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.

LUKE 24:39KJV
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Luke 24:39 (KJV)

What does Luke 24:39 mean?

Luke 24:39 shows Jesus, after his resurrection, inviting his disciples to look at and touch his hands and feet to prove that he is physically present and not just a spirit. Jesus emphasizes that he has a real body with "flesh and bones," unlike a spirit, to reassure his followers that he is truly alive.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, who are frightened and unsure if they are seeing a ghost. By pointing to his hands and feet—likely showing the wounds from crucifixion—Jesus is giving concrete evidence of his identity and the reality of his bodily resurrection. This moment addresses the disciples’ doubts and highlights the physical nature of Jesus’ risen body.

The Greek behind Luke 24:39

  • ἰδού (idou, "Behold"): This word is a strong call for attention, urging the disciples to look closely and consider what they are seeing, not just glance.
  • ψηλαφήσατέ (psēlaphēsate, "handle"): This word means to touch or feel carefully, suggesting that Jesus wants the disciples to physically verify his real, tangible body.
  • πνεῦμα (pneuma, "spirit"): The Greek term here often means a non-physical being or ghost. Jesus uses it to contrast his physical presence with what the disciples might fear they are seeing.
  • σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα (sarka kai ostea, "flesh and bones"): These words stress the solid, human nature of Jesus’ body, not something ghostly or imagined.

Why Luke 24:39 matters

  • Luke 24:39 directly addresses the fear and doubt of the disciples, showing that Jesus’ resurrection was not just spiritual or visionary, but involved his real, physical body.
  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances were not hallucinations or ghostly visitations, but encounters with a living person who could be seen and touched.
  • The emphasis on "flesh and bones" connects to the broader theme in Luke’s Gospel of Jesus’ humanity and the tangible reality of the resurrection, which was a key point for early Christian belief.

Where else these words appear

“handle” Greek G5584 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
  • Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,
  • 1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

“bones” Greek G3747 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
  • John 19:36 For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
  • Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

“see” Greek G2334 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 27:55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
  • John 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
  • Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;