New Testament
John 20:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands, and put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
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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.
What John 20:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, expresses his doubt about the resurrection of Jesus. The other disciples have seen the risen Christ and are excited to share this news with Thomas. However, he insists that he needs physical proof of Jesus' resurrection, specifically the marks from the nails and the wound in Jesus' side. This moment highlights the struggle between faith and doubt. Thomas's demand for evidence reflects a common human desire for tangible proof before believing something extraordinary. His skepticism is relatable, as many people today seek confirmation of their beliefs through personal experience or evidence. This interaction sets the stage for a deeper understanding of faith, as later in the chapter, Jesus appears to Thomas and invites him to touch his wounds, ultimately leading Thomas to proclaim his belief. This story emphasizes that doubt can coexist with faith and that seeking understanding is a part of the spiritual journey.
How to apply John 20:25 to your life
When faced with doubts about faith or spiritual matters, it's important to seek understanding and clarity. Like Thomas, we can express our uncertainties and seek evidence, but we should also remain open to experiencing faith in new ways. Trusting in God can grow through our questions.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Thomas Believes (John 20:24–29)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 20:25 teach about doubt?
John 20:25 illustrates that doubt is a natural part of faith. Thomas's insistence on needing physical proof of Jesus' resurrection reflects a common human experience. This verse encourages believers to acknowledge their doubts and questions as part of their spiritual journey, showing that seeking understanding can lead to deeper faith.
Why did Thomas want to see Jesus' wounds?
Thomas wanted to see Jesus' wounds as a way to confirm the reality of the resurrection. His request for tangible evidence highlights a desire for certainty in extraordinary claims. This moment serves as a reminder that many people seek physical proof before accepting beliefs, which is a relatable aspect of the human experience.
How does this verse relate to faith and belief?
This verse contrasts doubt with faith, showing that belief can be a process. Thomas's skepticism is met with Jesus' understanding, emphasizing that faith often grows through questioning and personal experience. The story illustrates that encountering doubt does not disqualify one from faith; rather, it can lead to a stronger belief when resolved.
What can we learn from Thomas's reaction in this verse?
Thomas's reaction teaches us that it's okay to express doubts and seek clarity in our faith. His insistence on needing proof before believing is a common struggle. This encourages individuals to be honest about their uncertainties and to seek answers, reminding us that faith can coexist with questions and that seeking understanding is valuable.
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