New Testament
John 20:22
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and gives them a significant gift: the Holy Spirit.
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and gives them a significant gift: the Holy Spirit. By breathing on them, He symbolizes the impartation of divine life and empowerment. This act signifies the beginning of their mission to spread the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is essential for guiding, teaching, and empowering believers in their faith. This moment marks a transition for the disciples, as they move from fear and uncertainty to being filled with the Spirit, ready to fulfill their calling. The phrase 'Receive the Holy Spirit' indicates that the Spirit is a gift that enables them to carry out the work of God. This event emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, as He provides strength, wisdom, and comfort. It also highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, as He directly imparts this gift to them, ensuring they are equipped for the challenges ahead. Explore related spirituality.
Related Bible verses
How to apply John 20:22 to your life
As believers, we should seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily. This empowers us to live out our faith, share the Gospel, and navigate life's challenges. We can pray for guidance and strength, trusting that the Holy Spirit is with us, just as He was with the early disciples.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 20:22 mean?
John 20:22 describes Jesus breathing on His disciples and telling them to receive the Holy Spirit. This act symbolizes the impartation of divine life and empowerment, marking the beginning of their mission to spread the Gospel.
What is the significance of the Holy Spirit in John 20:22?
In John 20:22, the Holy Spirit is given as a gift to the disciples, enabling them to carry out God's work. The Holy Spirit provides guidance, strength, and comfort, essential for their mission.
What does 'Receive the Holy Spirit' mean in John 20:22?
The phrase 'Receive the Holy Spirit' in John 20:22 indicates that the Holy Spirit is a divine gift given to the disciples. It signifies empowerment for their mission and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
How can we apply John 20:22 in our lives?
We can apply John 20:22 by seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily. This empowers us to live out our faith and share the Gospel, trusting in the Spirit's guidance and strength.

The Book of John
John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples
In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.
Unlock the full John summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of John — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 21 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of John summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.