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John 20:24

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does John 20:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
John 20:24 — American Standard Version

Context — John 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21Jesus therefore said to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit:
23whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.
24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
25The 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 hand into his side, I will not believe.
26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace [be] unto you.
27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach [hither] thy hand, and put it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
← John 20:23John 20:25 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, etc.] The person here spoken of, is described by his Hebrew name Thomas, and his Greek one Didymus, which both signify a twin; and perhaps he was one. It was common with the Jews to have two names, a Jewish and a Gentile one; by the one they went in the land of Israel, and by the other when without the land f791; nay, they often went by one name in Judea, and by another in Galilee f792; where Thomas might go by the name of Didymus with the Greeks, that might live with the Jews in some of those parts: he is also said to be “one of the twelve” apostles, which was their number at first, though Judas now was gone off from them, and therefore are…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“JESUS AGAIN APPEARS TO THE ASSEMBLED DISCIPLES. (Joh 20:24-29) But Thomas--(See on Joh 11:16). was not with them when Jesus came--why, we know not, though we are loath to think (with STIER, ALFORD and LUTHARDT) it was intentional, from sullen despondency. The fact merely is here stated, as a loving apology for his slowness of belief.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:24-25 Thomas: See also 11:16; 14:5). Thomas was absent when Jesus revealed himself. He remained skeptical despite the testimony of his friends, who had seen the Lord. Thomas demanded a concrete experience identical to theirs.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Thomas: Joh 11:16, Joh 14:5, Joh 21:2; Mat 10:3 was: Joh 6:66, Joh 6:67; Mat 18:20; Heb 10:25 John 20:25”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification