Luke 24:39

KJV

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G1492} my {G3450} hands {G5495} and {G2532} my {G3450} feet {G4228}, that {G3754} it is {G1510} I {G1473} myself {G846}: handle {G5584} me {G3165}, and {G2532} see {G1492}; for {G3754} a spirit {G4151} hath {G2192} not {G3756} flesh {G4561} and {G2532} bones {G3747}, as {G2531} ye see {G2334} me {G1691} have {G2192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look at my hands and my feet — it is I, myself! Touch me and see — a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you can see I do.”

Berean Standard Bible

Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”

American Standard Version

See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye behold me having.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 24:39 records Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to His disciples, who were terrified and believed they were seeing a spirit. In this pivotal moment, Jesus offers undeniable, tangible proof of His physical resurrection by inviting them to observe and touch His hands and feet, explicitly stating that a spirit does not possess flesh and bones as He clearly does. This verse serves as a foundational affirmation of the bodily reality of Christ's victory over death, dispelling fear and doubt among His followers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Luke's Gospel, immediately following the resurrection accounts. The narrative begins with the [women's discovery of the empty tomb](/luke/24-1 "Luke 24:1 - The Empty Tomb"), followed by Peter's bewildered inspection. Subsequently, Jesus appears to two disciples on the [road to Emmaus](/luke/24-13 "Luke 24:13 - The Road to Emmaus"), revealing Himself to them in the breaking of bread before vanishing. As these two return to Jerusalem to share their astonishing news with the eleven and their companions, Jesus suddenly appears among the assembled disciples. Their initial reaction, as described in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear of a Spirit"), is one of profound fear and terror, believing they were encountering a ghost or an apparition. Luke 24:39 is Jesus' direct and compassionate response to this fear, providing irrefutable, sensory evidence to establish His true identity and the physical nature of His resurrected body. It sets the stage for His subsequent actions, including eating with them and opening their minds to understand the Scriptures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, particularly among Jewish people, there was a widespread belief in spirits, ghosts, and apparitions of the deceased. These were generally understood to be incorporeal or ethereal beings, lacking physical substance. The disciples' immediate assumption that they were seeing a "spirit" (Greek: _pneuma_) reflects this common understanding. The concept of a bodily resurrection, while affirmed by the Pharisees (in contrast to the Sadducees), was often understood in eschatological terms—a future event at the end of time—rather than an immediate, individual, and physical return from the dead. Furthermore, the idea of a Messiah who would suffer and die, only to be resurrected, was profoundly counter-cultural to the prevailing messianic expectations of a conquering king. Jesus' insistence on the tangible nature of His resurrected body directly challenges these preconceptions, providing a concrete, empirical demonstration that distinguishes His resurrection from mere spiritual visions or ghostly encounters.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 24:39 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Physical Reality of Christ's Resurrection**. This verse is a cornerstone for understanding that Jesus' victory over death was not merely spiritual or metaphorical, but involved a real, transformed body. This physical resurrection is crucial for the Christian faith, demonstrating [Christ's tangible triumph over death](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection") and the grave, and serving as the firstfruits of the resurrection for all believers. Another key theme is **Overcoming Doubt and Fear**. The disciples were "startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost" ([Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear of a Spirit")). Jesus directly addresses their skepticism and terror by providing sensory, irrefutable evidence. His invitation to touch Him serves to dispel their fears and solidify their understanding, paralleling His later interaction with [Thomas, who also required tactile proof](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus' Appearance to Thomas"). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Identity and Continuity of Jesus**. By showing His hands and feet, which would still bear the marks of the crucifixion, Jesus confirms He is the same person who was crucified, yet now glorified and resurrected. The declaration "it is I myself" ([Luke 24:39](/luke/24-39 "Luke 24:39 - Jesus' Physical Resurrection Proof")) assures them of His continuity before and after death, affirming His unique personhood and divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold/See (Greek, _eídō'_):** This primary verb, used here in the imperative, means "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, to know." Jesus' command "Behold" (G1492) and "see" (G1492) is not merely an invitation to look, but to perceive, understand, and acknowledge the truth of what they are witnessing. It implies a call to move beyond superficial observation to a deep, transformative recognition of His physical presence.
* **Handle (Greek, _psēlapháō'_)::** Derived from a word related to "to touch," this verb (G5584) means "to manipulate, i.e., verify by contact; figuratively, to search for." Jesus' invitation to "handle me" is a direct appeal to their sense of touch, providing the most immediate and undeniable empirical evidence against the notion of a spirit. It emphasizes the tangible, physical reality of His body, allowing them to confirm His substance through direct interaction.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From a root meaning "a current of air, breath," _pneûma_ (G4151) refers to an incorporeal being, a vital principle, or a mental disposition. Here, it specifically denotes a disembodied entity or ghost, which was commonly understood to lack physical form. Jesus' contrast between "a spirit" and His own "flesh and bones" directly refutes their initial assumption, highlighting the fundamental difference between an ethereal apparition and His solid, resurrected body.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold my hands and my feet,"**: Jesus immediately draws attention to the parts of His body that would bear the most recognizable and traumatic marks of the crucifixion. His hands and feet were pierced by nails, and these wounds, though perhaps glorified, would serve as unmistakable proof of His identity as the crucified Jesus. This directive is an invitation to empirical observation.
* **"that it is I myself:"**: This declarative statement (Greek: _egō eimí_ - "I am") is a powerful affirmation of His personal identity and continuity. It assures the disciples that the person standing before them is truly Jesus, their Lord and Teacher, not an imposter or a mere vision. The emphasis on "myself" (Greek: _autos_) underscores His unique and singular personhood.
* **"handle me, and see;"**: This is a direct, imperative command to engage their sense of touch in addition to sight. The verb "handle" (Greek: _psēlapháō_) implies a thorough, verifying touch. This invitation goes beyond mere visual confirmation, challenging their deepest doubts by offering undeniable tactile proof of His physical substance, directly countering their belief that He was a spirit.
* **"for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."**: This clause provides the logical and theological basis for His invitation. Jesus articulates a clear distinction: spirits are incorporeal, lacking physical substance ("flesh and bones"), whereas His resurrected body demonstrably possesses these material components. This statement directly refutes their misconception and firmly establishes the physical reality of His resurrection, emphasizing its tangible, non-illusory nature.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 24:39 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is central, as Jesus explicitly distinguishes His resurrected body ("flesh and bones") from a spirit, which "hath not flesh and bones." This stark opposition highlights the unique nature of His resurrection. **Empiricism** and **Sensory Language** are prominently featured through Jesus' commands: "Behold," "handle me," and "see." He appeals directly to their senses of sight and touch, providing concrete, verifiable evidence to overcome their fear and doubt. This emphasis on direct experience underscores the reality of His physical presence. The use of **Direct Address** ("my hands and my feet," "handle me," "ye see me have") creates an intimate and personal encounter, allowing Jesus to directly engage with His disciples' specific fears and misconceptions. Furthermore, the phrase "it is I myself" serves as a powerful **Affirmation of Identity**, echoing divine self-declarations and reassuring the disciples of His continuity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 24:39 is a cornerstone for Christian theology, establishing the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection, which is not merely a spiritual reanimation but a bodily one. This tangible resurrection is fundamental to the gospel, demonstrating Christ's complete triumph over sin and death, and providing the basis for the believer's hope in a future bodily resurrection. It confirms that Jesus truly conquered the grave, not just spiritually but physically, validating His claims and the entire redemptive plan. This truth grounds the Christian faith in historical reality, moving it beyond mere philosophy or myth to a verifiable event. The resurrected body of Jesus, though physical, is also transformed and glorified, providing a pattern for the resurrection bodies of believers. It assures us that our future eternal state will involve a real, physical existence, free from the limitations of our current fallen bodies.

* [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus' Invitation to Thomas")
* [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrection Body")
* [Acts 1:3](/acts/1-3 "Acts 1:3 - Jesus' Post-Resurrection Appearances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 24:39 offers profound assurance to believers today, grounding our faith in the historical and physical reality of Christ's resurrection. In a world often skeptical of the supernatural and prone to doubt, this verse reminds us that our hope is not built on a myth or a spiritualized concept, but on the tangible victory of Jesus over death. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to touch and see, we are invited to examine the abundant evidence of His work, both in Scripture and in the transformed lives of believers throughout history. This passage encourages us to confront our own doubts, knowing that our Savior lives in a real, resurrected body, and that His victory guarantees our own future resurrection and eternal life. It calls us to live with confidence, knowing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to overcome fear and live in the reality of His ongoing presence and power. Our faith is not in a ghost, but in a living, reigning Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the physical reality of Jesus' resurrection, as demonstrated in Luke 24:39, strengthen your faith and hope?**
* **What doubts or fears might this passage address in your own life concerning the reality of God's power or the promise of eternal life?**
* **In what ways can we, like the disciples, be invited to "handle and see" Jesus in our contemporary experience, even without physical touch?**
* **How does the truth that Jesus has "flesh and bones" impact your understanding of His humanity and His ongoing relationship with humanity?**

### FAQ

**Why were the disciples so afraid and convinced Jesus was a spirit?**

Answer: The disciples were startled and terrified because they had just heard reports of an empty tomb and seen two of their companions return from Emmaus with an incredible story, but they had not yet fully grasped the concept of a bodily resurrection. In their cultural context, the appearance of someone who had died would typically be interpreted as a ghost or a disembodied spirit, which were often associated with fear and the unknown. Their fear stemmed from a lack of understanding of the unique nature of Jesus' resurrection and the common ancient belief that spirits were incorporeal. Jesus' appearance was sudden and unexpected, adding to their initial shock and misinterpretation, as described in [Luke 24:37](/luke/24-37 "Luke 24:37 - Disciples' Fear of a Spirit").

**What is the significance of Jesus showing His hands and feet?**

Answer: The significance of Jesus showing His hands and feet is twofold. Firstly, these were the specific body parts that bore the marks of His crucifixion—the nail prints. By displaying them, Jesus provided irrefutable proof of His identity; He was undeniably the same Jesus who had been crucified and buried. This dispelled any notion that He was an imposter or a different person. Secondly, it emphasized the physical continuity of His body before and after the resurrection. It was not a new body, but His own body, transformed and glorified, yet still bearing the evidence of His suffering and victory. This tangible proof was essential for the disciples to move from fear and doubt to faith and understanding, as seen in [John 20:27](/john/20-27 "John 20:27 - Jesus' Invitation to Thomas") where Jesus invites Thomas to touch His hands and side.

**Does "flesh and bones" mean Jesus' resurrected body was exactly the same as before His death?**

Answer: While Jesus' statement "a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have" confirms the physical, tangible reality of His resurrected body, it does not mean His body was exactly the same as before His death. The New Testament teaches that the resurrected body is both continuous with the earthly body and yet transformed. Jesus' resurrected body could appear and disappear, pass through locked doors ([John 20:19](/john/20-19 "John 20:19 - Jesus Appears to Disciples")), and ascend to heaven, indicating a glorified state beyond the limitations of His pre-resurrection body. However, it also retained physical properties, allowing Him to eat ([Luke 24:43](/luke/24-43 "Luke 24:43 - Jesus Eats with Disciples")) and be touched. The "flesh and bones" emphasizes its material reality in contrast to a spirit, rather than denying its transformed nature. [1 Corinthians 15:42-44](/1_corinthians/15-42-44 "1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - The Nature of the Resurrection Body") elaborates on this, describing the resurrection body as "spiritual" but not incorporeal, sown "perishable" but raised "imperishable."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 24:39 stands as a profound Christ-centered fulfillment, demonstrating the complete and tangible victory of Jesus over death, a victory that is central to the entire redemptive narrative. His physical resurrection, evidenced by His "flesh and bones," is the bedrock upon which Christian hope is built, proving that His atoning sacrifice on the cross was fully accepted by the Father and that death's power has been decisively broken. This bodily resurrection is the "firstfruits" of all who believe ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ as the Firstfruits of Resurrection")), guaranteeing that believers too will receive glorified, physical bodies in the future, echoing the transformation of Christ's own body ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Transformed Bodies")). Furthermore, the resurrected Christ, with His hands and feet still bearing the marks of His passion, is the one who ascended to heaven and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Intercession")). His physical presence after death confirms His identity as the promised Messiah, the Son of God, and the living Lord who continues to reign and will one day return in bodily form ([Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Ascension and Return")). Thus, Luke 24:39 is not merely a historical account, but a powerful testament to the living Christ, whose physical resurrection undergirds our salvation, our future hope, and our present access to Him.

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 20:27

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.

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;

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.

Ecclesiastes 12:7

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Numbers 16:22

And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?

1 Thessalonians 5:23

¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected [us], and we gave [them] reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?