John 8:9

And they which heard [it], being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

And {G1161} they which heard {G191} it,{G2532} being convicted {G1651} by {G5259} their own conscience {G4893}, went out {G1831} one by one {G1527}, beginning {G756} at {G575} the eldest {G4245}, even unto {G2193} the last {G2078}: and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} was left {G2641} alone {G3441}, and {G2532} the woman {G1135} standing {G2476} in {G1722} the midst {G3319}.

On hearing this, they began to leave, one by one, the older ones first, until he was left alone, with the woman still there.

When they heard this, they began to go away one by one, beginning with the older ones, until only Jesus was left, with the woman standing there.

And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst.

John 8:9 (KJV) powerfully depicts the immediate aftermath of Jesus' challenge to the accusers of the woman caught in adultery. After Jesus declared, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her," this verse describes the profound impact of His words on the scribes and Pharisees.

Context

This verse is central to the narrative found in John 8:1-11. The scribes and Pharisees had brought a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus, attempting to trap Him. Under the Mosaic Law, adultery was punishable by death by stoning. Their intention was not justice, but to force Jesus into a dilemma: either contradict the Law or condone stoning, both of which could be used against Him. Jesus' response, writing on the ground and then delivering the potent challenge in John 8:7, shifted the focus from the woman's sin to the accusers' own moral standing.

Key Themes

  • Conviction of Conscience: The primary theme is the overwhelming power of a guilty conscience. Jesus' words penetrated the self-righteous exterior of the accusers, forcing them to confront their own sinfulness. This highlights the internal moral compass God has placed within humanity, as also noted in Romans 2:15.
  • Exposure of Hypocrisy: The scene vividly exposes the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. They were eager to condemn another while being blind to or ignoring their own transgressions. Their silent departure, starting with the eldest, signifies a recognition of their shared culpability and the futility of their accusation.
  • Divine Wisdom and Authority: Jesus' handling of the situation demonstrates His unparalleled wisdom and divine authority. He neither condoned sin nor violated the Law but skillfully navigated the trap, revealing the hearts of men. His approach disarmed His adversaries without resorting to confrontation or violence.
  • Mercy Over Judgment: As the accusers depart, the stage is set for Jesus to show profound mercy to the woman. This emptying of the crowd prepares for the pivotal moment where Jesus does not condemn her, but rather offers forgiveness and a call to a new life, embodying the truth that God desires mercy, not sacrifice.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "convicted by their own conscience" (Greek: hypo tēs syneidēseōs) emphasizes the internal, self-condemning nature of their realization. It wasn't an external force or accusation from Jesus that drove them away, but an inner awareness of their own unworthiness to cast the first stone. This highlights the profound moral and spiritual impact of Jesus' simple, yet piercing, challenge.

Practical Application

John 8:9 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Self-Examination: It calls us to honest self-reflection before judging others. Are we quick to point out the faults of others while overlooking our own? As Jesus taught in Matthew 7:5, we should first remove the "beam" from our own eye.
  • The Power of Truth: Truth, especially divine truth, has an inherent power to expose and convict. It can disarm self-righteousness and lead to humility.
  • God's Patience and Mercy: Even in their hypocrisy, Jesus gave the accusers an opportunity for introspection rather than immediate condemnation. This mirrors God's patience with humanity, always inviting repentance.
  • Focus on Grace: This verse, leading into Jesus' interaction with the woman, reminds us of the core of the Gospel: God's desire to extend grace and forgiveness to sinners, rather than to condemn them.
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.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:22

    For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

  • Romans 2:15

    Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and [their] thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

  • Genesis 42:21

    ¶ And they said one to another, We [are] verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.

  • Genesis 42:22

    And Reuben answered them, saying, Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child; and ye would not hear? therefore, behold, also his blood is required.

  • 1 John 3:20

    ¶ For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

  • John 8:10

    When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

  • Romans 2:22

    Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

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