King James Version

What Does John 20:22 Mean?

John 20:22 in the King James Version says “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:”

John 20:22 · KJV

Context

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.

22

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

24

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had said this, he breathed on them—the Greek enephysēsen (ἐνεφύσησεν, breathed into/upon) appears only here in the New Testament, echoing Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into Adam. Christ, the Second Adam, breathes resurrection life into new humanity. This acted parable demonstrates the Spirit's origin (from Christ), means (His breath), and purpose (empowerment for mission). Receive ye the Holy Ghost (labete pneuma hagion, λάβετε πνεῦμα ἅγιον)—the aorist imperative commands reception of what Christ offers.

Theological debate surrounds this verse's relationship to Pentecost (Acts 2). Some view this as preliminary empowerment for post-resurrection ministry, with Pentecost bringing fuller baptism of the Spirit. Others see symbolic anticipation of Pentecost. Regardless, Christ's breathing signifies the Spirit's coming depends on Christ's finished work—the Spirit comes from the crucified and risen Christ. The Spirit's reception enables the mission just commissioned (v.21). Without the Spirit, disciples cannot continue Christ's work; with the Spirit, they become witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of divine breath creating life pervades Old Testament Scripture: God's breath creates (Genesis 1:2, Job 33:4, Psalm 33:6), sustains (Job 34:14-15), and renews (Ezekiel 37:9-10). Prophets promised Spirit-outpouring in the messianic age (Joel 2:28-29, Ezekiel 36:26-27). Jesus's breathing enacts this promise.

The relationship between John 20:22 and Acts 2 has generated discussion since patristic times. Luke-Acts presents Pentecost as the decisive Spirit-baptism empowering witness. John's Gospel emphasizes realized eschatology—eternal life and Spirit possession begin now for believers. Some scholars propose John 20:22 represents Easter gift of regenerating Spirit, while Acts 2 describes Pentecost gift of empowering Spirit. Early church fathers like Chrysostom and Augustine wrestled with this chronology. The unified testimony: resurrection, ascension, and Spirit-gift form one salvation-historical complex establishing the church.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's breathing the Spirit on the disciples echo creation, and what does this reveal about new creation?
  2. What is the relationship between receiving the Holy Spirit and effective Christian witness and mission?
  3. How should pneumatology (doctrine of the Spirit) shape ecclesiology (doctrine of the church)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

τοῦτο2 of 10

“this”

G5124

that thing

εἰπὼν3 of 10

“when he had said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐνεφύσησεν4 of 10

“he breathed on”

G1720

to blow at or on

καὶ5 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

λέγει6 of 10

“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

αὐτοῖς7 of 10

“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

Λάβετε8 of 10

“Receive ye”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

πνεῦμα9 of 10

“Ghost”

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

ἅγιον·10 of 10

“the Holy”

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

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 20:22 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 20:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 33:4Genesis 2:7Acts 8:15Acts 2:38Ezekiel 37:9Acts 19:2

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