John 7:51

51 `Doth our law judge the man, if it may not hear from him first, and know what he doth?'

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 multitude, that is not knowing the law, is accursed.'

50 Nicodemus saith unto them -- he who came by night unto him -- being one of them,

51 `Doth our law judge the man, if it may not hear from him first, and know what he doth?'

52 They answered and said to him, `Art thou also out of Galilee? search and see, that a prophet out of Galilee hath not risen;'

53 and each one went on to his house, but Jesus went on to the mount of the Olives.