John 7:51

51 Whether our law deemeth a man, but it have first heard of him [no but first it hear of him], and know what he doeth?

John 7:51 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:51

Doth our law judge any man
Or condemn any man; or can any man be lawfully condemned:

before it hear him:
what he has to say for himself; is this the usual process in our courts? or is this a legal one to condemn a man unheard?

and know what he doth?
what his crimes are. This he said, having a secret respect for Christ, though he had not courage enough openly to appear for him.

John 7:51 In-Context

49 But this people, that knoweth not the law, be cursed.

50 Nicodemus saith to them, he that came to him by night, that was one of them,

51 Whether our law deemeth a man, but it have first heard of him [no but first it hear of him], and know what he doeth?

52 They answered, and said to him, Whether thou art a man of Galilee also [Whether and thou art a man of Galilee]? Seek thou scriptures, and see thou, that a prophet riseth not of Galilee [for a prophet riseth not of Galilee].

53 And they turned again, each into his house.