John 7:51

51 Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself 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 multitude that knoweth not the law are accursed.

50 Nicodemus saith unto them (he that came to him before, being one of them),

51 Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?

52 They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and see that out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.

53 [And they went every man unto his own house: