New Testament
Luke 24:39
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Look at my hands and my feet — it's really me. Touch me and see for yourselves. A spirit doesn't have flesh and bones like I do."
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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.
What Luke 24:39 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples after His resurrection. He invites them to examine His physical body, showing them His hands and feet, which bear the marks of His crucifixion. This invitation serves to prove that He is not just a spirit or ghost, but has truly risen in a physical form. By encouraging them to touch Him, Jesus reassures them of His reality and the truth of His resurrection. This moment is significant as it emphasizes the tangible nature of His resurrection, affirming that He conquered death in a real, bodily way. The disciples' doubts are addressed through this physical evidence, reinforcing their faith and understanding of who Jesus is. This encounter highlights the importance of physical evidence in faith and the reality of Jesus' resurrection, which is central to Christian belief.
How to apply Luke 24:39 to your life
This verse encourages believers to seek tangible evidence of their faith. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to touch Him, we can explore our faith through prayer, scripture, and community. Engaging with our beliefs in a real and personal way can strengthen our understanding and trust in God.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Appears to His Disciples (Luke 24:36–49)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 24:39
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 24:39 mean?
In Luke 24:39, Jesus is showing His disciples that He has truly risen from the dead in a physical body, not just as a spirit. He invites them to touch Him and see the marks of His crucifixion, emphasizing the reality of His resurrection.
What is the significance of Jesus inviting the disciples to touch Him in Luke 24:39?
Jesus' invitation to touch Him in Luke 24:39 serves to reassure the disciples of His physical resurrection. It addresses their doubts and confirms that He is not a ghost, but has truly conquered death in a tangible way.
What does 'a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones' mean in Luke 24:39?
The phrase 'a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones' in Luke 24:39 highlights the difference between a physical being and a spirit. Jesus is affirming that His resurrection is real and bodily, not merely a spiritual experience.
How does Luke 24:39 relate to the concept of faith?
Luke 24:39 illustrates the importance of physical evidence in faith. By allowing His disciples to see and touch Him, Jesus provides tangible proof of His resurrection, which strengthens their belief and understanding.
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