John 7:51

51 "¹Our Law does not judge a man unless * it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?"

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 crowd which does not know the Law is accursed."

50 Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them,

51 "Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?"

52 They answered him, "You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee."

53 [Everyone went to his home.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 23:1; Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:15; Proverbs 18:13; Acts 23:3