John 14:5
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
Original Language Analysis
Λέγει
saith
G3004
Λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εἰδέναι
know
G1492
εἰδέναι
know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ποῦ
whither
G4226
ποῦ
whither
Strong's:
G4226
Word #:
7 of 14
as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality
ὑπάγεις·
thou goest
G5217
ὑπάγεις·
thou goest
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
8 of 14
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
10 of 14
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 11:16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.Mark 9:19He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.John 15:12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.Luke 24:25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Historical Context
This exchange occurs in the Upper Room on Thursday evening before the crucifixion (c. AD 30). Jesus had just announced His departure (13:33, 14:2-4), leaving the Twelve anxious about their future. Thomas, identified in 11:16 as "Didymus" (Greek for "twin"), represents the empirically-minded disciple who needs concrete answers—a character trait fully displayed at the resurrection (20:24-29).
Questions for Reflection
- When have you sought answers about your spiritual direction, only to discover that Christ Himself is the answer rather than a method or formula?
- How does Thomas's honest confusion demonstrate that authentic faith can include questions and doubts brought openly to Jesus?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest—Thomas (Θωμᾶς, Thōmas, from Aramaic te'oma, "twin") voices the disciples' literal-minded confusion about Jesus's destination. His honest bewilderment—how can we know the way? (πῶς δυνάμεθα τὴν ὁδὸν εἰδέναι)—sets up Jesus's profound self-revelation in verse 6. The Greek hodón (ὁδόν, "way/road") appears in Thomas's question as something external to find, not yet comprehending that the Way is a Person.
Thomas's skepticism appears elsewhere (11:16, 20:24-25), yet his willingness to voice confusion makes him the catalyst for Christ's clearest claim: "I am the way, the truth, and the life." His question reveals the universal human search for direction—answered not with a map, but with Christ Himself. The disciples sought geographic information; Jesus offered incarnational revelation.