John 20:25-27

20:25 The other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, ¹  “Unless I see the wounds ²  from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it!” ³ 

20:26 Eight days later the disciples were again together in the house, ⁴  and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, ⁵  Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put ⁶  your finger here, and examine ⁷  my hands. Extend ⁸  your hand and put it ⁹  into my side. Do not continue in your unbelief, but believe.” ¹⁰ 

[20:25]  ¹ tn Grk “but he said to them.”

[20:25]  ² tn Or “marks.”

[20:25]  ³ tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context. The use of “it” here as direct object of the verb πιστεύσω (pisteusw) specifies exactly what Thomas was refusing to believe: that Jesus had risen from the dead, as reported by his fellow disciples. Otherwise the English reader may be left with the impression Thomas was refusing to “believe in” Jesus, or “believe Jesus to be the Christ.” The dramatic tension in this narrative is heightened when Thomas, on seeing for himself the risen Christ, believes more than just the resurrection (see John 20:28).

[20:26]  ⁴ tn Grk “were inside”; the word “together” is implied.

[20:26]  ⁵ tn Grk “the doors were shut”; “locked” conveys a more appropriate idea for the modern English reader.

[20:27]  ⁶ tn Or “Extend” or “Reach out.” The translation “put” or “reach out” for φέρω (ferw) here is given in BDAG 1052 s.v. 4.

[20:27]  ⁷ tn Grk “see.” The Greek verb ἴδε (ide) is often used like its cognate ἰδού (idou) in Hellenistic Greek (which is “used to emphasize the …importance of someth.” [BDAG 468 s.v. ἰδού 1.b.ε]).

[20:27]  ⁸ tn Or “reach out” or “put.”

[20:27]  ⁹ tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context.

[20:27]  ¹⁰ tn Grk “and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”