Doubting Thomas
Meaning
A Doubting Thomas is someone who refuses to believe something without direct, irrefutable personal evidence.
Origin
The phrase originates from the New Testament account of Thomas, one of Jesus's twelve apostles. Following Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection, the other disciples reported seeing the risen Christ. However, Thomas was not present and famously declared, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” A week later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus invited Thomas to touch his wounds, and upon seeing and believing, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” This moment of initial skepticism, followed by profound belief, cemented his legacy as the archetypal “Doubting Thomas” for all who demand tangible proof.
Examples
- My brother is such a Doubting Thomas; he wouldn't believe I got a promotion until he saw the official letter.
- Even after the eyewitness accounts, the detective remained a Doubting Thomas, insisting on forensic proof.