Devine Scripture

John 8:10

What does John 8:10 mean?

A plain-English look at John 8:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 8:10 means

Jesus lifts Himself and speaks to the woman, asking about her accusers and whether any have condemned her. His question dignifies her by inviting her to speak and by confirming the outcome: human accusers are gone, and no formal condemnation has been rendered. He does not rush to pronounce; He ensures the matter’s state is clear. This moment is pastoral, not procedural. He brings the woman from fear to awareness of mercy’s opening. The Judge who could condemn first confirms the end of her public disgrace. He meets her with calm humanity, preparing to address both her relief and her future conduct.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus got up, and seeing nobody but the woman, he said to her, Where are the men who said things against you? did no one give a decision against you?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus having bent himself back, and having seen no one but the woman, said to her, `Woman, where are those--thine accusers? did no one pass sentence upon thee?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Jesus lifting up himself, said to her: Woman, where are they that accused thee? Hath no man condemned thee?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, lifting himself up and seeing no one but the woman, said to her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? Has no one condemned thee?

Context

With the accusers departed, Jesus initiates a private exchange still in the public space. This verse sets up the climactic statement of mercy and holiness in the next verse. The gentle question emphasizes that condemnation has not occurred, paving the way for grace. The sequence—question, answer, then directive—shows Jesus guiding the woman from terror through truth into transformation. The next verse will complete the scene by coupling non-condemnation with a command to stop sinning, revealing Jesus’ balanced approach that the rest of the chapter will echo: truth and grace, light and life.

v.9And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst.

v.10This passage

v.11And she said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said, Neither do I condemn thee: go thy way; from henceforth sin no more.]

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 41:11

    Behold, all they that are incensed against thee shall be put to shame and confounded: they that strive with thee shall be as nothing, and shall perish.

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