John 8

A Woman Caught in Adultery

1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Now early in the morning he came again to the temple [courts]. And all the people were coming, and he sat down [and] began to teach them.

3 Now the scribes and the Pharisees brought to him a woman caught in adultery. And standing her in [their] midst,

4 they said to him, testing [him], "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery!

5 Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?"

6 (Now they were saying this to test him, so that they would have [an occasion] to bring charges against him.) But Jesus, bending down, began to write with [his] finger on the ground, taking no notice.

7 And when they persisted in asking him, straightening up he said to them, "The [one] of you without sin, let him throw the first stone at her!"

8 And bending down again, he wrote on the ground.

9 Now [when they] heard [it], being convicted by their conscience, they began to depart, one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone--and the woman who was in [their] midst.

10 So Jesus, straightening up and seeing no one except the woman, said to her, "Where are those accusers of yours? Does no one condemn you?"

11 And she said, "No one, Lord." So Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more."]]

Jesus, the Light of the World

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world! The one who follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

13 So the Pharisees said to him, "You testify concerning yourself! Your testimony is not true."

14 Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify concerning myself, my testimony is true, because I know where I have come from and where I am going. But you do not know where I have come from or where I am going.

15 You judge according to externals; I do not judge anyone.

16 But even if I judge, my judgment is true, because I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent me.

17 And even in your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true.

18 I am the one who testifies concerning myself, and the Father who sent me testifies concerning me."

19 So they were saying to him, "Where is your father?" Jesus replied, "You know neither me nor my Father! If you had known me, you would have known my Father also."

20 He spoke these words by the treasury [while] teaching in the temple [courts], and no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.

Jesus Predicts His Death

21 So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me and will die in your sin. Where I am going you cannot come!"

22 Then the Jews began to say, "Perhaps he will kill himself, because he is saying, 'Where I am going you cannot come.'"

23 And he said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are from this world; I am not from this world.

24 Thus I said to you that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am [he], you will die in your sins."

25 So they began to say to him, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "{What} I have been saying to you [from] the beginning.

26 I have many [things] to say and to judge concerning you, but the one who sent me is true, and [the things] which I heard from him, these [things] I say to the world."

27 (They did not know that he was speaking to them about the Father.)

28 Then Jesus said, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will recognize that I am [he], and I do nothing from myself, but just as the Father taught me, I say these [things].

29 And the one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do the things that are pleasing to him."

30 [While] he was saying these [things], many believed in him.

The Truth Will Set You Free

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you continue in my word you are truly my disciples,

32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

33 They replied to him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have not been enslaved to anyone at any time. How do you say, 'You will become free'?"

34 Jesus replied to them, "Truly, truly I say to you, that everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.

35 And the slave does not remain in the household {forever}; the son remains {forever}.

36 So if the son sets you free, you will be truly free.

37 I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are seeking to kill me, because my word makes no progress among you.

38 I speak [the things] that I have seen with the Father; so also you do [the things] that you have heard from the Father."

The Priority of Jesus Over Abraham

39 They answered and said to him, "Abraham is our father!" Jesus said to them, "If you are children of Abraham, do the deeds of Abraham!

40 But now you are seeking to kill me, a man who spoke to you the truth which I heard from God. This Abraham did not do.

41 You are doing the deeds of your father!" They said to him, "We were not born from sexual immorality! We have one father, God!"

42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I have come forth from God and have come. For I have not come from myself, but that one sent me.

43 {Why} do you not understand my way of speaking? Because you are not able to listen to my message.

44 You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father! That one was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand firm in the truth, because truth is not in him. Whenever he speaks the lie, he speaks from his own [nature], because he is a liar and the father {of lies}.

45 But because I am telling the truth, you do not believe me.

46 Who among you convicts me concerning sin? If I am telling the truth, {why} do you not believe me?

47 The one who is from God listens to the words of God. Because of this you do not listen--because you are not of God."

48 The Jews answered and said to him, "Do we not correctly say that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?"

49 Jesus replied, "I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me!

50 But I do not seek my [own] glory. There is one who seeks and judges!

51 Truly, truly I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never experience death {forever}."

52 The Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham and the prophets died, and you say, 'If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death {forever}.'

53 You are not greater than our father Abraham who died, [are you]? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself [to be]?"

54 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. The one who glorifies me is my Father, [about] whom you say, 'He is our God.'

55 And you have not known him, but I know him. And if I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you! But I know him and I keep his word.

56 Abraham your father rejoiced that he would see my day, and he saw [it] and was glad."

57 So the Jews said to him, "{You are} not yet fifty years [old], and have you seen Abraham?"

58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!"

59 Then they picked up stones in order to throw [them] at him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple [courts].

John 8 Commentary

Chapter 8

The Pharisees and the adulteress. (1-11) Christ's discourse with the Pharisees. (12-59)

Verses 1-11 Christ neither found fault with the law, nor excused the prisoner's guilt; nor did he countenance the pretended zeal of the Pharisees. Those are self-condemned who judge others, and yet do the same thing. All who are any way called to blame the faults of others, are especially concerned to look to themselves, and keep themselves pure. In this matter Christ attended to the great work about which he came into the world, that was, to bring sinners to repentance; not to destroy, but to save. He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by showing her his mercy, but the prosecutors also, by showing them their sins; they thought to insnare him, he sought to convince and convert them. He declined to meddle with the magistrate's office. Many crimes merit far more severe punishment than they meet with; but we should not leave our own work, to take that upon ourselves to which we are not called. When Christ sent her away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no more. Those who help to save the life of a criminal, should help to save the soul with the same caution. Those are truly happy, whom Christ does not condemn. Christ's favour to us in the forgiveness of past sins should prevail with us, Go then, and sin no more.

Verses 12-16 Christ is the Light of the world. God is light, and Christ is the image of the invisible God. One sun enlightens the whole world; so does one Christ, and there needs no more. What a dark dungeon would the world be without the sun! So would it be without Jesus, by whom light came into the world. Those who follow Christ shall not walk in darkness. They shall not be left without the truths which are necessary to keep them from destroying error, and the directions in the way of duty, necessary to keep them from condemning sin.

Verses 17-20 If we knew Christ better, we should know the Father better. Those become vain in their imaginations concerning God, who will not learn of Christ. Those who know not his glory and grace, know not the Father that sent him. The time of our departure out of the world, depends upon God. Our enemies cannot hasten it any sooner, nor can our friends delay it any longer, than the time appointed of the Father. Every true believer can look up and say with pleasure, My times are in thy hand, and better there than in my own. To all God's purposes there is a time.

Verses 21-29 Those that live in unbelief, are for ever undone, if they die in unbelief. The Jews belonged to this present evil world, but Jesus was of a heavenly and Divine nature, so that his doctrine, kingdom, and blessings, would not suit their taste. But the curse of the law is done away to all that submit to the grace of the gospel. Nothing but the doctrine of Christ's grace will be an argument powerful enough, and none but the Spirit of Christ's grace will be an agent powerful enough, to turn us from sin to God; and that Spirit is given, and that doctrine is given, to work upon those only who believe in Christ. Some say, Who is this Jesus? They allow him to have been a Prophet, an excellent Teacher, and even more than a creature; but cannot acknowledge him as over all, God blessed for evermore. Will not this suffice? Jesus here answers the question. Is this to honour him as the Father? Does this admit his being the Light of the world, and the Life of men, one with the Father? All shall know by their conversion, or in their condemnation, that he always spake and did what pleased the Father, even when he claimed the highest honours to himself.

Verses 30-36 Such power attended our Lord's words, that many were convinced, and professed to believe in him. He encouraged them to attend his teaching, rely on his promises, and obey his commands, notwithstanding all temptations to evil. Thus doing, they would be his disciples truly; and by the teaching of his word and Spirit, they would learn where their hope and strength lay. Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that molest the body, and distress their worldly affairs. Talk to them of their liberty and property, tell them of waste committed upon their lands, or damage done to their houses, and they understand you very well; but speak of the bondage of sin, captivity to Satan, and liberty by Christ; tell of wrong done to their precious souls, and the hazard of their eternal welfare, then you bring strange things to their ears. Jesus plainly reminded them, that the man who practised any sin, was, in fact, a slave to that sin, which was the case with most of them. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom, he has power to do this, and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But often we see persons disputing about liberty of every kind, while they are slaves to some sinful lust.

Verses 37-40 Our Lord opposed the proud and vain confidence of these Jews, showing that their descent from Abraham could not profit those of a contrary spirit to him. Where the word of God has no place, no good is to be expected; room is left there for all wickedness. A sick person who turns from his physician, and will take neither remedies nor food, is past hope of recovery. The truth both heals and nourishes the hearts of those who receive it. The truth taught by philosophers has not this power and effect, but only the truth of God. Those who claim the privileges of Abraham, must do Abraham's works; must be strangers and sojourners in this world; keep up the worship of God in their families, and always walk before God.

Verses 41-47 Satan prompts men to excesses by which they murder themselves and others, while what he puts into the mind tends to ruin men's souls. He is the great promoter of falsehood of every kind. He is a liar, all his temptations are carried on by his calling evil good, and good evil, and promising freedom in sin. He is the author of all lies; whom liars resemble and obey, with whom all liars shall have their portion for ever. The special lusts of the devil are spiritual wickedness, the lusts of the mind, and corrupt reasonings, pride and envy, wrath and malice, enmity to good, and enticing others to evil. By the truth, here understand the revealed will of God as to the salvation of men by Jesus Christ, the truth Christ was now preaching, and which the Jews opposed.

Verses 48-53 Observe Christ's disregard of the applause of men. those who are dead to the praises of men can bear their contempt. God will seek the honour of all who do not seek their own. In these verses we have the doctrine of the everlasting happiness of believers. We have the character of a believer; he is one that keeps the sayings of the Lord Jesus. And the privilege of a believer; he shall by no means see death for ever. Though now they cannot avoid seeing death, and tasting it also, yet they shall shortly be where it will be no more forever, ( Exodus 14:13 ) .

Verses 54-59 Christ and all that are his, depend upon God for honour. Men may be able to dispute about God, yet may not know him. Such as know not God, and obey not the gospel of Christ, are put ( 2 Thessalonians. 1:8 ) earnestly desire to know more of him. Those who discern the dawn of the light of the Sun of Righteousness, wish to see his rising. "Before Abraham was, I AM." This speaks Abraham a creature, and our Lord the Creator; well, therefore, might he make himself greater than Abraham. I AM, is the name of God, Ex. 3:14 ; it speaks his self-existence; he is the First and the Last, ever the same, ( Revelation 1:8 ) . Thus he was not only before Abraham, but before all worlds, ( Proverbs 8:23 , John 1:1 ) . As Mediator, he was the appointed Messiah, long before Abraham; the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, ( Revelation 13:8 ) . The Lord Jesus was made of God Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption, to Adam, and Abel, and all that lived and died by faith in him, before Abraham. The Jews were about to stone Jesus for blasphemy, but he withdrew; by his miraculous power he passed through them unhurt. Let us stedfastly profess what we know and believe concerning God; and if heirs of Abraham's faith, we shall rejoice in looking forward to that day when the Saviour shall appear in glory, to the confusion of his enemies, and to complete the salvation of all who believe in him.

Footnotes

• [a]. *Here "[courts]" is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
• [b]. Some manuscripts have "were coming to him"
• [c]. *Here "[and]" is supplied because the previous participle ("sat down") has been translated as a finite verb
• [d]. *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here ("began to teach")
• [e]. Some manuscripts have "brought a woman"
• [f]. Some manuscripts omit "testing [him]"
• [g]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
• [h]. *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here ("began to write")
• [i]. *Literally "the"; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
• [j]. Some manuscripts omit "taking no notice"
• [k]. Some manuscripts have "he straightened up and said"
• [l]. *Here "[when]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("heard") which is understood as temporal
• [m]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
• [n]. Some manuscripts omit "being convicted by their conscience"
• [o]. *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here ("began to depart")
• [p]. Some manuscripts have "he"
• [q]. Some manuscripts omit "and seeing no one except the woman"
• [r]. Some manuscripts have "said to her, 'Woman, where are they?"
• [s]. Some manuscripts have "and from now on"
• [t]. John 7:53-8:11 is not found in the earliest and best manuscripts and was almost certainly not an original part of the Gospel of John; one significant group of Greek manuscripts places it after Luke 21:38
• [u]. An allusion to Deut 17:6
• [v]. *Here "[while]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("teaching") which is understood as temporal
• [w]. *Here "[courts]" is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself
• [x]. *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here ("began to say")
• [y]. *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here ("began to say")
• [z]. Literally "that which"
• [aa]. Some manuscripts have "said to them"
• [ab]. *Here "[while]" is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle ("was saying")
• [ac]. Literally "for the age"
• [ad]. Literally "for the age"
• [ae]. Literally "because of what"
• [af]. *The word "[nature]" is not in the Greek text but is implied
• [ag]. Literally "of it"
• [ah]. Literally "because of what"
• [ai]. Literally "for the age"
• [aj]. Some manuscripts have "Then the Jews"
• [ak]. Literally "for the age"
• [al]. *The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase "[are you]"
• [am]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
• [an]. Literally "you have"
• [ao]. *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
• [ap]. *Here "[courts]" is supplied to distinguish this area from the interior of the temple building itself