John 20:29
What does John 20:29 mean?
A plain-English look at John 20:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 20:29 means
Jesus acknowledged Thomas's belief, but then declared a profound beatitude: "Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." This statement extends the blessing of faith beyond the immediate eyewitnesses to all future believers who will accept the resurrection without direct physical sight. It underscores the spiritual nature of true faith, establishing a principle that resonates through all generations of Christians.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto him, Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto him, Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to him, Because you have seen me you have belief: a blessing will be on those who have belief though they have not seen me!
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to him, `Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed; happy those not having seen, and having believed.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen and have believed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to him, Because thou hast seen me thou hast believed: blessed they who have not seen and have believed.
Context
This verse directly follows Thomas's confession of Jesus' divinity. Jesus' response shifts the focus from Thomas's personal experience to a broader principle of faith for all believers. This teaching serves as a timeless encouragement for those who believe without seeing, beautifully concluding the resurrection appearances and transitioning to the chapter's overarching purpose.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 5:7
(for we walk by faith, not by sight);
- 1 Peter 1:8
whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
- Hebrews 11:27
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
- John 4:48
Jesus therefore said unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will in no wise believe.
- Hebrews 11:39
And these all, having had witness borne to them through their faith, received not the promise,
- John 20:8
Then entered in therefore the other disciple also, who came first to the tomb, and he saw, and believed.
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