King James Version

What Does John 20:28 Mean?

John 20:28 in the King James Version says “And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

John 20:28 · KJV

Context

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.

27

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

28

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

30

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God (Ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου/Ho Kyrios mou kai ho Theos mou)—This is the climactic confession of John's Gospel, the fullest articulation of Christ's deity by any disciple. Thomas addresses Jesus with two supreme titles, both with the definite article and possessive pronoun, making this intensely personal worship.

Ὁ Κύριός μου (Ho Kyrios mou, "My Lord")—Κύριος (Kyrios) is the Greek equivalent of the divine name YHWH in the Septuagint. When Thomas says Κύριος, he uses the very word Greek-speaking Jews employed for God Himself. This is not "lord" as master or teacher, but LORD as Yahweh. Thomas recognizes Jesus as the covenant God of Israel.

Ὁ Θεός μου (Ho Theos mou, "My God")—Θεός (Theos) is the standard Greek word for God. With the definite article, it means THE God, not a god. Thomas doesn't merely acknowledge Jesus's divine qualities but worships Him as fully God. This directly parallels the Gospel's opening: "the Word was God" (Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος, John 1:1). What the prologue declared theologically, Thomas now confesses personally.

Critically, Jesus accepts this worship. He doesn't rebuke Thomas as angels did when wrongly worshiped (Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9). Jesus doesn't correct the confession as too extreme. Instead, He affirms it (v. 29), accepting divine worship as His rightful due. This acceptance is itself a claim to deity—only God may receive worship (Matthew 4:10). Thomas's confession is not theological error but Spirit-illuminated truth. From skeptic to worshiper, from demanding proof to declaring deity, Thomas demonstrates saving faith's trajectory: evidence encountered, truth acknowledged, Christ worshiped.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This confession represents a monumental shift for a monotheistic Jew. The Shema—"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD" (Deuteronomy 6:4)—was the bedrock of Jewish faith, recited daily. Jews died rather than compromise monotheism. Yet Thomas, steeped in this tradition, calls Jesus "my God" without violating monotheism. How?

The New Testament reveals progressive Trinitarian understanding: one God existing eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct persons sharing one divine essence. Thomas's confession doesn't abandon monotheism but recognizes its fullness: the one God has revealed Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. The deity Thomas worships is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—now manifest in flesh, crucified, and risen.

This moment fulfills John's Gospel purpose statement (20:31): "that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God." Thomas believes—and his belief acknowledges not merely messiahship but deity itself. Early church councils (Nicaea 325, Chalcedon 451) would formally articulate what Thomas here confesses: Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, two natures in one person.

For persecuted Christians in John's original audience, Thomas's confession provided assurance. The one they worshiped as God truly was God—not a created being, not a demigod, but Yahweh incarnate. This grounded Christian worship, prayer, and martyrdom. Pliny the Younger (c. 112 AD) reported Christians sang hymns "to Christ as to a god." Thomas models why: Christ IS God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Thomas's confession of Jesus as 'my God' affirm the full deity of Christ while maintaining biblical monotheism?
  2. What does Jesus's acceptance of Thomas's worship reveal about His own self-understanding and claims?
  3. How does Thomas's journey from doubt to worship encourage believers struggling with questions about Christ's identity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἀπεκρίθη2 of 14

“answered”

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

Ὁ3 of 14
G3588

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

Θωμᾶς4 of 14

“Thomas”

G2381

the twin; thomas, a christian

καὶ5 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

εἶπεν6 of 14

“said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ7 of 14

“unto him”

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

ὁ8 of 14
G3588

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

κύριός9 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μου10 of 14

“My”

G3450

of me

καὶ11 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ12 of 14
G3588

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

θεός13 of 14

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μου14 of 14

“My”

G3450

of me

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 20:28 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 20:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:1Isaiah 9:61 Timothy 3:16Matthew 14:33Isaiah 7:14John 5:23

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