John 20:27 ...Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands;

Spoken to
an individual

After the resurrection, Jesus has Thomas test his wounds.

KJV

John 20:27 ...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.

NIV

John 20:27 Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

LISTENERS HEARD

Bring that finger of yours here and see this hand of mine. And bring that hand of yours and toss into this side of mine and don't become mistrustful instead trustful.

LOST IN TRANSLATION

Perhaps one of the last proofs of Jesus's humor. These words could only be said in a lighthearted way. Notice again how repetitious they are. In this case, they repeat what Thomas had said earlier, but the form itself is very repetitious, as are all of Jesus's words in John after the resurrection. The word translated as three times as "reach" and once as "put" means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch." It is the base of a lot of words Christ uses commonly, including the words that mean "bring together," "bring to," and "bring through." It can also be "place" in a sense of with or without haste.

The word translated as "faithless" and "doubting" means "without trust" or "distrusting." The word translated as "believing" and "believe" has more a sense of "trusting."

 

MY TAKE

Some not only have to see to believe but to touch as well.

GREEK ORDER

Φέρε  τὸν  δάκτυλόν σου        ὧδε  καὶ ἴδε τὰς  χεῖράς μου,
Bring that finger       of yours here and see this hand   of mine.

καὶ  φέρε   τὴν χεῖρά σου         καὶ βάλε εἰς  τὴν  πλευράν μου,
And bring that hand  of yours and toss  into this side        of mine

καὶ  μὴ     γίνου     ἄπιστος .   ἀλλὰ     πιστός.
and don't become mistrustful instead trustful.

# KJV TRANSLATION ISSUES
12
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "reach" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  •  MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "finger" is not shown in the English translation.
  •  MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "hands" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "reach" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "hither" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "hand" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "thrust" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "side" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "be" should be something more like "become."
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "faithless" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • CW - Confusing Word -- The "but" is not commonly translated as "but."
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "believing" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
# NIV TRANSLATION ISSUES
15
  •  MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "finger" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
  •  MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "hands" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "reach" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • IW - Inserted Word -- The word "out" doesn't exist in the source.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "hand" is not shown in the English translation.
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "put" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "the/this" before "side" is not shown in the English translation.
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "and" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "stop" should be something more like "become."
  • MW - Missing Word -- The word "not" is not shown in the English translation.
  • WW --Wrong Word -- The word translated as "and" should be something more like "instead."
  • CW --Confusing Word -- The "believe" does not capture the word's specific meaning.
  • WF -- Wrong Form -  The "believe" is not an active verb but an adjective, "trusting."
EACH WORD of KJV

Reach -- (CW) The verb translated as "reach" means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch." It is the root word of a lot of other Greek verbs Jesus uses commonly, including the words that mean "bring together," "bring to," and "bring through." It doesn't really means "reach," however.

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.

hither -- The word translated as "hither" means in manner, "in this way," referring to the manner, or "here," referring to place.

thy -- The word translated as "thy" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours." .

finger, - "Finger" is from another uncommon Greek word for Jesus, used only in five verses that means "fingers," "toes," "the thumb" "an inch," and "a digit." It is used in the same sense that we might say, "keeping someone under your thumb." Since the term also means "toes," under someone's foot also works best.

and-- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

behold-- The verb translated as "behold" means "to see" but it is used like we use the word "see" to mean "to know" or "to perceive." In th KJV, it is almost translated as many times as "know" as it is "see."

missing "the/these"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.

my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun. This pronoun follows the noun so "of mine." 

hands; -- The Greek word translated as "hands" means "the hand and forearm." It can mean both the idea of a helping hand and being in someone's control.

and-- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

reach -- (CW) The verb translated as "bring" means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch." It is the root word of a lot of other verbs Jesus uses commonly, including the words that mean "bring together," "bring to," and "bring through."

hither -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "hither" in the Greek source

thy   -- The word translated as "thy" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

hand, -- The Greek word translated as "hands" means "the hand and forearm." It can mean both the idea of a helping hand and being in someone's control.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

thrust -- (CW) The word translated as "thrust" has a number of meanings revolving around "throw" as we do in English with both "throw" and "toss." Jesus often uses this word in the same way we use "dump" in English. It is a word that he frequently uses in a light-hearted way. In dice, it means "to throw" the dice, but with the sense of being lucky. It doesn't mean "thrust."

it - This English objective pronoun is added and not in the Greek source.   In Greek, pronoun objects are not repeated after each verb because they are implied by their first occurrence.

into ." -- The word translated as "unto" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject,"up to" limits in time and measure, and "for" a purpose or object.

my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun. This pronoun follows the noun so "of mine." 

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

side: -- "Side" is a Greek word Jesus only uses here. It means "ribs," and "side."  It is used for many of the same meanings of "side" in English. It also is first used by Thomas. 

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

be-- (WW) The word translated as "be" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. In Greek, especially as used by Jesus, it is the opposite of "being," which is existence in the current state. When applied to events, this word means "to happen," "to occur," or "take place." For things, it can be "to be produced." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something.

not - The negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" or "think" something, not that it isn't done or thought.   With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. This is the negative used with commands or requests. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative "when" and "if" clauses. 

faithless, - (CW)  The Greek word translated as "faithless" means literally "without trust," but it meant "not to be trusted" and "mistrustful." It has nothing to do with religious faith.

but -- (CW) The Greek word translated as "but" denotes an exception or simple opposition. It is used to emphasize the contrast between things like we use "instead," "but instead,"or "rather." It is not the common word usually translated as "but." It is the Greek word "other" like we use "otherwise." Jesus often uses this conjunction to connect a negative clause, "not this," with a positive one, "instead this."

believing. -- (CW)The word translated as "faithful" means "trusting" and "trustworthy." It has nothing to do with religious belief.

EACH WORD of NIV

Put -- (CW) The verb translated as "put" means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch." It also means "place" in a relaxed sense. It is the root word of a lot of other Greek verbs Jesus uses commonly, including the words that mean "bring together," "bring to," and "bring through." It doesn't really means "reach," however.

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.

your -- The word translated as "your" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours." .

finger, - "Finger" is from another uncommon Greek word for Jesus, used only in five verses that means "fingers," "toes," "the thumb" "an inch," and "a digit." It is used in the same sense that we might say, "keeping someone under your thumb." Since the term also means "toes," under someone's foot also works best.

here-- The word translated as "hither" means in manner, "in this way," referring to the manner, or "here," referring to place.

missing "and"  -- (MW) The untranslated word  "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

see-- The verb translated as "see" means "to see" but it is used like we use the word "see" to mean "to know" or "to perceive." In th KJV, it is almost translated as many times as "know" as it is "see."

missing "the/these"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more.

my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun. This pronoun follows the noun so "of mine." 

hands; -- The Greek word translated as "hands" means "the hand and forearm." It can mean both the idea of a helping hand and being in someone's control.

missing "and"  -- (MW) The untranslated word  "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

Reach -- (CW) The verb translated as "bring" means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch." It is the root word of a lot of other verbs Jesus uses commonly, including the words that mean "bring together," "bring to," and "bring through."

out -- (IW) There is nothing that can be translated as "out" in the Greek source

your -- The word translated as "you" is the genitive form of the singular, second-person pronoun, which is most commonly the possessive form. This pronoun follows the noun so "of yours."

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

hand, -- The Greek word translated as "hands" means "the hand and forearm." It can mean both the idea of a helping hand and being in someone's control.

and -- The Greek word translated as "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

put -- (CW) The word translated as "thrust" has a number of meanings revolving around "throw" as we do in English with both "throw" and "toss." Jesus often uses this word in the same way we use "dump" in English. It is a word that he frequently uses in a light-hearted way. In dice, it means "to throw" the dice, but with the sense of being lucky. It doesn't mean "put."

it - This English objective pronoun is added and not in the Greek source.   In Greek, pronoun objects are not repeated after each verb because they are implied by their first occurrence.

into ." -- The word translated as "unto" means "into" a place, "towards" as a direction, "as much as (of measure or limit)," "in regards to" a subject,"up to" limits in time and measure, and "for" a purpose or object.

my -- "My" is the first-person possessive singular pronoun. This pronoun follows the noun so "of mine." 

missing "the/this"  -- (MW) The untranslated word is the Greek definite article," the," which usually precedes a noun and, without a noun, takes the meaning of "the one." The Greek article is much closer to our demonstrative pronouns ("this," "that," "these," and "those"). See this article for more. 

side: -- "Side" is a Greek word Jesus only uses here. It means "ribs," and "side."  It is used for many of the same meanings of "side" in English. It also is first used by Thomas. 

missing "and"  -- (MW) The untranslated word  "and" is used as the conjunction "and," but it also is used to add emphasis ("also"). In a series, it can be translated as "not only...but also." After words implying sameness "as."

Stop -- (WW) The word translated as "stop" means "to become," that is, to enter into a new state. In Greek, especially as used by Jesus, it is the opposite of "being," which is existence in the current state. When applied to events, this word means "to happen," "to occur," or "take place." For things, it can be "to be produced." When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something.

missing "not"  -- (MW) The untranslated negative used here is the Greek negative of a subjective opinion, commands, and requests. The sense is that "you don't want" or "think" something, not that it isn't done or thought.   With the verb "to be," the sense is "doesn't seem." When a negative precedes the verb, it affects the whole clause. When it precedes other words, its force is limited to those words. This is the negative used with commands or requests. Used with an imperative to express a will or wish. Used in negative "when" and "if" clauses. 

doubting  --  The Greek word translated as "doubting" means literally "without trust," but it meant "not to be trusted" and "mistrustful." It has nothing to do with religious faith.

and -- (WW) The Greek word translated as "and" denotes an exception or simple opposition. It is used to emphasize the contrast between things like we use "instead," "but instead,"or "rather." It is not the common word usually translated as "but." It is the Greek word "other" like we use "otherwise." Jesus often uses this conjunction to connect a negative clause, "not this," with a positive one, "instead this."

believing. -- (CW, WF)The word translated as "faithful" means "trusting" and "trustworthy." It has nothing to do with religious belief. It is not a verb but an adjective.

 

COMPARISON: GREEK to KJV

Φέρε [16 verses](verb 2nd sg pres imperat act ) "Reach" is phero, which means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch."

τὸν [821 verses](article sg masc acc)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").  -

δάκτυλόν [5 verses] (noun sg masc acc) "Finger" is daktylos, which means "finger," "thumb," "toes," a measure of length, "finger's breadth," "date," and "a kind of grape." 

σου” [144 verses](pron 2nd sg gen) "Thy" is sou is the genitive form of the second-person, singular pronoun that means "of you" and "your." 

ὧδε [29 verses] (adv) "Hither" is hode, the demonstrative adverb that means in manner, "in this wise," "thus," "so very," "so exceedingly," of Place, "hither," and "here."

καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

ἴδε [166 verses](verb 2nd sg aor imperat act) "Behold" is eido which means "to see," "to examine," "to perceive," "to behold," "to know how to do," "to see with the mind's eye," and "to know."

τὰς [821 verses](article pl fem acc)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").  -

χεῖράς [25 verses] (noun pl fem acc) "Hands" is cheir,which means "the hand and arm," and "with the help of agency of another." Like "hand" in English, it has a lot of meanings including "an act or deed," "a body of people," and the measurement "handful."

μου [239 verses](adj sg masc gen) "Me" is from mou (emou), which means "me," and "mine." As a genitive object means movement away from something or a position away from something else.

καὶ [1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

φέρε[16 verses](verb 2nd sg pres imperat act ) "Bring" is phero, which means "to bear," "to carry," "to bring," "to produce," and "to fetch."

τὴν [821 verses](article sg fem acc)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").  -

χεῖρά [25 verses] (noun sg fem acc) "Hand" is cheir,which means "the hand and arm," and "with the help of agency of another." Like "hand" in English, it has a lot of meanings including "an act or deed," "a body of people," and the measurement "handful."

σου  [144 verses](pron 2nd sg gen) "Thy" is sou is the genitive form of the second-person, singular pronoun that means "of you" and "your."

καὶ[1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

βάλε [54 verses](verb 3rd pl aor ind act) "Thrust" is ballo, which means "to throw," "to let fall," "to cast," "to put," "to pour," "to place money on deposit," "push forward or in front [of animals]," "to shed," "to place," "to pay,"to throw [of dice,]" "to be lucky," "to fall," "to lay as foundation," "to begin to form," "to dash oneself with water," and "to bathe."

εἰς [325 verses](prep) "Into" is eis, which means "into (of place)," "up to (of time)," "until (of time)," "as much as (of measure or limit)," "as far as (of measure or limit)," "towards (to express relation)," "in regard to (to express relation)," "of an end or limit," and "for (of purpose or object)

τὴν [821 verses](article sg fem acc)  Untranslated is the Greek definite article, hos, ("the").  -

πλευράν [1 verse]( noun sg fem acc ) "Side" is pleura, which means "rib," and "side." 

μου [239 verses](adj sg masc gen) "My" is from mou (emou), which means "me," and "mine." As a genitive object means movement away from something or a position away from something else.

καὶ[1089 verses](conj/adv) "And" is kai, which is the conjunction joining phrases and clauses, "and," or "also." After words implying sameness, "as" (the same opinion as you). Used in series, joins positive with negative "Not only...but also." Also used to give emphasis, "even," "also," and "just."

μὴ [447 verses](conj) "Not" is me , which is the negative used in prohibitions and expressions of doubt meaning "not" and "no." As οὐ (ou) negates fact and statement; μή rejects, οὐ denies; μή is relative, οὐ absolute; μή subjective, οὐ objective. With pres. or aor. subj. used in a warning or statement of fear, "take care" It can be the conjunction "lest" or "for fear that." Used before tis with an imperative to express a will or wish for something in independent sentences and, with subjunctives, to express prohibitions. -

γίνου [117 verses](verb 2nd sg pres imperat mp ) "Be" is ginomai, which means "to become," "to come into being," "to happen," of things "to be produced," of events "happen," "take place," "come to pass," "to be engaged in," math "to be multiplied into," "become one of," "turn into." It means changing into a new state of being. When the participle takes a predicate, the sense is "coming into" something. It is the complementary opposite of the verb "to be" (eimi) which indicates existence in the same state.

ἄπιστος [5 verses](adj sg fem voc/n0m) "Faithless" is apistos, which means "not to be trusted" "mistrustful," "incredulous," disobedient, "disloyal," or "suspicious." 

ἀλλὰ [154 verses](conj) "But" is alla, which means "instead," "otherwise," "but," "still," "at least," "except," "yet," nevertheless," "rather," "moreover," and "nay."

πιστός. [11 verses]( adj sg masc nom ) "Faithful" is pistos means "believing," "trustful," "obedient," "genuine," "deserving belief," "credible," "unmistakable," "believing," "relying on," "obedient," and "loyal."

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