Devine Scripture

John 8:9

What does John 8:9 mean?

A plain-English look at John 8:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 8:9 means

Convicted by Jesus’ words, the accusers leave one by one, starting with the oldest. Age may bring more awareness of personal sin, or simply more sobriety before God’s standard. With the crowd dispersing, Jesus and the woman remain. The trap collapses; the public shaming ceases. The Law has done its work, silencing boasting mouths. Yet the scene is not over. The One who is truly without sin stands with the sinner. He alone could judge righteously, but He chooses to engage her personally, not as a case but as a person. Justice and mercy will soon meet in His final words to her.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when his words came to their ears, they went out one by one, starting with the oldest even to the last, because they were conscious of what was in their hearts: and Jesus was there by himself with the woman before him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they having heard, and by the conscience being convicted, were going forth one by one, having begun from the elders--unto the last; and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But they hearing this, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest. And Jesus alone remained, and the woman standing in the midst.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But they, having heard [that], went out one by one beginning from the elder ones until the last; and Jesus was left alone and the woman standing there.

Context

This verse resolves the confrontation with the leaders. Their withdrawal clears the stage for Jesus to address the woman directly. The quietness is striking after the clamor. The next two verses will show Jesus’ gentle yet firm handling: He checks for condemnation and then calls her to a new path. Understanding this solitary moment helps the reader grasp the chapter’s larger theme—Jesus’ mission is not to condemn the world but to save it, while still calling sinners to leave sin. This prepares for His declaration as Light of the World.

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

v.9This passage

v.10And Jesus lifted up himself, and said unto her, Woman, where are they? did no man condemn thee?

Cross references

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

  • John 8:10

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

  • Romans 2:15

    in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them);

  • Mark 6:14

    And king Herod heardthereof; for his name had become known: and he said, John the Baptizer is risen from the dead, and therefore do these powers work in him.

  • Luke 12:1

    In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

  • Psalms 71:13

    Let them be put to shameandconsumed that are adversaries to my soul; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.

  • 1 Kings 17:18

    And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? thou art come unto me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son!

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