John 20:27

Authorized King James Version

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἶτα

G1534

Then

a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover

λέγει

G3004

saith he

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Θωμᾷ

G2381

to Thomas

the twin; thomas, a christian

φέρε

G5342

Reach

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δάκτυλόν

G1147

finger

a finger

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

ὧδε

G5602

hither

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ἴδε

G1492

behold

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#12

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

χεῖρά

G5495

hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#14

μου

G3450

of me

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

φέρε

G5342

Reach

to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)

#17

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

χεῖρά

G5495

hand

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

#19

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#20

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#21

βάλε

G906

thrust

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

#22

εἰς

G1519

it into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#23

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

πλευράν

G4125

side

a rib, i.e., (by extension) side

#25

μου

G3450

of me

#26

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#27

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#28

γίνου

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#29

ἄπιστος

G571

faithless

(actively) disbelieving, i.e., without christian faith (specially, a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing)

#30

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#31

πιστός

G4103

believing

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

Analysis

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to John. The concept of faith reflects the development of faith and obedience within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on faith and obedience particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from law observance to faith in Christ as the means of righteousness, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address the relationship between faith and works in salvation, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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John 20:27

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources