King James Version

What Does Luke 24:40 Mean?

Luke 24:40 in the King James Version says “And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”

Luke 24:40 · KJV

Context

38

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

40

And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.

41

And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?

42

And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb .

Read Luke 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet (καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας). The verb edeixen (ἔδειξεν, "showed" or "displayed") indicates deliberate demonstration—Jesus actively proved His identity through His crucifixion wounds. The hands bore nail marks from the cross (John 20:25, 27); the feet also bore wounds, as Roman crucifixion typically nailed feet to the vertical beam. These permanent marks in His resurrection body demonstrate continuity between the crucified Jesus and the risen Christ.

This physical evidence refutes several heresies. Against Docetism (the claim Jesus only seemed human), the wounds prove His real incarnation and suffering. Against spiritualized resurrection theories, the scars demonstrate bodily continuity—this is the same Jesus, physically restored, not a replacement or vision. The marks also hold theological significance: Christ's wounds are eternal reminders of atonement. Even in His glorified state, He bears the evidence of redemptive suffering (Revelation 5:6 describes the Lamb "as it had been slain").

John's Gospel adds that Jesus invited Thomas to touch the wounds (John 20:27), emphasizing empirical verification. Luke stresses visual evidence—tas cheiras kai tous podas (τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τοὺς πόδας, "the hands and the feet") were shown as irrefutable proof. Resurrection faith is grounded in historical, physical evidence, not mystical experience or wishful thinking.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman crucifixion was designed for maximum suffering and public shame. Victims were nailed through wrists or hands and feet to wooden crosses. Death came through asphyxiation, exhaustion, or shock after hours or days of agony. Crucified bodies were typically left for scavengers or buried in criminals' graves. That Jesus' followers could verify His identity through specific crucifixion wounds demonstrates the reality of His death—no 'swoon theory' survives this evidence. The resurrection body bearing these marks also affirms that redemption doesn't erase suffering but transforms it into victory. Early Christians proclaimed not an abstract spiritual principle but a verifiable historical event: this crucified man rose bodily.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Jesus retain His crucifixion wounds in His resurrection body rather than appearing physically perfect?
  2. How do Christ's wounds refute both ancient Docetism and modern spiritual-but-not-literal interpretations of resurrection?
  3. What does Jesus' demonstration of empirical evidence teach about the relationship between faith and reason in Christian belief?

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

“when he had thus”

G5124

that thing

εἰπὼν3 of 10

“spoken”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐπέδειξεν4 of 10

“he shewed”

G1925

to exhibit (physically or mentally)

αὐτοῖς5 of 10

“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

τὰς6 of 10
G3588

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

χεῖρας7 of 10

“his hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

καὶ8 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

τοὺς9 of 10
G3588

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

πόδας10 of 10

“his feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 24:40 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 24 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes