💫WEB · John 20:23
What does John 20:23 mean?
"If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.”"
— John 20:23 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.
Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!
If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.”
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came.
The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the middle, and said, “Peace be to you.”
A full explanation for this verse is coming soon. In the meantime, you can ask our AI about John 20:23 directly — it will give you a detailed answer grounded in the actual text.
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.