Bible Strands
John 20:28
Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Thomas speaks to Jesus, in the room where the risen Christ has just invited him to touch the wound in His side (v. 27). This is the second post-resurrection appearance, the one Thomas missed.
The words — θεός (theos), "God," carries the verse; the definite article before it (ὁ) makes it a specific claim — "my God" — not a generic divine title.
The thread — John 1:1 already declared the Word to be God; Thomas's confession is the narrative payoff of that prologue. Isaiah 7:14's "Immanuel" (God with us) and 9:6's divine son point in the same direction.
Why it lands — It asks the reader to decide whether they can move from doubt to calling Jesus God, not just a teacher or a prophet.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
Cross-references
- John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
- 1 Timothy 3:16 By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
- Matthew 14:33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”
- John 5:23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
- Isaiah 25:9 And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”
- Acts 7:59 While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
- Luke 24:52 And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
- Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.