Luke 24:40
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion was designed for maximum suffering and public shame. Victims were nailed through wrists or hands and feet to wooden crosses. Death came through asphyxiation, exhaustion, or shock after hours or days of agony. Crucified bodies were typically left for scavengers or buried in criminals' graves. That Jesus' followers could verify His identity through specific crucifixion wounds demonstrates the reality of His death—no 'swoon theory' survives this evidence. The resurrection body bearing these marks also affirms that redemption doesn't erase suffering but transforms it into victory. Early Christians proclaimed not an abstract spiritual principle but a verifiable historical event: this crucified man rose bodily.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did Jesus retain His crucifixion wounds in His resurrection body rather than appearing physically perfect?
- How do Christ's wounds refute both ancient Docetism and modern spiritual-but-not-literal interpretations of resurrection?
- What does Jesus' demonstration of empirical evidence teach about the relationship between faith and reason in Christian belief?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet (καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας). The verb edeixen (ἔδειξεν, "showed" or "displayed") indicates deliberate demonstration—Jesus actively proved His identity through His crucifixion wounds. The hands bore nail marks from the cross (John 20:25, 27); the feet also bore wounds, as Roman crucifixion typically nailed feet to the vertical beam. These permanent marks in His resurrection body demonstrate continuity between the crucified Jesus and the risen Christ.
This physical evidence refutes several heresies. Against Docetism (the claim Jesus only seemed human), the wounds prove His real incarnation and suffering. Against spiritualized resurrection theories, the scars demonstrate bodily continuity—this is the same Jesus, physically restored, not a replacement or vision. The marks also hold theological significance: Christ's wounds are eternal reminders of atonement. Even in His glorified state, He bears the evidence of redemptive suffering (Revelation 5:6 describes the Lamb "as it had been slain").
John's Gospel adds that Jesus invited Thomas to touch the wounds (John 20:27), emphasizing empirical verification. Luke stresses visual evidence—tas cheiras kai tous podas (τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας, "the hands and the feet") were shown as irrefutable proof. Resurrection faith is grounded in historical, physical evidence, not mystical experience or wishful thinking.