New Testament
John 20:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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."
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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.
What John 20:27 means
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.
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
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Thomas Believes (John 20:24–29)
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Jesus
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 20:27 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.
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