John 11:16
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Original Language Analysis
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγόμενος
is called
G3004
λεγόμενος
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
which
G3588
τοῖς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἄγωμεν
Let us
G71
Ἄγωμεν
Let us
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 10:3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;John 21:2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.John 13:37Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.Mark 3:18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,Matthew 26:35Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.Luke 6:15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,Acts 1:13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.John 14:5Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?John 11:8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?Luke 22:33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
Historical Context
Thomas appears prominently in John's Gospel (14:5; 20:24-29; 21:2). His surname Didymus (Greek) and Thomas (Aramaic) both mean 'twin,' suggesting his audience included both Greek and Aramaic speakers.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we exhibit Thomas' courage while avoiding his pessimism?
- What does Thomas' statement teach about incomplete understanding coupled with sincere devotion?
- In what ways does loyalty to Christ require willingness to face death?
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Analysis & Commentary
Thomas, called Didymus (twin), speaks with resigned courage, urging fellow disciples to accompany Jesus to death. His statement reveals both devotion and misunderstanding—he expects Jesus' death but not resurrection. Thomas' words echo Job's fatalism ('let us die') yet demonstrate loyalty. His courage deserves commendation even while his understanding remains incomplete. This previews Thomas' later doubt (20:24-29), showing consistency in his need for tangible evidence.