20:24 20:24

John 20:25

20:26 20:26

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.”
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.”
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.

Context of John 20:25

This verse immediately follows Jesus' first appearance to a group of His disciples on the evening of the Resurrection Day (John 20:19-20). Thomas, also known as Didymus (meaning "the twin"), was notably absent during this momentous event. When the other disciples, full of joy and conviction, shared their incredible news – "We have seen the Lord" – Thomas responded with profound skepticism. This moment highlights the intense emotional and spiritual upheaval the disciples were experiencing, grappling with the reality of Jesus' resurrection after His brutal crucifixion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Doubt: Thomas's demand for tangible, physical proof ("Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails...") reveals a human tendency to rely on empirical evidence rather than solely on testimony. His skepticism is a common human experience when faced with extraordinary claims.
  • The Reality of Christ's Physical Resurrection: Thomas's specific requirements underscore the fact that the disciples, and indeed the early church, believed in a bodily resurrection. Jesus was not merely a spirit or a ghost; He retained the marks of His crucifixion, yet His body was glorified and able to appear and disappear. The "print of the nails" and the wound in His side were undeniable evidence of His identity and the reality of His triumph over death.
  • The Importance of Eyewitness Testimony: While Thomas doubted the disciples' word, their collective testimony was crucial. The gospel accounts emphasize the role of eyewitnesses in validating the resurrection, which became the cornerstone of the early Christian message.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "print of the nails" translates from the Greek typos ton hēlon. The word typos (from which we get "type") means a mark, impression, or pattern left by a blow or a stamp. This emphasizes the indelible nature of the crucifixion wounds on Jesus' hands. The plural "nails" (hēlon) suggests there was more than one nail used, typically one for each hand, consistent with common crucifixion practices.

Related Scriptures

Thomas's famous declaration here sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent appearance specifically to him. His doubt, though initially strong, led to one of the most profound confessions of faith in the New Testament when he finally encountered the Risen Lord in John 20:28, exclaiming, "My Lord and my God!" This episode also prompts Jesus' blessed statement in John 20:29: "Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

For us today, Thomas's initial skepticism serves as a reminder that it is natural to have questions or doubts about profound spiritual truths. However, it also challenges us to move beyond mere physical evidence and embrace faith. The Christian faith is founded on the historical reality of Jesus' resurrection, but it is sustained by a personal conviction that comes through the Holy Spirit. This narrative encourages believers to seek understanding and to trust in the consistent testimony of Scripture, which aims to lead all to belief in Christ (John 20:31).

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.

  • 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:
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