New Testament

John 20:27

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 addresses Thomas, who doubted His resurrection after hearing reports from the other disciples.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 85-95
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
All believers
CBTClear Bible Translation

Then he said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here and look at my hands. Reach your hand here and put it into my side. Do not be faithless, but believing."

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus addresses Thomas, who doubted His resurrection after hearing reports from the other disciples. Jesus invites Thomas to physically touch His wounds, demonstrating His real, resurrected body. This invitation serves to strengthen Thomas's faith, urging him to move from doubt to belief. Jesus emphasizes the importance of faith, encouraging Thomas not to remain in disbelief but to trust in what he sees. This moment highlights the personal nature of faith, as Jesus meets Thomas in his doubt and provides the evidence he needs. It also illustrates the broader theme of belief in the resurrection, which is central to Christian faith. By inviting Thomas to engage with His physical body, Jesus affirms the reality of His resurrection and the hope it brings to all believers.

Key themes

Related topics

doubt, resurrection, belief

How to apply John 20:27 to your life

When faced with doubt, we can seek evidence of our faith, just as Thomas did. Jesus invites us to explore our questions and uncertainties. Engaging with our faith honestly can lead to a deeper understanding and stronger belief in Christ's resurrection and His promises.

Curated for this public verse page. John Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does John 20:27 mean?

John 20:27 captures Jesus inviting Thomas to touch His wounds, addressing Thomas's doubts about His resurrection. This moment emphasizes the importance of faith and the reality of Jesus's physical resurrection.

What is the significance of touching Jesus's wounds in John 20:27?

Touching Jesus's wounds symbolizes the tangible evidence of His resurrection, helping Thomas move from doubt to belief. It illustrates how personal encounters with Jesus can strengthen faith.

How does John 20:27 relate to doubt and belief?

In John 20:27, Jesus confronts Thomas's doubt by inviting him to see and touch His wounds, highlighting that faith often requires personal evidence. This interaction encourages believers to seek understanding in their own doubts.

What does Jesus mean by 'be not faithless, but believing' in John 20:27?

When Jesus says 'be not faithless, but believing,' He urges Thomas to overcome his skepticism and embrace faith. It underscores the call to trust in Jesus's resurrection and His promises.

The Book of John
Book Summary

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.

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