FocusJudgment and a call to leave sin
Connection to the wholeJesus exposes the accusers' position and addresses the woman with mercy joined to a command to sin no more.
interpretation John 8:9
KJVAnd 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.
Read it in context
The woman and her accusers
Start reading at John 8:1 (John 8:1 to John 8:11).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus exposes the accusers' position and addresses the woman with mercy joined to a command to sin no more.
- 8:1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
- 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
- 8:3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
- 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
- 8:5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
- 8:6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
- 8:7 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.
- 8:8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
- 8:9 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.
- 8:10 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?
- 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (John 8:1–8:59): In the KJV account, scribes and Pharisees bring a woman to Jesus. His subsequent temple teaching involves Pharisees and other Jewish hearers who dispute His words. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The woman and her accusers. Read John 8:1 through John 8:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus exposes the accusers' position and addresses the woman with mercy joined to a command to sin no more. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The woman and her accusers (John 8:1 to John 8:11). Start reading at John 8:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 8:1, John 8:11, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- being Gen 42:21-22 1 Kgs 2:44 1 Kgs 17:18 Ps 50:21 Eccl 7:22 Mark 6:14-16 Luke 12:1-3 Rom 2:15,22
- went out Job 5:12-13 Job 20:5,27 Ps 9:15-16 Ps 40:14 Ps 71:13 Luke 13:17
- alone John 8:2,10,12
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 8
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him. This outline follows the KJV chapter, beginning with the woman brought before Jesus.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The light of the world
John 8:12–30FocusWitness and identity
Connection to the wholeDisputes about Jesus' testimony and destination deepen the question of His identity and the need to believe Him.
interpretation Freedom and true sonship
John 8:31–47FocusContinuing in Jesus' word
Connection to the wholeJesus connects discipleship with continuing in His word, confronting claims of ancestry that conflict with the hearers' conduct and response.
interpretation Before Abraham
John 8:48–59FocusJesus' identity and rejection
Connection to the wholeThe argument reaches its climax in Jesus' statement concerning Abraham and Himself, followed by an attempt to stone Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation The first signs and witnesses
John 1:19–4:54FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.