John 7:51

51 "According to our Law we cannot condemn people before hearing them and finding out what they have done."

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 This crowd does not know the Law of Moses, so they are under God's curse!"

50 One of the Pharisees there was Nicodemus, the man who had gone to see Jesus before. He said to the others,

51 "According to our Law we cannot condemn people before hearing them and finding out what they have done."

52 "Well," they answered, "are you also from Galilee? Study the Scriptures and you will learn that no prophet ever comes from Galilee."