King James Version

What Does John 20:24 Mean?

John 20:24 in the King James Version says “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 20:24 · KJV

Context

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.

25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

26

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. John identifies Thomas with both Aramaic name (תָּאוֹמָא, "twin") and Greek equivalent Didymos (Δίδυμος, also meaning "twin"). This naming pattern (John 11:16, 21:2) emphasizes Thomas's identity while explaining terms for Greek readers. The phrase "one of the twelve" confirms Thomas's apostolic status despite his absence—his failure to gather doesn't forfeit his position, though it costs him Easter evening's blessing.

Thomas's absence remains unexplained. Unlike Judas's deliberate apostasy, Thomas simply wasn't present when Jesus appeared. Perhaps grief isolated him; perhaps fear scattered him; perhaps practical errands delayed him. Scripture's silence invites caution against harsh judgment. Yet his absence demonstrates gathered fellowship's importance—blessings flow through community. The corporate gathering received Christ's peace, commissioning, and Spirit (vv.19-23); Thomas's isolation meant missing resurrection's initial joy. His story warns against forsaking assembly (Hebrews 10:25) and illustrates how isolation breeds doubt while fellowship nurtures faith. Providence uses even unwise absence to birth testimony—Thomas's doubt becomes vehicle for Christ's greatest resurrection proof.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Thomas appears in all apostle lists (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13) and receives special attention in John's Gospel. He demonstrated devotion willing to die with Jesus (John 11:16), asked honest questions about Christ's way (John 14:5), and now struggles with resurrection faith. Later tradition calls him "Doubting Thomas," but this nickname oversimplifies—Thomas demanded evidence all apostles initially lacked (Luke 24:11, Mark 16:11).

Early church tradition (Acts of Thomas, 3rd century) places Thomas's missionary work in Parthia and India. The Mar Thoma Church in Kerala, India, claims foundation by Thomas around 52 AD. While these traditions lack biblical confirmation, they demonstrate early Christianity's missionary expansion and Thomas's honored place despite recorded doubt. Archaeological evidence in India (Thomas Cross inscriptions) and Syrian Christian liturgy preserving Thomas traditions suggest historical kernel behind legends.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Thomas's absence demonstrate the spiritual danger of isolating from Christian community during trials?
  2. What does Scripture's sympathetic treatment of Thomas's doubt teach about Christ's patience with honest struggles?
  3. How can God use even our failures and absences to accomplish greater purposes in His providence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Θωμᾶς1 of 17

“Thomas”

G2381

the twin; thomas, a christian

δὲ2 of 17

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

εἷς3 of 17

“one”

G1520

one

ἐκ4 of 17

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῶν5 of 17
G3588

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

δώδεκα6 of 17

“the twelve”

G1427

two and ten, i.e., a dozen

ὁ7 of 17
G3588

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

λεγόμενος8 of 17

“called”

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

Δίδυμος9 of 17

“Didymus”

G1324

double, i.e., twin; didymus, a christian

οὐκ10 of 17

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἦν11 of 17

“was”

G2258

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

μετ'12 of 17

“with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῶν13 of 17

“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

ὅτε14 of 17

“when”

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἦλθεν15 of 17

“came”

G2064

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

ὁ16 of 17
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς17 of 17

“Jesus”

G2424

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

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 20:24 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 20:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 11:16John 6:66-67Hebrews 10:25John 14:5John 21:2Matthew 10:3

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