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.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G1161} when {G5613} they continued {G1961} asking {G2065} him {G846}, he lifted up himself {G352}, and said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846}, He that is without sin {G361} among you {G5216}, let him {G906} first {G4413} cast {G906} a stone {G3037} at {G1909} her {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When they kept questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “The one of you who is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

Berean Standard Bible

When they continued to question Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her.”

American Standard Version

But 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the dramatic encounter recounted in the Gospel of John, chapter 8, Jesus confronts a group of scribes and Pharisees who present a woman caught in adultery, seeking to entrap Him. After an initial silence and writing on the ground, Jesus rises and delivers a profound challenge that masterfully disarms His accusers, shifting the focus from the woman's sin to their own moral standing and exposing their hypocrisy with a single, unforgettable statement that underscores the universal reality of sin and the call for self-examination before condemnation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of Jesus' initial response to the scribes and Pharisees in the Temple. The narrative begins with Jesus teaching, followed by the dramatic interruption where the religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery, demanding His judgment according to the Mosaic Law ([John 8:3-5](/john/8-3-5 "John 8:3-5 - The Woman Caught in Adultery")). Their intent, as explicitly stated in [John 8:6](/john/8-6 "John 8:6 - The Accusers' Trap"), was to "test him, that they might have to accuse him." Jesus' initial response of stooping down and writing on the ground ([John 8:6](/john/8-6 "John 8:6 - Jesus Writes on the Ground")) builds tension. When they persist in their questioning, [John 8:7](/john/8-7 "John 8:7 - Jesus' Challenge") delivers His pivotal statement, which leads directly to their conviction and departure ([John 8:9](/john/8-9 "John 8:9 - The Accusers Depart")). The subsequent interaction between Jesus and the woman ([John 8:10-11](/john/8-10-11 "John 8:10-11 - Jesus Forgives and Commands")) completes this powerful vignette, highlighting Jesus' mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds within the Temple courts in Jerusalem, a significant public space where religious and legal matters were often discussed. The Mosaic Law, specifically [Leviticus 20:10](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10 - Law on Adultery") and [Deuteronomy 22:22-24](/deuteronomy/22-22-24 "Deuteronomy 22:22-24 - Law on Adultery and Stoning"), prescribed death by stoning for adultery, particularly for a betrothed virgin or a married woman. However, the Jewish Sanhedrin, under Roman occupation, had limited authority to carry out capital punishment without Roman approval, which further complicated the Pharisees' trap. Their bringing only the woman (not the man, who was equally culpable) and their eagerness to stone her without due process (such as a formal trial) reveals their true motive was not justice but a malicious attempt to discredit Jesus. The act of stoning was a public execution, requiring witnesses to cast the first stones, often symbolizing their agreement with the verdict and their own moral purity in carrying out the law.
* **Key Themes:** This passage profoundly contributes to several major themes within John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It showcases Jesus' **divine wisdom and discernment**, as He expertly navigates a legalistic trap without directly contradicting the Law, instead upholding its spirit by exposing the accusers' hearts. It highlights the pervasive issue of **hypocrisy and self-righteousness** among religious leaders, contrasting their outward piety with their inward corruption, a theme Jesus frequently addresses, as seen in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Furthermore, the passage underscores Jesus' **compassion and mercy** towards sinners, demonstrating a path of grace over condemnation, a central message throughout His ministry (e.g., [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent Not to Condemn")). Finally, it implicitly affirms the **universal reality of human sinfulness**, challenging anyone to claim absolute moral purity, echoing the truth found in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **without sin (Greek, _anamártētos'_):** This adjective, derived from a negative particle ("a-") and a presumed root meaning "to miss the mark" or "to sin," describes someone who is "sinless" or "faultless." In this context, Jesus uses it in an absolute sense, referring to a complete absence of moral fault or guilt, not merely innocence in the specific act of adultery. It implies a state of perfect righteousness, which none of the accusers could truthfully claim.
* **cast (Greek, _bállō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to throw" or "to hurl," often with intensity or violence. Here, it specifically refers to the act of throwing stones as a method of execution. In Jewish law, the witnesses to the crime were required to cast the first stones ([Deuteronomy 17:7](/deuteronomy/17-7 "Deuteronomy 17:7 - Witnesses Cast First Stones")), making this act a public affirmation of guilt and a personal participation in the condemnation.
* **stone (Greek, _líthos'_):** A common noun for a "stone," but in this context, it refers to the instruments of capital punishment by stoning. The phrase "cast a stone" is a metonymy for executing the death penalty. Jesus' challenge directly addresses the legal and moral right of anyone to initiate such a severe judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when they continued asking him":** This phrase emphasizes the persistence and relentless nature of the accusers. Despite Jesus' initial silence and writing on the ground, they were not deterred but pressed Him for a definitive judgment. Their continued questioning reveals their determination to corner Jesus, highlighting their malicious intent rather than a genuine desire for justice or truth.
* **"he lifted up himself, and said unto them":** After His posture of humility and contemplation, Jesus' action of "lifting up himself" signifies a shift in the dynamic. It conveys authority and a readiness to speak decisively. His subsequent words are not a reluctant response but a deliberate, powerful declaration, commanding attention and carrying the weight of divine wisdom.
* **"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her":** This is the core of Jesus' challenge. By shifting the focus from the woman's outward sin to the accusers' inward moral state, Jesus masterfully exposes their hypocrisy. He does not deny the woman's sin or the Law's prescription but demands a standard of moral purity from the executioners that none of them possess. The phrase "first cast a stone" places the burden of initiating the judgment on the one who claims absolute righteousness, effectively disarming their accusations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is central, as the religious leaders, who pride themselves on upholding the Law, are exposed as morally compromised by the very Law they seek to enforce. Their self-righteousness is ironically turned against them. **Metonymy** is present in "cast a stone," where the action of throwing a stone stands in for the entire act of execution by stoning. This concise phrase encapsulates the full weight of judgment and condemnation. The statement also functions as a powerful **rhetorical question** (though phrased as an imperative), challenging the accusers to self-examine and implicitly asking if any of them truly meet the impossible standard of sinlessness. This rhetorical approach forces internal conviction rather than external argument. Finally, there is a strong element of **contrast** between the outward appearance of righteousness among the Pharisees and their inward moral corruption, which Jesus' words reveal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 8:7 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that all humanity is fallen and in need of grace, a truth foundational to Christian theology. Jesus' challenge dismantles the human tendency towards self-righteous judgment, revealing that no one possesses the moral purity to condemn another without first acknowledging their own sinfulness. This passage underscores God's character as one who desires mercy over sacrifice ([Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy Over Sacrifice")), and it sets the stage for the New Covenant emphasis on inward transformation rather than mere outward adherence to the Law. It highlights the danger of hypocrisy and the necessity of humility in our interactions with others, reminding us that true righteousness comes not from condemning others but from acknowledging our own need for divine forgiveness.

* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned")
* [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Judge Not")
* [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' words in John 8:7 serve as a timeless and piercing call to self-reflection and humility for every believer. In a world quick to point fingers, condemn, and cancel, this verse reminds us that the primary focus of our moral scrutiny should always be our own hearts and actions before we cast judgment on others. It challenges us to examine our motives: are we truly seeking justice, or are we, like the Pharisees, looking for an opportunity to elevate ourselves by demeaning others? Embracing the truth that "he that is without sin" is a standard none of us can meet fosters a profound sense of empathy, compassion, and grace towards those who stumble. It compels us to remember our own brokenness and the boundless mercy we have received from God, prompting us to extend that same mercy to others. This verse encourages a posture of humble service and restoration rather than self-righteous condemnation, urging us to be agents of healing and forgiveness in a world desperately in need of both.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I quick to judge others, and what might that reveal about my own heart?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of humility and empathy in my interactions, especially when confronted with the failings of others?**
* **What does Jesus' response teach me about the balance between upholding righteousness and extending mercy?**

### FAQ

**Did Jesus condone the woman's sin by not allowing her to be stoned?**

Answer: No, Jesus did not condone the woman's sin. His actions and subsequent words to her in [John 8:11](/john/8-11 "John 8:11 - Go and Sin No More")—"Go, and sin no more"—clearly indicate that her actions were sinful and that she needed to repent. Jesus' primary concern in [John 8:7](/john/8-7 "John 8:7 - The Challenge to the Accusers") was to expose the hypocrisy and malicious intent of her accusers, who were using the Law as a weapon to trap Him, not to genuinely administer justice. He masterfully upheld the spirit of the Law by demanding moral purity from the executioners, thereby disarming their accusations and demonstrating divine mercy without compromising truth or righteousness.

**What was Jesus writing on the ground?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly state what Jesus was writing on the ground in [John 8:6](/john/8-6 "John 8:6 - Jesus Writes on the Ground") and [John 8:8](/john/8-8 "John 8:8 - Jesus Writes Again"). This ambiguity has led to much speculation. Some suggest He was writing the sins of the accusers, perhaps referencing Jeremiah 17:13, where those who turn away from God have their names "written in the earth." Others propose He was simply demonstrating His refusal to engage in their legalistic trap, or perhaps writing a proverb, or even the Ten Commandments to remind them of their own failures. The text's silence on the specific content emphasizes the *effect* of His action—drawing attention away from the woman and back to the accusers, leading to their conviction and departure.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 8:7, while seemingly a simple ethical pronouncement, profoundly points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. He alone is the "one without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest, Without Sin")), the only one truly qualified to cast the first stone, yet He chooses not to condemn. Instead, He embodies the very mercy and grace that the Law, in its letter, could not fully provide. This scene foreshadows His ultimate mission: not to condemn the world, but to save it ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent Not to Condemn")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), came to bear the stones of judgment that humanity deserved, ultimately being "stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Was Wounded for Our Transgressions")). His refusal to condemn the woman, coupled with His command to "go, and sin no more" ([John 8:11](/john/8-11 "John 8:11 - Go and Sin No More")), perfectly encapsulates the gospel message: forgiveness is offered freely, but it calls for a transformed life. Christ's sinless life and atoning death on the cross are the ultimate fulfillment of this scene, providing the only true path to freedom from sin's condemnation and the power to live a new life in Him ([Romans 8:1-4](/romans/8-1-4 "Romans 8:1-4 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 7:1

¶ Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:5

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Romans 2:21

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

Romans 2:25

For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Romans 2:1

¶ Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Romans 2:3

And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Deuteronomy 17:6

At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.