John 20:25 (KJV)

What does John 20:25 mean?

John 20:25 shows Thomas refusing to believe the other disciples’ claim that they have seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion, unless he can personally see and touch Jesus’ wounds. Thomas insists on physical proof before he will accept that Jesus has risen.

In this verse, the disciples are telling Thomas, who was not present earlier, that they have seen the risen Jesus. Thomas responds with strong doubt, saying he needs to see the marks from the nails in Jesus’ hands and put his hand into Jesus’ side to believe. This sets up the well-known story of “Doubting Thomas,” highlighting his need for direct evidence in a moment of uncertainty.

The Greek behind John 20:25

• "τύπος" (typos) — translated as "print" or "mark," refers to the physical impression or scar left by the nails. Thomas is asking for tangible, visible evidence of Jesus’ crucifixion wounds.
• "ἄν" (an) and "οὐ μὴ" (ou mē) — combined in the phrase "I will not believe," express a very strong refusal in Greek, showing Thomas’s absolute insistence on proof.
• "ἔθηκα" (ethēka) — translated as "put" or "thrust," means to place or insert, emphasizing that Thomas wants not just to see but to physically touch Jesus’ wounds for confirmation.

Why John 20:25 matters

• John 20:25 clarifies that even Jesus’ closest followers struggled with doubt and needed reassurance, making the resurrection accounts more relatable and human.
• The verse sets up the following encounter where Jesus addresses Thomas’s doubts directly, which becomes a key teaching moment about faith and evidence.
• This moment highlights the physical reality of Jesus’ resurrection, not just a spiritual or visionary experience, by focusing on the wounds and the need for tangible proof.