Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from John 20:27. It's a really significant moment in the Bible that speaks about Jesus’ resurrection. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling Thomas (a disciple) to touch his hands and then push them into his side. It’s a test – he wants Thomas to be completely sure of something extraordinary. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then saith he…” : This is Jesus speaking. “…to Thomas…” : He’s talking directly to Thomas, who was one of the first people to see Jesus after his resurrection. “…Reach hither thy finger…” : Jesus is asking Thomas to reach out with his finger. It's a gentle invitation to engage with something tangible. “…and behold my hands…” : He’s showing Thomas his hands – they look very familiar, and he's observing them closely. “…and reach hither thy hand, and thrust [it] into my side:” This is the core of the message. Jesus is instructing Thomas to push his hand into his side. The word "thrust" is key – it suggests a forceful action, implying something significant will happen. “And be not faithless, but believing.” : This is the crucial part! It’s a warning and an encouragement. It means: “Don't doubt this! Don't be skeptical! Believe with all your heart!” What does it mean ? The verse speaks about the power of belief. Jesus, after his resurrection, has overcome death and is now present in a physical form. This act of Thomas pushing his hand into his side symbolizes: Proof of Resurrection: It’s a tangible sign that Jesus is truly alive and risen from the dead. The Power of Faith: It demonstrates the incredible power of faith – believing in something even when evidence seems lacking. It's not just thinking about it, but believing with all your heart. In short, this verse highlights that true belief is essential to experiencing the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Connect this verse to a broader theological concept (like the possibility of heaven)?