John 20:26

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!”

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 20:26 recounts Jesus's second post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, specifically aimed at addressing the persistent doubt of Thomas. Exactly one week after His initial appearance, Jesus supernaturally enters the room where the disciples are gathered behind locked doors, demonstrating the unique nature of His resurrected body. His immediate action is to stand among them and extend His characteristic greeting of "Peace be unto you," offering both reassurance and the profound spiritual peace secured by His finished work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse directly follows [John 20:24-25](/john/20-24-25 "John 20:24-25 - Thomas's Doubt"), where Thomas, absent during Jesus's first appearance to the disciples on resurrection Sunday evening, declares his emphatic refusal to believe unless he physically sees and touches Jesus's wounds. The narrative carefully sets the scene by stating "And after eight days again," indicating the following Sunday, exactly one week after the initial appearance recorded in [John 20:19-23](/john/20-19-23 "John 20:19-23 - Jesus's First Appearance to His Disciples"). The repetition of the disciples being "within" and the "doors being shut" highlights their continued fear and the supernatural nature of Jesus's entry, preparing the reader for the direct confrontation of Thomas's doubt that immediately follows in [John 20:27-28](/john/20-27-28 "John 20:27-28 - Jesus Addresses Thomas's Doubt").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "after eight days" refers to the Jewish practice of inclusive reckoning, meaning the eighth day from the first event, which would be the same day of the week (Sunday) one week later. This further solidifies Sunday as the day of the Lord's resurrection and subsequent appearances. The disciples' gathering "within" with "doors being shut" reflects the prevailing fear among Jesus's followers of persecution from the Jewish authorities, who had just orchestrated His crucifixion. The greeting "Peace be unto you" (Greek: _eirēnē hymin_, reflecting the Hebrew _shalom aleichem_) was a common salutation in the ancient Near East. However, coming from the resurrected Christ, it carries profound theological weight, signifying not merely the absence of conflict but wholeness, well-being, reconciliation with God, and the spiritual tranquility that only He can bestow, especially in the context of fear and uncertainty.
* **Key Themes:** [John 20:26](/john/20-26 "John 20:26 - Jesus Appears to Thomas") powerfully reinforces several central themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **reality and nature of Jesus's post-resurrection body**. His ability to enter a locked room demonstrates His triumph over physical limitations, yet His subsequent interaction with Thomas confirms His tangible, physical presence, not as a ghost, but as a glorified human being. Secondly, the verse highlights **Jesus's divine patience and grace** towards human doubt. He specifically appears when Thomas is present, demonstrating His compassionate willingness to meet individuals in their skepticism and provide the very proof they demand. This echoes His earlier promise to never leave His disciples ([John 14:18](/john/14-18 "John 14:18 - Jesus Promises Not to Leave His Disciples")). Thirdly, Jesus's repeated greeting, "Peace be unto you," emphasizes the **gift of peace** that He bestows upon His followers. This is the fulfillment of His promise in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus's Promise of Peace"), a peace that transcends worldly anxieties and is the fruit of His completed work on the cross. Finally, the scene reinforces the **importance of Christian community and fellowship**, as Jesus manifests His presence and dispels fear when His disciples are gathered together, emphasizing the corporate dimension of encountering the risen Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** G1515. This word, appearing as Jesus's greeting, signifies far more than the absence of conflict. Derived from a verb meaning "to join," _eirḗnē_ encompasses wholeness, well-being, prosperity, health, and reconciliation. In a biblical context, it points to a state of spiritual completeness and harmony, particularly with God, made possible through Christ's atoning work.
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** G2064. This primary verb denotes movement, "to come or go." Here, it describes Jesus's supernatural arrival into the locked room. The verb emphasizes His deliberate, purposeful appearance, highlighting His sovereignty over physical barriers and His intentionality in seeking out His disciples, especially Thomas.
* **stood (Greek, _hístēmi'_):** G2476. A prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to stand," this word describes Jesus's immediate posture upon entering the room. His standing "in the midst" (G3319 _mésos_) signifies His central authority, His commanding presence, and His role as the focal point of the gathered community. It conveys a sense of stability and divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:"** This clause precisely dates the event to the following Sunday, a week after Jesus's first appearance to the disciples. The inclusion of "again" and the detail that "Thomas with them" sets the stage for the specific purpose of this appearance: to address Thomas's previously stated doubt. The disciples' continued gathering "within" (G2080 _ésō_) and the context of locked doors imply their ongoing fear and need for reassurance.
* **"then came Jesus, the doors being shut,"** This phrase emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus's entry. Despite the "doors being shut" (G2374 _thýra_ G2808 _kleíō_), Jesus supernaturally appears, demonstrating that His resurrected body is not bound by physical limitations. This serves as powerful evidence of His divine power and the unique, glorified state of His post-resurrection existence.
* **"and stood in the midst,"** Upon entering, Jesus immediately takes a central position among His disciples. This act of standing "in the midst" (G1519 _eis_ G3319 _mésos_) signifies His authority, His leadership, and His personal engagement with each one of them. It visually represents His role as the center of their fellowship and faith.
* **"and said, 'Peace be unto you.'"** This is Jesus's characteristic greeting, repeated from His first appearance in [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus's First Appearance to Disciples"). It is more than a mere salutation; it is a divine bestowal of the spiritual peace that results from His finished work on the cross, a peace that calms fear, resolves doubt, and reconciles humanity to God. It underscores His identity as the Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")).

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent **literary devices**. The **repetition** of "the doors being shut" from [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus's First Appearance to Disciples") emphasizes the supernatural nature of Jesus's resurrected body, highlighting His triumph over physical barriers and reinforcing the authenticity of His appearances. This serves as a form of **hyperbole** or **exaggeration** to underscore the miraculous. The scene also presents a subtle **irony**: the disciples, hiding behind locked doors out of fear, find their greatest security and peace not in their physical barriers, but in the sudden, supernatural presence of the One they feared was lost. Jesus's repeated greeting, "Peace be unto you," acts as a significant **motif**, signaling the profound spiritual gift He offers, contrasting sharply with the disciples' initial fear and Thomas's doubt. Furthermore, the entire narrative involving Thomas in [John 20:24-29](/john/20-24-29 "John 20:24-29 - Thomas's Doubt and Belief") serves as a **foil** to the blessedness of believing without seeing, which Jesus articulates in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessing for Those Who Believe Without Seeing"), thereby setting up a foundational principle for future generations of believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:26 profoundly contributes to our understanding of the resurrected Christ and His ongoing relationship with His people. Jesus's ability to transcend physical barriers while maintaining a tangible body offers a glimpse into the glorified state of resurrection, confirming the physical reality of His triumph over death while also hinting at a new, spiritual dimension of existence. His deliberate appearance to Thomas underscores His divine omniscience and His profound compassion, revealing a God who meets us in our deepest doubts and provides the very evidence we need, or graciously calls us to believe beyond sight. The bestowal of peace is not just a polite salutation; it is the declaration of the new covenant reality, where the reconciliation achieved through the cross brings an inner tranquility that overcomes fear and anxiety, even in the most challenging circumstances. This peace is the hallmark of His reign and the inheritance of His followers.

* [Luke 24:36-43](/luke/24-36-43 "Luke 24:36-43 - Jesus Appears to Disciples, Eats Fish")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")
* [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus's Promise of Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 20:26 offers timeless comfort and profound challenge for believers across generations. Just as Jesus patiently and graciously met Thomas in his specific, tangible doubt, so too does He approach us in our moments of uncertainty, fear, or skepticism. This passage encourages us to bring our questions, our anxieties, and our deepest fears into His presence, trusting that He is understanding, compassionate, and capable of manifesting His reality in ways that bring conviction and peace. The image of Jesus appearing in a locked room reminds us that no door, no barrier, no circumstance—whether physical confinement, emotional distress, or spiritual darkness—can truly separate us from His presence or prevent Him from bringing His transformative peace. His peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is an internal reality cultivated by His presence. Furthermore, the setting of this encounter within the gathered community of disciples underscores the vital importance of Christian fellowship. It is often in the context of corporate worship, mutual encouragement, and shared vulnerability that Christ's presence is most powerfully experienced, and His peace most deeply received, dispelling individual fears and strengthening collective faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's patient approach to Thomas's doubt challenge or encourage your own faith journey?**
* **In what "locked rooms" or fearful situations in your life do you need to experience Christ's supernatural presence and peace?**
* **What is the significance of Jesus appearing to the disciples when they were gathered together, and how does this inform your view of Christian community?**

### FAQ

**Why does the text say "after eight days"?**

Answer: The phrase "after eight days" refers to the Jewish method of inclusive reckoning, meaning the eighth day from the first event. Since Jesus first appeared to the disciples on the evening of His resurrection (the first day of the week, [John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus's First Appearance to Disciples")), "after eight days" would be the following Sunday. This detail emphasizes that Jesus's appearances were not random but occurred on significant days, further establishing Sunday as the new day of worship for believers, commemorating His resurrection.

**How could Jesus enter through locked doors?**

Answer: Jesus's ability to enter a room with "the doors being shut" demonstrates the unique nature of His resurrected body. It was physical and tangible, as evidenced by His later invitation to Thomas to touch His wounds ([John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus Addresses Thomas's Doubt")), and His eating fish in [Luke 24:42-43](/luke/24-42-43 "Luke 24:42-43 - Jesus Eats Fish"). However, it was also glorified and no longer bound by the ordinary physical laws of space and matter. This was not a ghostly apparition, but a transformed, spiritual body (as described in [1 Corinthians 15:44](/1_corinthians/15-44 "1 Corinthians 15:44 - Spiritual Body")) that could appear and disappear, signifying His complete triumph over death and the limitations of the earthly realm.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[John 20:26](/john/20-26 "John 20:26 - Jesus Appears to Thomas") powerfully reveals the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus's supernatural appearance in a locked room, bearing the marks of His crucifixion, is the ultimate demonstration of His triumph over sin and death, fulfilling the prophecies of a suffering yet victorious Messiah ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Transgressions")). His repeated bestowal of "Peace be unto you" is not merely a greeting but the very essence of the New Covenant, where the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) is made available through His atoning sacrifice, reconciling humanity to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciliation")). His patient pursuit of Thomas, the doubter, exemplifies His high priestly compassion and intercession for all who struggle with faith ([Hebrews 4:15-16](/hebrews/4-15-16 "Hebrews 4:15-16 - Christ Our High Priest")), demonstrating that He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek the one lost sheep ([Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "Matthew 18:12-14 - Parable of the Lost Sheep")). Ultimately, this encounter foreshadows the enduring presence of Christ with His church until the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus's Presence")), assuring believers that even when "doors are shut" by fear or uncertainty, the resurrected Lord is always "in the midst," bringing His transformative peace and unwavering presence.

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 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.