John 8 7

John 8:7 kjv

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

John 8:7 nkjv

So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."

John 8:7 niv

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."

John 8:7 esv

And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her."

John 8:7 nlt

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

John 8 verses

John 8 7 Meaning

This verse highlights Jesus' discerning wisdom in responding to the Pharisees' attempt to trap him. He turned their accusation back on them, showing that the most outwardly religious among them were often the most guilty of sin. The verse is a powerful illustration of spiritual insight and righteous judgment.

John 8 7 Context

The context for this verse is John chapter 8, where the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. Their intent is to trap Jesus, perhaps by forcing him to violate Mosaic Law which prescribed stoning for such an offense (Leviticus 20:10), or by accusing him of showing disrespect for the Law if he excused her. Jesus, demonstrating his profound knowledge of human nature and the Law, bends down and writes on the ground, seemingly unconcerned, then challenges the accusers with his famous response. This takes place in the temple courts, likely during a festival.

John 8 7 Word Analysis

• οἱ δὲ (hoi de): "But they" (or "and they") - This introduces a contrast or continuation of the narrative, highlighting the ongoing actions of the accusers.
• πρεσβύτεροι (presbyteroi): "elders" - Refers to the older, authoritative members of the Jewish religious and civic community, often associated with the Sanhedrin.
• τῶν ἱερέων (tōn iereōn): "of the priests" - The priestly class, central to Temple worship and adherence to the Law.
• ἀρχόντων (archontōn): "rulers" or "chiefs" - Indicating leaders within the religious hierarchy.
• φθάσας (phthasas): "having anticipated" or "having gone before" - Suggests Jesus initiated the action of looking up, possibly indicating his prior knowledge or understanding of their motives.
• κατεῖδε (kateide): "looked intently" or "looked down upon" - Implies a deep, searching gaze, not a casual glance.
• ἀπευθυνόμενος (apeuthynomenos): "straightening himself" or "directing himself" - A common idiom meaning to turn one's attention directly to someone or something.
• δίκαιος (dikaios): "righteous" or "just" - Pertaining to moral uprightness and adherence to God's will and law.
• ἀναμάρτητος (anamartētos): "sinless" or "without sin" - The critical descriptor Jesus uses, implying perfect moral purity.
• πρῶτος (prōtos): "first" - The initial one, the leader, the one to cast the first stone.
• βάλλετε (ballete): "throw" or "cast" - The imperative mood indicating a command.
• λίθον (lithon): "stone" - Referring to the execution method prescribed by the Law.

Word-group Analysis:

• "He who is without sin among you..." (ὁ ἀναμάρτητος ἐξ ὑμῶν) - This phrase is paramount. Jesus doesn't deny the woman's sin, but redirects the focus from her guilt to the inherent sinfulness of those acting as judges. It subtly challenges the hypocrisy of those who would enforce the Law while possibly not upholding its spirit in their own lives.
• "...let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (πρῶτος αὐτὸν βαλλέτω λίθον) - This was a direct challenge based on the Law. Jesus frames their participation in judgment as conditional on their own sinlessness, an impossible condition for anyone other than himself.

John 8 7 Bonus Section

The action of Jesus writing on the ground is subject to much theological discussion. Theories include him writing their sins on the ground, or writing the Law itself, reminding them of its requirements. Regardless of the specific content, his act emphasizes his deliberate approach, his authority, and his unique perspective as one who understands the heart and the totality of sin. The fact that the accusers left "one by one, from the oldest to the youngest" suggests they were convicted in their consciences as Jesus' words resonated with their own hidden guilt, making their position untenable. This demonstrates the power of truth and conscience when confronted by perfect righteousness.

John 8 7 Commentary

Jesus’ response in John 8:7 is a masterful deflection and redirection. By turning the accusers inward, he exposes their hypocrisy and the flawed nature of their attempt to judge. His statement is not a dismissal of the sin of adultery, but a profound lesson on the nature of true righteousness and judgment. It teaches that genuine condemnation requires moral purity, a standard only God’s Son could meet. This act highlights Jesus’ unique authority and compassion, prioritizing genuine repentance over self-righteous condemnation. It sets a precedent for how believers should approach the sins of others, emphasizing humility, self-examination, and mercy.

Practical Application:

• Before criticizing another's fault, examine your own.
• Recognize that only Christ is the sinless judge; human judgment must be tempered with humility.
• Extend grace and compassion as Jesus did.