John 20:27

KJV

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1534} saith he {G3004} to Thomas {G2381}, Reach {G5342} hither {G5602} thy {G4675} finger {G1147}, and {G2532} behold {G1492} my {G3450} hands {G5495}; and {G2532} reach hither {G5342} thy {G4675} hand {G5495}, and {G2532} thrust {G906} it into {G1519} my {G3450} side {G4125}: and {G2532} be {G1096} not {G3361} faithless {G571}, but {G235} believing {G4103}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to T’oma, “Put your finger here, look at my hands, take your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be lacking in trust, but have trust!”

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

American Standard Version

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus confronts Thomas's expressed doubt regarding His resurrection by offering the very physical proof Thomas demanded. This pivotal moment underscores the tangible reality of Christ's post-resurrection body while simultaneously issuing a profound call to move beyond empirical evidence to a faith rooted in trust and belief, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of discipleship that transcends mere sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the immediate aftermath of Jesus' resurrection, specifically during His second appearance to the disciples in the upper room. Eight days prior, Jesus had appeared to the disciples, but Thomas was notably absent ([John 20:24](/john/20-24 "John 20:24 - Thomas's Absence")). Upon hearing the disciples' testimony, Thomas famously declared his refusal to believe unless he could physically touch Jesus' nail prints and thrust his hand into His side ([John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Declaration of Doubt")). Jesus' appearance in [John 20:26](/john/20-26 "John 20:26 - Jesus Appears Again") directly addresses Thomas's specific demand, demonstrating Jesus' omniscience and compassionate engagement with individual struggles of faith, culminating in the direct address of [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus to Thomas"). This scene serves as a narrative climax for Thomas's journey from skepticism to confession, leading directly into Jesus' blessing on those who believe without seeing ([John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessing for Believers")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is Jerusalem shortly after the Passover and the crucifixion of Jesus, a period of immense confusion and fear among Jesus' followers. The disciples were hiding behind locked doors "for fear of the Jews" ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Disciples in Fear")), indicating the volatile political and religious climate. In Jewish culture, eyewitness testimony was paramount for validating claims, particularly those as extraordinary as resurrection. Thomas's demand for physical proof was not entirely unreasonable within this framework, as it sought concrete evidence to substantiate an otherwise unbelievable claim. The concept of a physical resurrection was also a point of contention among Jewish sects, with the Sadducees denying it entirely while the Pharisees affirmed it. Jesus' physical appearance, bearing the marks of His crucifixion, provided irrefutable evidence against any notion of a mere spiritual apparition, grounding the resurrection firmly in historical reality.
* **Key Themes:** [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus to Thomas") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it solidifies the **tangible reality of the resurrection**, proving that Jesus' body was not a phantom but truly resurrected, albeit glorified, bearing the marks of His suffering. This physical proof is crucial for the Gospel's assertion of Jesus' victory over death, a central tenet echoed in [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ is Risen"). Secondly, it highlights Jesus' profound **compassion and patience with doubters**. Jesus does not rebuke Thomas for his skepticism but meets him precisely at his point of need, offering the very evidence he sought. This demonstrates Jesus' deep understanding of human frailty and His desire to lead individuals to genuine faith. Finally, the verse introduces the critical theme of the **nature of faith**, moving beyond a reliance on empirical evidence to a higher call for belief without seeing. While evidence can facilitate belief, Jesus' concluding command to Thomas, "be not faithless, but believing," emphasizes that true faith is ultimately a matter of trust and conviction, a theme further developed in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessing for Believers").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō_):** From G3004, meaning "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it indicates Jesus' deliberate and authoritative address to Thomas, not a casual remark, but a purposeful statement designed to confront and transform Thomas's unbelief.
* **behold (Greek, _eídō_):** From G1492, meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively); by implication, "to know." Jesus invites Thomas not just to visually perceive His hands but to truly "know" the reality of His resurrected body through direct observation, leading to a deeper understanding and conviction.
* **faithless (Greek, _ápistos_):** From G571, meaning "disbelieving," "without Christian faith," or "untrustworthy." This word precisely describes Thomas's state of doubt, indicating a lack of trust or conviction in the testimony of others and the reality of the resurrection. Jesus' command challenges Thomas to move away from this state of unbelief.
* **believing (Greek, _pistós_):** From G4103, meaning "trustworthy" (objectively) or "trustful" (subjectively). In this context, it refers to being "trustful" or "faithful." It stands in direct contrast to "faithless," representing the desired state of profound trust and conviction in Jesus and the truth of His resurrection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then saith he to Thomas,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the direct and personal nature of Jesus' address. The word "Then" (G1534, _eîta_) indicates a sequence of events, highlighting that Jesus' appearance and words to Thomas are a specific, targeted response to Thomas's previous declaration of doubt, emphasizing Jesus' intentionality and knowledge of Thomas's heart.
* **"Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands;"**: Jesus directly echoes Thomas's earlier demand ([John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Declaration of Doubt")), inviting him to inspect the wounds in His hands. The imperative "Reach hither" (G5342, _phérō_ G5602, _hōde_) combined with "behold" (G1492, _eídō_) emphasizes a call to physical engagement and careful observation, providing the empirical evidence Thomas sought. This demonstrates Jesus' willingness to meet Thomas at his point of skepticism.
* **"and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side:"**: This second part of the invitation further addresses Thomas's specific, almost audacious, demand to probe the wound in Jesus' side. The verb "thrust" (G906, _bállō_) implies a forceful insertion, which, while perhaps shocking, underscores the undeniable reality of the wound and, by extension, the physical resurrection. This invitation leaves no room for doubt about the tangibility of Jesus' body.
* **"and be not faithless, but believing."**: This is the climactic command and the theological heart of the verse. After offering the physical proof, Jesus transcends the need for empirical evidence by calling Thomas to a higher form of faith. The Greek words _ápistos_ ("faithless," G571) and _pistós_ ("believing," G4103) form a stark contrast, urging Thomas to move from a state of unbelief and distrust to one of active trust and conviction. This statement serves as a transition from evidence-based belief to a faith that trusts even without seeing, anticipating the beatitude in [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessing for Believers").

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Jesus speaks directly and personally to Thomas, highlighting the individual nature of faith and doubt. The use of **Repetition** in Jesus' echoing of Thomas's own words ("Reach hither thy finger... reach hither thy hand") serves to underscore Jesus' omniscience and His direct engagement with Thomas's specific challenge. This also functions as a form of **Irony**, as Jesus provides the very proof Thomas demanded, yet immediately follows it with a call to a faith that transcends such demands. The concluding phrase, "be not faithless, but believing," is a powerful example of **Antithesis**, juxtaposing two opposing states (unbelief vs. belief) to emphasize the desired transformation in Thomas. This rhetorical contrast powerfully conveys the spiritual choice Thomas, and indeed all believers, are called to make.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 20:27 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of the resurrection and the essence of faith. It affirms the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection, demonstrating that His glorified body retained the marks of His crucifixion, which serves as irrefutable proof of His victory over death and sin. This encounter also highlights God's compassionate patience with human doubt, showing Jesus' willingness to meet individuals where they are, even in their skepticism, to lead them to truth. Ultimately, the verse pivots from physical evidence to a higher call for faith, suggesting that while evidence can be a catalyst, true belief is a trust in the unseen, a conviction grounded in the person of Christ rather than solely on empirical data. This sets a precedent for future generations of believers who would not have the privilege of direct physical encounter with the resurrected Lord.

* [Luke 24:39](/luke/24-39 "Luke 24:39 - Jesus' Physicality")
* [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "Hebrews 11:1 - Definition of Faith")
* [1 Peter 1:8](/1_peter/1-8 "1 Peter 1:8 - Believing Without Seeing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The encounter between Jesus and Thomas in [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus to Thomas") offers profound encouragement and challenge for contemporary believers. It validates that doubt is a natural part of the human experience and even the spiritual journey; Jesus did not condemn Thomas but graciously engaged with his skepticism. This teaches us that God is not afraid of our questions or our need for assurance. However, the verse also provides a clear trajectory: from skepticism to a robust, trusting faith. While we do not have the privilege of physically touching Jesus' wounds, we have the overwhelming historical testimony of the apostles, the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, and the living Word of God. Our call, like Thomas's, is to move beyond the need for empirical proof to embrace a faith that trusts in the unseen realities of God's promises and the truth of Christ's resurrection. This kind of faith is not blind but is grounded in the historical facts and the ongoing work of God in the world and in our lives, leading to a deeper, more resilient relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when I encounter doubts in my faith journey, or when others express theirs?**
* **In what ways might I be seeking "physical evidence" for God's presence or promises, rather than trusting in His character and Word?**
* **What does it mean for me, personally, to "be not faithless, but believing" in my current circumstances?**
* **How can the story of Thomas encourage me to be more patient and compassionate with those who struggle with belief?**

### FAQ
**Was Thomas's doubt a sin, or was it a natural human response?**

Answer: Thomas's doubt, while perhaps a natural human response to an extraordinary claim, was a lack of belief in the testimony of his trusted companions and, implicitly, a lack of trust in Jesus' power to overcome death. While Jesus did not condemn him, His gentle rebuke ("be not faithless, but believing") indicates that persistent unbelief, especially in the face of credible witness, is not the ideal state. It was an opportunity for Jesus to demonstrate His compassion and to lead Thomas to a deeper, more mature faith that would eventually confess Him as "My Lord and my God!" ([John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's Confession")). The narrative suggests that while the doubt itself might be understandable, remaining in a state of unbelief when truth is presented is not what God desires for His followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus to Thomas") is a profound Christ-centered moment, revealing not only the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection but also the very heart of His redemptive mission. Jesus, the resurrected Lord, bears the indelible marks of His crucifixion, demonstrating that His victory over sin and death was achieved through real suffering and a real, physical death. These wounds, which Thomas was invited to touch, are not signs of weakness but eternal emblems of Christ's perfect sacrifice on the cross, a sacrifice foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in His passion ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounds for Our Healing")). By offering His wounded hands and side, Jesus confirms that He is indeed the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one whose body was broken for us ([1 Corinthians 11:24](/1_corinthians/11-24 "1 Corinthians 11:24 - This is My Body")). Furthermore, Jesus' compassionate response to Thomas's doubt showcases His role as the Good Shepherd who seeks out and cares for every one of His sheep, even the straying or skeptical ones ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). His call to "be not faithless, but believing" is ultimately a call to place one's full trust in Him, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, Author of Faith")), whose resurrection guarantees our own hope of eternal life ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Resurrection Hope")). Thus, this passage not only affirms the historical truth of the resurrection but also deeply reveals the character and saving work of Christ, inviting all to believe in Him and receive life in His name ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "John 20:31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")).

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 20:25

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.

1 John 1:1

¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

1 John 1:2

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen [it], and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:16

Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

John 20:20

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Psalms 103:13

Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.