Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 14:5

"Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; how know we the way?" — John 14:5 (ASV)

Thomas’s abrupt question, like Peter’s questions (13:6, 36–37), was characteristic of its proponent. Thomas was utterly honest, pessimistic, and uninhibited. He did not suppress his feelings but voiced his despair (cf. 11:16). He was confused by life and felt that its riddles were unsolvable. But he was not ready to accept a state of permanent bewilderment.