Devine Scripture

John 20:24

What does John 20:24 mean?

A plain-English look at John 20:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 20:24 means

Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, also known as Didymus (meaning "twin"), was conspicuously absent when Jesus first appeared to the assembled disciples. His absence creates a narrative void, setting him apart from the shared experience of joy and commissioning. This detail is crucial for the events that follow, as it introduces the element of doubt that Jesus will later directly address, providing a unique opportunity for a powerful affirmation of faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, named Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus' first appearance to the disciples and their commissioning, introducing a new narrative strand. Thomas's absence is explicitly noted, which directly sets the stage for his famous declaration of doubt in the subsequent verse, creating tension and expectation for Jesus' response.

v.23whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

v.24This passage

v.25The 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 put my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 14:5

    Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?

  • John 21:2

    There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

  • John 6:66

    Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

  • John 11:16

    Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said unto his fellow-disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

  • Hebrews 10:25

    not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

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