John 20:25

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἔλεγον
said
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#4
οἱ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
ἄλλοι
The other
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#6
μαθηταί
disciples
a learner, i.e., pupil
#7
Ἑωράκαμεν
We have seen
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
#8
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
κύριον
the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
#10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
δὲ
But
but, and, etc
#12
εἶπεν
he said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#13
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#14
Ἐὰν
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#15
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#16
ἴδω
I shall see
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
ταῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
χεῖρα
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#20
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#21
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
τύπον
the print
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
#23
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ἥλων
of the nails
a stud, i.e., spike
#25
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#26
βάλω
put
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#27
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#28
δάκτυλόν
finger
a finger
#29
μου
my
of me
#30
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#31
τὸν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
τύπον
the print
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
#33
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#34
ἥλων
of the nails
a stud, i.e., spike
#35
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#36
βάλω
put
to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)
#37
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#38
χεῖρα
hand
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#39
μου
my
of me
#40
εἰς
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#41
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#42
πλευρὰν
side
a rib, i.e., (by extension) side
#43
αὐτοῦ
his
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
#44
οὐ
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#45
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#46
πιστεύσω
I will
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

Analysis

Within the broader context of John, this passage highlights faith and obedience through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of John.

Historical Context

The historical context of the late first century during increasing tension between synagogue and church provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The late first-century Jewish-Christian tensions and Hellenistic thought would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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