John 20:26
What does John 20:26 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:26 means
Eight days later, the disciples were again gathered together, and this time, Thomas was with them. Once more, despite the doors being securely shut, Jesus miraculously appeared in their midst, offering His customary greeting of "Peace be unto you." This second appearance, specifically orchestrated for Thomas, demonstrates Jesus' compassion for the doubting and His power to transcend physical barriers, setting the stage for the direct confrontation and resolution of Thomas's skepticism.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after eight days, his disciples were again in the house and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were shut, Jesus came, and taking his place in the middle of them, he said, May peace be with you!
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And after eight days, again were his disciples within, and Thomas with them; Jesus cometh, the doors having been shut, and he stood in the midst, and said, `Peace to you!'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said: Peace be to you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And eight days after, his disciples were again within, and Thomas with them. Jesus comes, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst and said, Peace [be] to you.
Context
This verse marks the setting for Jesus' second appearance to the disciples, deliberately including Thomas. The eight-day interval and the reiteration of the locked doors emphasize the supernatural nature of Jesus' presence. This scene directly precedes Jesus' personal address to Thomas, designed to overcome his stated doubt from verse 25.
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.
v.26This passage
v.27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 17:1
And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:
- Isaiah 27:5
Or else let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; yea, let him make peace with me.
- John 20:21
Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
- Isaiah 26:12
Jehovah, thou wilt ordain peace for us; for thou hast also wrought all our works for us.
- Isaiah 54:10
For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my lovingkindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.
- Luke 9:28
And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter and John and James, and went up into the mountain to pray.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 20
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 20.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About the Deity of Christ
The Bible consistently reveals Jesus Christ as truly God, possessing divine attributes, titles, and authority.
Topic
Bible Verses About Doubt
The Bible acknowledges the reality of doubt, offering comfort, guidance, and encouragement to those who wrestle with uncertainty.
Topic
Bible Verses About Unbelief
Bible verses on unbelief show how it hinders faith and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of trust in God.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.