John 8:5

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

Now {G1161} Moses {G3475} in {G1722} the law {G3551} commanded {G1781} us {G2254}, that such {G5108} should be stoned {G3036}: but {G3767} what {G5101} sayest {G3004} thou {G4771}?

Now in our Torah, Moshe commanded that such a woman be stoned to death. What do you say about it?”

In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”

Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such: what then sayest thou of her?

John 8:5 KJV is a pivotal verse in a famous encounter between Jesus and the religious leaders, specifically the scribes and Pharisees. It sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on sin, judgment, and mercy.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse immediately follows the scene where a woman is brought to Jesus, having been "taken in adultery, in the very act." The accusers, the scribes and Pharisees, use this situation as a carefully laid trap for Jesus. Their question, "Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?", is designed to force Jesus into a dilemma. If He upheld the Mosaic Law strictly, He would contradict His message of grace and potentially incur Roman wrath, as only the Roman authorities had the power of capital punishment. If He dismissed the Law, they could accuse Him of blasphemy and undermining God's commands. The specific laws they refer to are found in passages such as Leviticus 20:10 and Deuteronomy 22:22-24, which indeed prescribed stoning for adultery under certain circumstances. Their selective application of the law is also evident, as the man involved in the adultery was conspicuously absent.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Authority of the Mosaic Law: The verse highlights the undeniable authority of the Law given through Moses within Jewish society. The Pharisees rightly quote it, demonstrating their knowledge of its stipulations.
  • Testing Jesus' Authority: The core purpose of their question was to test Jesus' authority and wisdom. They sought to expose Him as either a law-breaker or a harsh judge, thereby discrediting His ministry.
  • Sin and Judgment: While the woman's sin is acknowledged, the scene quickly shifts focus to the accusers' own hearts and their motives for judgment. This sets the stage for Jesus' famous response in John 8:7.
  • Legalism vs. Grace: This encounter powerfully illustrates the tension between rigid legalism, which demands strict adherence to the letter of the law, and the grace and mercy that Jesus embodies.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Moses in the law commanded us" directly references the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, which contain the covenant laws given to Israel. The term "stoned" refers to a specific form of capital punishment, where the community would throw stones at the condemned until death, signifying collective judgment and removal from the community. The accusers' emphasis on the letter of the law reveals their mindset, which often prioritized external observance over internal righteousness or compassion.

Practical Application

John 8:5 reminds us that external adherence to rules, without a heart of love and mercy, can become a tool for condemnation rather than an expression of God's will. It challenges us to examine our own motives when we are quick to judge others, especially when we might be selectively applying rules or using them to elevate ourselves. Jesus' handling of this situation, which unfolds in the subsequent verses, teaches us about divine wisdom, the nature of true justice, and the transformative power of grace over condemnation. It underscores the importance of a holistic understanding of God's Word, which includes both the demands of righteousness and the boundless offer of mercy.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 20:10

    ¶ And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

  • Deuteronomy 22:21

    Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you.

  • Deuteronomy 22:24

    Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, [being] in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.

  • Ezekiel 16:38

    And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.

  • Ezekiel 16:40

    They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.

  • Matthew 5:17

    Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

  • Matthew 19:6

    Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

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