John 20:26

¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.

And {G2532} after {G3326} eight {G3638} days {G2250} again {G3825} his {G846} disciples {G3101} were {G2258} within {G2080}, and {G2532} Thomas {G2381} with {G3326} them {G846}: then came {G2064} Jesus {G2424}, the doors {G2374} being shut {G2808}, and {G2532} stood {G2476} in {G1519} the midst {G3319}, and {G2532} said {G2036}, Peace {G1515} be unto you {G5213}.

A week later his talmidim were once more in the room, and this time T’oma was with them. Although the doors were locked, Yeshua came, stood among them and said, “Shalom aleikhem!”

Eight days later, His disciples were once again inside with the doors locked, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Thomas's declaration that he would not believe in Jesus's resurrection unless he saw and touched His wounds. "After eight days" refers to the following Sunday, exactly one week after Jesus's initial appearance to the disciples on the evening of the resurrection (John 20:19). The disciples were again gathered indoors, likely still out of fear of the Jewish authorities, hence the "doors being shut." This setting emphasizes the supernatural nature of Jesus's resurrected body, which could pass through solid objects, yet remained physical and tangible.

Key Themes

  • Jesus's Post-Resurrection Reality: This appearance further confirms the physical, yet glorified, nature of Jesus's resurrected body. He was not a ghost but had the ability to appear despite locked doors, demonstrating His triumph over physical limitations and death itself.
  • Divine Patience and Grace: Jesus specifically appears to address Thomas's doubt, demonstrating His profound patience and willingness to meet individuals where they are, even in their skepticism. He doesn't rebuke Thomas but offers the very proof he demanded.
  • The Gift of Peace: Jesus's repeated greeting, "Peace be unto you," is significant. It's more than a mere salutation; it's a profound declaration of the spiritual peace He offers, a peace that transcends fear and doubt, fulfilling His earlier promise (John 14:27). This peace is the fruit of His finished work on the cross.
  • Community and Fellowship: Jesus appears when the disciples are gathered together, highlighting the importance of Christian community as a place where Christ manifests His presence and dispels fear.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Peace be unto you" is a direct translation of the Greek eirēnē hymin (εἰρήνη ὑμῖν), which reflects the Hebrew greeting shalom aleichem (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם). In a biblical context, shalom (peace) is far richer than just the absence of conflict; it signifies wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and reconciliation, especially with God. Jesus's repeated bestowal of this peace underscored the spiritual completeness and reconciliation available through His resurrection.

Practical Application

John 20:26 offers comfort and challenge for believers today:

  • Meeting Doubt with Grace: Just as Jesus met Thomas's doubt with patient love and tangible proof, He continues to meet us in our uncertainties. This verse encourages us to bring our questions and doubts to Him, knowing He is gracious and understanding.
  • The Enduring Power of Christ's Peace: In a world filled with anxiety and fear, Jesus's greeting reminds us that His peace is available even when "doors are shut"—when we feel trapped, fearful, or overwhelmed by circumstances. His presence changes the atmosphere.
  • Importance of Christian Gathering: The fact that Jesus appeared when His disciples were gathered emphasizes the value of corporate worship and fellowship. It is often within the community of believers that we experience His presence most profoundly and receive His peace and encouragement.
  • Trust Beyond Sight: While Thomas received physical proof, Jesus would go on to declare a blessing on those who believe without seeing (John 20:29). This verse lays the groundwork for that profound spiritual truth.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 20:19

    ¶ Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you.

  • Isaiah 54:10

    For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

  • John 20:21

    Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

  • Isaiah 26:12

    ¶ LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

  • John 14:27

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  • Matthew 17:1

    ¶ And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

  • Luke 9:28

    ¶ And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back