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.

JOHN 20:27KJV
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John 20:27 (KJV)

What does John 20:27 mean?

John 20:27 shows Jesus inviting Thomas to touch His wounds so that Thomas can see for himself that Jesus is truly alive, encouraging Thomas to move from doubt to belief. Jesus tells Thomas not to be "faithless" but to become "believing," directly addressing Thomas’s earlier uncertainty about the resurrection.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to Thomas, one of His disciples, after rising from the dead. Thomas had previously said he would not believe unless he could see and touch Jesus’s wounds. Jesus responds by offering exactly what Thomas asked for, showing a personal and understanding approach to Thomas’s doubts, and urging him to trust what he now sees.

The Greek behind John 20:27

  • The word for "faithless" is ἄπιστος (apistos), which means "unbelieving" or "without faith." Jesus uses it to describe Thomas’s current state, not as a harsh rebuke, but as a contrast to what He wants for Thomas.
  • The word for "believing" is πιστός (pistos), meaning "faithful" or "trusting." Jesus invites Thomas to shift from doubt to trust, making it clear that belief is the goal.
  • The verb "thrust" is βάλε (bale), which means "to put" or "to cast." Jesus’s invitation is direct and physical, showing He is not afraid of Thomas’s need for tangible proof.

Why John 20:27 matters

  • John 20:27 clears up the idea that Jesus is impatient with honest doubt; instead, He meets Thomas’s need for evidence with patience and understanding.
  • The verse highlights the physical reality of Jesus’s resurrection, showing that His body still bears the marks of crucifixion.
  • This moment connects to the wider story by showing how Jesus helps His followers move from skepticism to faith, setting up Thomas’s famous confession in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“side” Greek G4125 · used in 5 verses

  • John 19:34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.
  • John 20:20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
  • John 20:25 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.

“finger” Greek G1147 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
  • Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
  • Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

“Thomas” Greek G2381 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
  • John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

“Then” Greek G1534 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 4:17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.