Luke 24:39
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἴδετε
Behold
G1492
ἴδετε
Behold
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖράς
hands
G5495
χεῖράς
hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
3 of 27
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτός·
myself
G846
αὐτός·
myself
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 27
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
ψηλαφήσατέ
handle
G5584
ψηλαφήσατέ
handle
Strong's:
G5584
Word #:
13 of 27
to manipulate, i.e., verify by contact; figuratively, to search for
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἴδετε
Behold
G1492
ἴδετε
Behold
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
17 of 27
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
πνεῦμα
a spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
a spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
18 of 27
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
σάρκα
flesh
G4561
σάρκα
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
19 of 27
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχοντα
hath
G2192
ἔχοντα
hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
23 of 27
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
John 20:27Then 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.1 John 1:1That 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;John 20:20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Numbers 16:22And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?Hebrews 12:9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
Historical Context
The disciples' initial fear (v.37, thinking they saw a spirit/ghost) was natural—they knew Jesus had died. His insistence on physical resurrection countered Greek philosophical dualism that despised the body and expected only spiritual immortality. Gnostic heresies later denied Christ's physical resurrection; John's first epistle combats this (1 John 1:1-3). The apostles' preaching emphasized bodily resurrection (Acts 2:31-32, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Jesus then ate fish (vv.42-43), further demonstrating physicality. Christianity's unique doctrine of bodily resurrection was offensive to Greeks (Acts 17:32) but essential to gospel hope.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the physicality of Jesus' resurrection essential to Christian faith and hope?
- How does Christ's bearing of His wounds eternally comfort believers and shape our understanding of suffering?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus proves His physicality: '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' (ἴδετε τὰς χεῖράς μου καὶ τοὺς πόδας μου ὅτι ἐγώ εἰμι αὐτός· ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι πνεῦμα σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα οὐκ ἔχει καθὼς ἐμὲ θεωρεῖτε ἔχοντα). Jesus commands them to look (ἴδετε) and handle (ψηλαφήσατέ, touch/feel). His emphasis on 'flesh and bones' (σάρκα καὶ ὀστέα) contradicts both ancient and modern theories that resurrection was merely spiritual. The nail-pierced hands and feet prove continuity with the crucified Jesus—the risen Lord bears His wounds eternally, testifying to His sacrifice.