John 20:28 (KJV)

What does John 20:28 mean?

John 20:28 records Thomas directly addressing Jesus as "My Lord and my God," expressing a personal recognition of Jesus' identity after witnessing Him alive following the crucifixion. This statement shows Thomas moving from doubt to belief, acknowledging both Jesus' authority and divinity.

Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, had earlier expressed skepticism about Jesus' resurrection. In this moment, after seeing the risen Jesus and being invited to touch His wounds, Thomas responds with a declaration that is both intimate ("my Lord") and profound ("my God"). This verse captures a turning point for Thomas and highlights the significance of Jesus' resurrection for the disciples' faith.

The Greek behind John 20:28

• κύριός (kyrios) — "Lord": This word often means "master" or "one with authority." Here, Thomas uses it to address Jesus personally, showing submission and respect.
• θεός (theos) — "God": This is the standard Greek word for "God." Thomas applies it directly to Jesus, which is a strong statement about who he now believes Jesus to be.
• μου (mou) — "my": This possessive pronoun makes Thomas' confession deeply personal, not just a general statement but a heartfelt claim about his own relationship to Jesus.

Why John 20:28 matters

• John 20:28 clears up the idea that the disciples only saw Jesus as a teacher or prophet; Thomas' words show that at least some recognized Jesus as divine after the resurrection.
• This verse is a key moment in the Gospel of John, serving as a climax to the theme of belief and unbelief that runs throughout the book.
• John 20:28 connects to the wider passage by showing how Jesus meets people in their doubts and leads them to a deeper understanding of who He is.