King James Version

What Does John 20:19 Mean?

John 20:19 in the King James Version says “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembl... — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

John 20:19 · KJV


Context

17

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

18

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

19

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

20

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week—John carefully marks time: Sunday evening, resurrection day. This becomes Christianity's new worship day, the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10), replacing Sabbath observance and marking new creation dawning. When the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews—the locked doors (kekleismenōn, κεκλεισμένων, perfect passive participle indicating completed action with ongoing result) emphasize both fear and the miraculous nature of Jesus's appearance. Their phobos (φόβος, fear) was justified; they expected arrest as followers of an executed criminal.

Came Jesus and stood in the midst—Christ's resurrection body possessed both physical reality (He later eats, shows wounds) and supernatural properties (passing through locked doors). The Greek estē eis to meson (ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον) positions Jesus centrally among them, the focus of gathering. His greeting—"Peace be unto you" (eirēnē hymin, εἰρήνη ὑμῖν)—transcends customary shalom greeting. This is the peace He promised (John 14:27, 16:33), purchased through His death, secured by His resurrection, and now personally bestowed. Their fear meets His peace; their locked doors cannot exclude the Risen One who brings reconciliation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The disciples gathered in Jerusalem despite danger, likely in the upper room where they had shared the Last Supper (Mark 14:15, Acts 1:13). First-century Jerusalem remained tense during Passover season with heavy Roman military presence preventing riots. Jewish authorities had successfully executed Jesus; His followers reasonably feared similar treatment. Peter had denied Christ; all had fled—guilt and fear paralyzed them.

Jewish homes typically had simple wooden doors with bar locks. Jesus's ability to appear without opening doors demonstrated His glorified body's properties while maintaining physical continuity (same wounds, v.20). Early Christian confession emphasized Christ's physical resurrection against docetic heresies claiming mere spiritual resurrection. The shift from Sabbath (Saturday) to Lord's Day (Sunday) worship represents one of history's most significant religious changes, explicable only by resurrection reality transforming Jewish believers' practices.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's ability to enter through locked doors speak to areas of your life you've shut off from Him?
  2. What relationship exists between experiencing Christ's peace and engaging His mission in a hostile world?
  3. Why did early Christians risk persecution to gather weekly on resurrection day rather than maintain Sabbath observance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 37 words
Οὔσης1 of 37

being

G5607

being

οὖν2 of 37

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὀψίας3 of 37

at evening

G3798

late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)

τῇ4 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρᾳ5 of 37

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνῃ6 of 37

the same

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τῇ7 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μιᾷ8 of 37
G1520

one

τῶν9 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαββάτων10 of 37

day of the week

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

καὶ11 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν12 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυρῶν13 of 37

the doors

G2374

a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)

κεκλεισμένων14 of 37

were shut

G2808

to close (literally or figuratively)

ὅπου15 of 37

where

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἦσαν16 of 37

were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

οἱ17 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ18 of 37

the disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

συνηγμένοι19 of 37

assembled

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

διὰ20 of 37

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸν21 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φόβον22 of 37

fear

G5401

alarm or fright

τῶν23 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων24 of 37

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

ἦλθεν25 of 37

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

26 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς27 of 37

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ28 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔστη29 of 37

stood

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

εἰς30 of 37

in

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ31 of 37
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέσον32 of 37

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

καὶ33 of 37

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγει34 of 37

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτοῖς35 of 37

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Εἰρήνη36 of 37

Peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ὑμῖν37 of 37

be unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 20:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 20:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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