New International VersionNow Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
New Living TranslationOne of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came.
English Standard VersionNow Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
Berean Standard BibleNow Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
Berean Literal BibleBut Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
King James BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
New King James VersionNow Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
New American Standard BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve, who was called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
NASB 1995But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
NASB 1977But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Legacy Standard BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Amplified BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Didymus (the twin), was not with them when Jesus came.
Christian Standard BibleBut Thomas (called “Twin” ), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them when Jesus came.
American Standard VersionBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Contemporary English VersionAlthough Thomas the Twin was one of the twelve disciples, he wasn't with the others when Jesus appeared to them.
English Revised VersionBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThomas, one of the twelve apostles, who was called Didymus, wasn't with them when Jesus came.
Good News TranslationOne of the twelve disciples, Thomas (called the Twin), was not with them when Jesus came.
International Standard VersionThomas, one of the Twelve (called the Twin), wasn't with them when Jesus came.
NET BibleNow Thomas (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
New Heart English BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Weymouth New TestamentThomas, one of the twelve--surnamed 'the Twin' --was not among them when Jesus came. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow Thomas called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
World English BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Thomas, one of the Twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came;
Berean Literal BibleBut Thomas, one of the Twelve, the one called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Young's Literal Translation And Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus arrived.
New American BibleThomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
New Revised Standard VersionBut Thomas (who was called the Twin ), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called the Twin, was not there with them when Jesus came.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishBut Thoma, one of the twelve, who is called The Twin, he was not there when Yeshua had come. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Godbey New TestamentAnd Thomas, one of the twelve, the one called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Haweis New TestamentNow Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, the twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
Mace New TestamentBut Thomas, that is, Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
Weymouth New TestamentThomas, one of the twelve--surnamed 'the Twin' --was not among them when Jesus came.
Worrell New TestamentBut Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
Worsley New TestamentBut Thomas called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Appears to Thomas23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” 24NowThomascalledDidymus,oneoftheTwelve,wasnotwiththe discipleswhenJesuscame.25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands, and put my finger where the nails have been, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe.”…
Cross References John 11:16Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”
Luke 24:36-39While they were describing these events, Jesus Himself stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” / But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. / “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? ...
Mark 16:14Later, as they were eating, Jesus appeared to the Eleven and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen.
Matthew 28:17When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted.
1 Corinthians 15:5and that He appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve.
Acts 1:3After His suffering, He presented Himself to them with many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a span of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.
1 John 1:1-3That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. / And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. / We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
John 14:5“Lord,” said Thomas, “we do not know where You are going, so how can we know the way?”
John 6:70-71Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” / He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.
Matthew 10:3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Luke 6:15Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;
Acts 2:32God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.
1 Peter 1:8Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
Psalm 22:16For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
Treasury of Scripture But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Thomas. John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and thesons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. was. John 6:66,67 From thattime many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him… Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of someis; but exhortingone another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Jump to Previous DidymusDisciplesJesusSurnamedThomasTwelveTwinWasn'tJump to Next DidymusDisciplesJesusSurnamedThomasTwelveTwinWasn'tJohn 20 1.Mary comes to the tomb;3.so do Peter and John, ignorant of the resurrection.11.Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene,19.and to his disciples.24.The incredulity and confession of Thomas.30.The Scripture is sufficient to salvation.Now Thomas called DidymusThomas, also known as Didymus, which means "twin" in Greek, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. His dual name suggests a cultural connection between the Jewish and Hellenistic worlds, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of Jesus' followers. Thomas is often remembered for his skepticism, earning the moniker "Doubting Thomas," but he also demonstrates a deep commitment to Jesus, as seen in John 11:16, where he expresses willingness to die with Him. one of the Twelve
This phrase identifies Thomas as a member of the inner circle of Jesus' disciples, the Twelve Apostles. This group was chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and witnesses to His ministry, death, and resurrection. The Twelve hold a significant role in the early Church, as seen inActs 1:13-26, where they are foundational to the spread of the Gospel. was not with the disciples when Jesus came
Thomas's absence during Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to the disciples (John 20:19-23) sets the stage for his later encounter with the risen Christ. This moment highlights the importance of community and fellowship among believers, as Thomas misses the initial blessing and commissioning Jesus gives to the gathered disciples. His absence also serves to emphasize the personal nature of faith and belief, as Thomas's later encounter with Jesus becomes a pivotal moment for his faith journey. Persons / Places / Events 1. Thomas (Didymus)One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, known for his skepticism and later belief. The name "Didymus" means "twin" in Greek, indicating that Thomas may have had a twin sibling. 2. The TwelveRefers to the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to spread His teachings. Thomas was one of these twelve. 3. The DisciplesThe broader group of Jesus' followers, including the apostles, who were present when Jesus appeared after His resurrection. 4. Jesus' AppearanceThis event refers to the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to His disciples, which Thomas initially missed. 5. The Upper RoomThe likely location where the disciples were gathered when Jesus appeared to them. This place holds significance as a site of fellowship and revelation. Teaching Points The Importance of CommunityThomas missed Jesus' initial appearance because he was not with the other disciples. This underscores the importance of being in fellowship with other believers to experience and witness God's work. Faith and DoubtThomas' account is a reminder that doubt is a natural part of faith. It encourages believers to seek truth and understanding, knowing that Jesus meets us in our doubts. Personal Encounter with JesusThomas' eventual belief came from a personal encounter with the risen Christ. This teaches that personal experiences with Jesus can transform doubt into faith. The Role of TestimonyThe disciples' testimony about Jesus' resurrection was crucial for Thomas. This highlights the power of sharing personal testimonies to encourage and strengthen others' faith. Seeking TruthThomas' desire for evidence reflects a sincere quest for truth. Believers are encouraged to seek answers and grow in their understanding of faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 20:24?
2.How does Thomas's doubt in John 20:24 challenge our faith today?
3.What role does community play in strengthening belief, as seen in John 20:24?
4.How can we support those struggling with doubt, like Thomas in John 20:24?
5.What other Scriptures address doubt and belief, similar to John 20:24?
6.How can we cultivate a faith that withstands doubt, inspired by John 20:24?
7.Why did Thomas doubt the resurrection despite witnessing Jesus' miracles?
8.How does John 20:24 challenge the concept of faith without evidence?
9.What does Thomas' doubt reveal about human nature and belief?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 20?
11.Is it wrong to doubt Jesus?
12.Who was Thomas, called the Twin, in the Bible?
13.Did Apostle Thomas travel to India?
14.Who was Thomas, called the Twin, in the Bible?What Does John 20:24 Mean NowJohn opens this sentence with a time-marker that ties what follows directly to what has just happened. Verse 19 records: “When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week… Jesus came and stood among them”. So, right after the risen Lord’s first appearance to the gathered disciples, John turns our attention to something crucial that took place simultaneously but out of sight: one member of the inner circle was absent. The word “now” reminds us that the gospel narrative is real history unfolding in real time (cf.Luke 1:3–4).
ThomasThomas shows up three times earlier in John’s Gospel, giving us a window into his personality. •John 11:16—When Jesus heads back to Judea, Thomas bravely says, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him”. •John 14:5—He candidly voices confusion: “Lord, we do not know where You are going.” •John 20:27–28—He will soon move from skepticism to the loftiest confession, “My Lord and my God!” Taken together, Thomas comes across as loyal, straightforward, and desirous of verifiable truth—qualities that many believers can identify with. His journey encourages honest seekers to bring doubts to the risen Christ.
called DidymusJohn twice pairs Thomas’s primary name with an alternate one (see alsoJohn 21:2). Mentioning both reinforces eyewitness accuracy. First-century readers who knew Thomas by either name could confirm these events, underlining Peter’s later assertion: “We did not follow cleverly devised myths… but we were eyewitnesses” (2 Peter 1:16).
one of the TwelveBy stating Thomas’s place among “the Twelve,” John stresses: • Jesus personally chose him (Luke 6:13–15). • He shared apostolic authority (Matthew 10:2). • His testimony carries weight equal to the other apostles (Acts 1:21–22). Even faithful leaders can struggle with doubt; yet the Lord does not discard them. Instead, He equips them so the church may be “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20).
was not with the disciplesThomas’s absence had immediate consequences: • He missed the joy and assurance the others received when Jesus said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). • He lacked firsthand proof of the Resurrection, which fueled his later skepticism. • He illustrates the warning, “Let us not neglect meeting together… so that we may encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25). Reasons for his absence are hidden, but the lesson is plain: isolation often breeds uncertainty, while fellowship fosters faith.
when Jesus cameJesus’ post-resurrection appearances are bodily and historical, not mystical. He “showed them His hands and His side” (John 20:20). The same Lord will graciously return eight days later, this time with Thomas present, proving that Jesus pursues individual disciples who struggle (John 20:26–27). His willingness to come again underscores His patience and shepherd-heart (John 10:14).
summaryJohn 20:24 highlights a missing disciple on resurrection evening. The verse reminds us: timing matters (“Now”), honest doubt need not disqualify (“Thomas”), Scripture is eyewitness truth (“called Didymus”), every believer has a calling (“one of the Twelve”), fellowship is vital (“was not with the disciples”), and Jesus meets us where we are (“when Jesus came”). Together these truths reassure believers that the risen Christ patiently draws even hesitant hearts into unshakeable faith. (24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus . . .--Comp. Notes on John 11:16; John 14:5. It is in harmony with the desponding character that looks upon the visit to Jerusalem as necessarily leading to death, that he now is as one who has given up the common hope of the band of disciples, and is not present with them. It has happened as he had thought; the death he had foretold has come to pass. Is this the end of all the Messianic hopes which he had cherished? Is the grave the "whither," and the cross the "way," which they knew not? Verses 24-29. - (5) The manifestation made to anxious skepticism, with the blessing on those who have not seen and yet have believed.Verse 24. - This revelation was of supreme importance, and is the climax of the entire Gospel. It is peculiar to John's narrative, and throws light upon the very construction of the Gospel. It reveals the characteristics of honest doubt, and indicates the abundance of the evidence which was offered to specific classes and conditions of mind to help them believe that the Lord had risen. The confession drawn from the heart of this apostle is not only valuable in itself, but it reflects a new luster on the previous manifestation. Moreover, it is cumulative in its argumentative force. The most skeptical is the most enthusiastic of the twelve.But Thomas, one of the twelve (a term of designation for the first group of the apostles, and one which was not renounced, although two of them were absent. The number "twelve" had a symbolic and historic value from its relation to the twelve tribes, and we find (Acts 1.) that the eleven were anxious to fill up the vacant place left by Judas),called Didymus (Greek for "twin," repeated here fromJohn 11:16, not simply to imply that Thomas was best known by his Greek name, but that there was a blending in him of intense love and a fear which had torment, a great ambition and yet exposure to moods of despondency, a desire to treat the whole manifestation of Christ as complete, to believe that the words of the Lord were all sublimely true, - coupled with a ghastly doubt that all was a delusion, a faculty of constructive faith and speculation, of transcendental intuition side by side with an intense desire for sensible manifestation, a greater belief in the Master than in the disciples, but no unwillingness to accept that which was sufficiently established).Thomas was not with them when Jesus came. We can never know why he was absent. He was given to moody fear, and shrank into solitude; and doubtless in many ways and words, as well as those recorded, had implied the wreck of his hopes. Separated from the fellowship of kindred spirits, he augmented his gloom; he was fast tending to unbelief. The state of his mind throughout the Passover week may have been one reason why the apostles delayed their return to Galilee. They may have come frequently to him with their sublime announcement, not once nor twice only.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Nowδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.ThomasΘωμᾶς(Thōmas)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2381:Thomas, also called Didymus, one of the Twelve. Of Chaldee origin; the twin; Thomas, a Christian.calledλεγόμενος(legomenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.Didymus,Δίδυμος(Didymos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1324:The Twin; Didymus, the Greek name equivalent to Thomas. Prolongation from dis; double, i.e. Twin; Didymus, a Christian.oneεἷς(heis)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1520:One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one.ofἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Twelve,δώδεκα(dōdeka)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427:Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.wasἦν(ēn)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.notοὐκ(ouk)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.withμετ’(met’)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.[the disciples]αὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.whenὅτε(hote)Adverb
Strong's 3753:When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.came.ἦλθεν(ēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.
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NT Gospels: John 20:24 But Thomas one of the twelve called (Jhn Jo Jn) |
