Devine Scripture

John 8:7

What does John 8:7 mean?

A plain-English look at John 8:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 8:7 means

When they persist, Jesus stands and speaks the decisive word: the one without sin may cast the first stone. He neither rejects the Law nor approves hypocrisy. He makes the executioners’ moral fitness part of the equation. This does not erase the woman’s sin but exposes the accusers’ unconfessed sins. The standard is not mere legal correctness but spiritual integrity. Jesus places judgment in the hands of those qualified by genuine righteousness—leaving none of them eligible. The statement turns the trap back on them. Grace does not deny guilt; it confronts all with the need for mercy and purity of heart before God’s holy standard.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when they went on with their questions, he got up and said to them, Let him among you who is without sin be the first to send a stone at her.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and when they continued asking him, having bent himself back, he said unto them, `The sinless of you--let him first cast the stone at her;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

When therefore they continued asking him, he lifted up himself and said to them: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when they continued asking him, he lifted himself up and said to them, Let him that is without sin among you first cast the stone at her.

Context

This is the turning point in the confrontation. Having written on the ground, Jesus now speaks a single, penetrating line that reframes the whole question. The next verse shows Him stooping again, reinforcing that He will not be their instrument. What follows will demonstrate the power of His words over conscience, as the accusers withdraw. This moment anticipates later themes in the chapter: true judgment, the Father’s standard, and who really knows God. It also prepares for Jesus’ personal word to the woman, balancing truth and grace.

v.6And this they said, trying him, that they might have whereof to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.

v.7This passage

v.8And again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Corinthians 14:24

    But if all prophesy, and there come in one unbelieving or unlearned, he is reproved by all, he is judged by all;

  • Hebrews 4:12

    For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  • Revelation 1:16

    And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

  • Revelation 2:16

    Repent therefore; or else I come to thee quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

  • Proverbs 26:4

    Answer not a fool according to his folly, Lest thou also be like unto him.

  • Deuteronomy 17:6

    At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

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