John 20:24-26

New English Translation

Footnotes

1. John 20:24 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author; Didymus means “the twin” in Greek.
2. John 20:25 tn Grk “but he said to them.”
3. John 20:25 tn Or “marks.”
4. John 20:25 tn The word “it” is not in the Greek text but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context. The use of “it” here as direct object of the verb πιστεύσω (pisteusō) specifies exactly what Thomas was refusing to believe: that Jesus had risen from the dead, as reported by his fellow disciples. Otherwise the English reader may be left with the impression Thomas was refusing to “believe in” Jesus, or “believe Jesus to be the Christ.” The dramatic tension in this narrative is heightened when Thomas, on seeing for himself the risen Christ, believes more than just the resurrection (see John 20:28).
5. John 20:26 tn Grk “were inside”; the word “together” is implied.
6. John 20:26 tn Grk “the doors were shut”; “locked” conveys a more appropriate idea for the modern English reader.sn See the note on the phrase locked the doors in 20:19.