} hand {G5495} into {G1519} his {G846} side {G4125}, I will {G4100} not {G3364} believe {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the other talmidim told him, “We have seen the Lord,” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my finger into the place where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe it.”

Berean Standard Bible

So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.”

American Standard Version

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 put my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:25 captures the profound skepticism of Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, upon hearing the news of Christ's resurrection from his fellow apostles. Having been absent during Jesus' initial appearance, Thomas adamantly declares that he will not believe unless he personally sees and touches the physical evidence of the crucifixion wounds—the nail prints in Jesus' hands and the spear wound in His side. This verse vividly portrays the human struggle with doubt in the face of extraordinary claims, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent encounter with Thomas and His profound teaching on the nature of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, specifically on the evening of that first Easter Sunday. [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus appears to the disciples") describes Jesus' initial appearance to ten of His disciples (Judas Iscariot was dead, and Thomas was absent). The disciples, initially locked away in fear, are filled with joy upon seeing the Lord and receiving the Holy Spirit. Their enthusiastic testimony, "We have seen the Lord," directly precedes and prompts Thomas's famous declaration of disbelief in [John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's demand for proof"). This sets up a crucial narrative arc that culminates in Jesus' specific appearance to Thomas eight days later, leading to Thomas's powerful confession of faith and Jesus' blessing on those who believe without seeing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The crucifixion was a brutal and public form of execution, designed to inflict maximum suffering and humiliation. The "print of the nails" and the wound in the side were not mere symbolic marks but tangible, gruesome evidence of Jesus' death, universally recognized in that era. The Jewish context also played a role; while some believed in a future resurrection, the idea of an individual's bodily resurrection *before* the general resurrection was unprecedented and shocking. The disciples, despite Jesus' clear prophecies, struggled to grasp this reality, as evidenced by their initial fear and disbelief (cf. [Luke 24:11](/luke/24-11 "Luke 24:11 - Disciples' initial disbelief")). Thomas's demand for physical evidence aligns with a human tendency to seek empirical proof for extraordinary claims, especially given the profound implications of a resurrected Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** John 20:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it underscores the **reality and physicality of Jesus' resurrection**. Thomas's specific demands for tactile proof emphasize that Jesus' resurrected body was not a phantom or spirit, but a tangible, though glorified, body bearing the marks of His passion. Secondly, it explores the **nature of faith and doubt**. Thomas's skepticism serves as a foil to the immediate belief of the other disciples, highlighting the human struggle to move from sight-based understanding to faith-based conviction. This theme is further developed in Jesus' response in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Jesus' blessing on those who believe without seeing"). Thirdly, the verse subtly reinforces the **importance of eyewitness testimony** as a foundation for belief, even as it pivots to a higher form of faith that transcends direct observation. The entire Gospel of John, as stated in [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The purpose of John's Gospel"), is written so that readers "may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **print (Greek, _týpos'_):** From G5179, this word signifies a mark, impression, or pattern left by a blow or a stamp. In this context, it refers to the indelible scars left by the nails on Jesus' hands. The use of _týpos_ here emphasizes the concrete, physical evidence of the crucifixion, serving as an undeniable "stamp" of His identity and suffering. It is the very "type" or pattern of His passion that Thomas demands to inspect.
* **nails (Greek, _hēlos'_):** From G2247, this refers to the spikes used in crucifixion. The plural form in the Greek (implied by "the nails" and confirmed by the context of two hands) indicates that more than one nail was used, typically one for each hand, consistent with Roman crucifixion practices. Thomas's specific mention of "nails" highlights the brutal reality of Jesus' death and the precise nature of the wounds he sought to verify.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From G4100, this verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." Thomas's declaration, "I will not believe," expresses a complete refusal to credit the disciples' testimony until he has empirical, sensory proof. His demand underscores that true belief, as understood in the New Testament, involves an act of trusting commitment, not merely intellectual assent based on physical evidence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord."**: This opening clause establishes the context: the joyful, unified testimony of the disciples who had already encountered the risen Christ. Their declaration is a powerful, direct assertion of the resurrection's reality, based on their personal experience.
* **"But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails,"**: Thomas's response immediately introduces a stark contrast ("But he said"). His condition for belief is explicit and demanding: he requires direct, visual confirmation of the most graphic evidence of the crucifixion—the scars left by the nails. This reveals his profound skepticism and his reliance on empirical data.
* **"and put my finger into the print of the nails,"**: Thomas escalates his demand from mere sight to tactile verification. He insists not only on seeing but on physically probing the wounds with his own finger. This emphasizes the depth of his doubt and his need for undeniable, sensory proof that the resurrected Jesus is indeed the crucified Jesus.
* **"and thrust my hand into his side,"**: This final, most intrusive demand refers to the spear wound inflicted by the Roman soldier (cf. [John 19:34](/john/19-34 "John 19:34 - The spear in Jesus' side")). Thomas's desire to "thrust" his entire hand into the wound signifies an absolute refusal to accept anything less than irrefutable, physical evidence, leaving no room for ambiguity or deception.
* **"I will not believe."**: This concluding statement is a categorical declaration of disbelief. It encapsulates Thomas's firm resolve to withhold faith until his stringent conditions for proof are met, setting him apart from the other disciples who had already embraced the resurrection by faith.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several key literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Contrast** is immediately evident between the joyous, believing testimony of the other disciples and Thomas's resolute skepticism. This juxtaposition highlights the different pathways to faith and the human struggle with doubt. **Repetition** of the phrase "print of the nails" (or similar phrasing) emphasizes the specific, tangible nature of the evidence Thomas demands, underscoring the physicality of Jesus' resurrected body. Furthermore, Thomas's demands escalate from seeing to touching with a finger, and then to thrusting an entire hand into the wound, creating a sense of **climax** in his expression of doubt. This **hyperbole** in his demands effectively sets the stage for Jesus' later, compassionate, and direct response, which addresses Thomas's specific needs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:25 serves as a pivotal moment in the post-resurrection narrative, deeply exploring the nature of belief and the reality of Christ's triumph over death. Thomas's demand for physical proof underscores the early church's unwavering conviction in a bodily resurrection—not a spiritual apparition, but a tangible, though transformed, human body bearing the marks of its suffering. This emphasis on the physical wounds connects the resurrected Christ directly to the crucified Christ, ensuring continuity of identity. Theologically, Thomas's doubt is not condemned outright but is met with divine grace, demonstrating God's patience with human skepticism and His willingness to meet individuals where they are, ultimately drawing them to a deeper, Spirit-powered faith that transcends the need for physical sight.

* [John 20:20](/john/20-20 "John 20:20 - Jesus shows His hands and side to the disciples")
* [John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's confession of faith")
* [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Jesus blesses those who believe without seeing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Thomas's story in John 20:25 offers a profound mirror to the human condition. It acknowledges the natural inclination to seek tangible evidence, especially when confronted with claims that defy ordinary experience. In a world that often prioritizes empirical proof, Thomas's skepticism resonates deeply. Yet, his journey also serves as a powerful reminder that while God can and does provide evidence, the ultimate call is to a faith that transcends the purely sensory. For believers today, this passage encourages empathy for those who struggle with doubt, recognizing that questioning can be a pathway to deeper conviction when met with grace and truth. It challenges us to move beyond a faith based solely on what we can see or touch, toward a trust in the unseen Christ, whose Spirit bears witness within us and whose Word provides the enduring testimony. Our faith is not blind, but it is a trust in the historical reality of the resurrection and the present reality of Christ's presence, even without physical sight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to demand tangible proof before you believe?**
* **How does Thomas's journey from doubt to profound confession encourage you in your own faith walk?**
* **What does it mean to "believe without seeing" in your daily life and spiritual journey?**

### FAQ

**Why was Thomas absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples?**

Answer: The Gospel of John does not explicitly state why Thomas was absent during Jesus' initial appearance to the other disciples on the evening of the resurrection day (cf. [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus' first appearance to the disciples")). It simply notes that "Thomas, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came." We can infer that he was likely separated from the group for some unknown reason, perhaps due to fear, grief, or personal circumstances. His absence is crucial to the narrative, as it sets the stage for his unique encounter with the Risen Lord and his subsequent declaration of faith.

**Why did Thomas need such specific and graphic proof of Jesus' resurrection?**

Answer: Thomas's demand for specific and graphic proof ("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") highlights the depth of his grief, shock, and perhaps even despair following Jesus' crucifixion. He had witnessed the brutal reality of Jesus' death and likely found it incredibly difficult to reconcile that image with the disciples' claim of resurrection. His demands underscore the physical reality of Jesus' death and the need for tangible evidence to overcome his profound skepticism. It also emphasizes that the resurrection was not merely a spiritual event but a bodily one, with the resurrected Christ bearing the marks of His passion.

**Does Thomas's story imply that doubt is acceptable or even a necessary part of faith?**

Answer: Thomas's story demonstrates that doubt can be a natural human response to extraordinary claims, and that God is gracious enough to meet us in our skepticism. Jesus does not condemn Thomas for his doubt but compassionately provides the very evidence he requested (cf. [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds")). However, the narrative ultimately moves beyond doubt to a higher form of faith. Jesus' blessing in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessed are those who believe without seeing")—"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed"—suggests that while doubt may be a starting point, the ideal is to move towards a trust that does not require physical sight. It's not that doubt is necessary, but that God's grace extends even to those who struggle with it, inviting them to a deeper, more mature faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 20:25, though a testament to human skepticism, powerfully points to the Christ-centered reality of the resurrection and its profound implications for salvation. Thomas's adamant demand to see and touch the "print of the nails" and the wound in Jesus' "side" underscores the vital truth that the resurrected Christ is indeed the crucified Christ. His glorified body still bore the marks of His atoning sacrifice, demonstrating that His triumph over death was real and that the very wounds He endured for humanity's sin were transformed into eternal badges of victory. This physical continuity between the suffering Savior and the risen Lord is crucial, for it is through His death and resurrection that humanity finds reconciliation with God (cf. [Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Jesus was raised for our justification")). Thomas's journey from demanding physical proof to exclaiming, "My Lord and my God!" (cf. [John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's confession of faith")) serves as a paradigm for all who encounter the Risen Christ; while some may need tangible evidence, the ultimate call is to believe in the One who bore our sins and conquered death, a faith that brings eternal life (cf. [John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - The purpose of John's Gospel")). Jesus' subsequent blessing on those who believe without seeing (cf. [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Jesus' blessing on those who believe without seeing")) invites all future generations to embrace the reality of His resurrection by the power of the Holy Spirit, finding in Him the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

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

Mark 16:11

And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

John 6:30

They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

Hebrews 3:18

And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

Hebrews 4:2

For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard [it].

Psalms 78:11

And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.

Psalms 78:22

Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

Psalms 95:8

Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, [and] as [in] the day of temptation in the wilderness: