John 7:51

51 Doth our law judge any man, unless it first hear him 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 knoweth not the law, are accursed.

50 Nicodemus said to them (he that came to him by night, who was one of them):

51 Doth our law judge any man, unless it first hear him and know what he doth?

52 They answered and said to him: Art thou also a Galilean? Search the scriptures, and see that out of Galilee a prophet riseth not.

53 And every man returned to his own house.