John 8
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The story of the woman taken in adultery, Joh 8:1-11. Jesus declares himself the light of the world, Joh 8:12. The Pharisees cavil, Joh 8:13. Jesus answers, and shows his authority, Joh 8:14-20. He delivers a second discourse, in which he convicts them of sin, and foretells their dying in it, because of their unbelief, Joh 8:21-24. They question him; he answers, and foretells his own death, Joh 8:25-29. Many believe on him, in consequence of this last discourse, Joh 8:30. To whom he gives suitable advice, Joh 8:31, Joh 8:32. The Jews again cavil, and plead the nobility and advantages of their birth, Joh 8:33. Jesus shows the vanity of their pretensions, and the wickedness of their hearts, Joh 8:34-47. They blaspheme, and Christ convicts and reproves them, and asserts his Divine nature, Joh 8:48-58. They attempt to stone him, Joh 8:59.
Open source ↗THE WOMAN TAKEN IN ADULTERY. (Joh 8:1-11) Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives--This should have formed the last verse of the foregoing chapter. "The return of the people to the inert quiet and security of their dwellings (Joh 7:53), at the close of the feast, is designedly contrasted with our Lord's homeless way, so to speak, of spending the short night, who is early in the morning on the scene again. One cannot well see why what is recorded in Luk 21:37-38 may not even thus early have taken place; it might have been the Lord's ordinary custom from the beginning to leave the brilliant misery of the city every night, that so He might compose His sorrowful and interceding heart, and collect His energies for new labors of love; preferring for His resting-place Bethany, and the Mount of Olives, the scene thus consecrated by many preparatory prayers for His final humiliation and exaltation" [STIER].
Open source ↗Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives. Which lay eastward of Jerusalem, about a mile from it; hither Christ went on the evening of the last day of the feast of tabernacles; partly to decline the danger, and avoid the snares the Jews might lay for him in the night season; having been disappointed and confounded in the daytime; and it may be for the sake of recreation and diversion, to sup with his dear friends Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, who lived at Bethany, not far from this mount; and chiefly for private prayer to God, on account of himself as man, and for his disciples, and for the spread of his Gospel, and for the enlargement of his interest; this being his common and usual method, Luk 21:37. . John 8:2 joh 8:2 joh 8:2 joh 8:2And early in the morning he came again into the temple,.... Which shows his diligence, constancy, and assiduity, in his ministerial work, as well as his courage and intrepidity; being fearless of his enemies, though careful to give them no advantage against him, before his time: and all the people came unto him; which also commends the industry and diligence of his hearers, who were forward to hear him, and were early at the temple for that purpose, and that in great numbers: and he sat down and taught them; he sat, as his manner was; See Gill on Mat 5:1; and taught them as one having authority, and such doctrine, and in such a manner, as never man did; with all plainness, boldness, and freedom.
Open source ↗Though Christ was basely abused in the foregoing chapter, both by the rulers and by the people, yet here we have him still at Jerusalem, still in the temple. How often would he have gathered them! Observe, I. His retirement in the evening out of the town (Joh 8:1): He went unto the mount of olives; whether to some friend's house, or to some booth pitched there, now at the feast of tabernacles, is not certain; whether he rested there, or, as some think, continued all night in prayer to God, we are not told. But he went out of Jerusalem, perhaps because he had no friend there that had either kindness or courage enough to give him a night's lodging; while his persecutors had houses of their own to go to (Joh 7:53), he could not so much as borrow a place to lay his head on, but what he must go a mile or two out of town for. He retired (as some think) because he would not expose himself to the peril of a popular tumult in the night. It is prudent to go out of the way of danger whenever we can do it without going out of the way of duty. In the day-time, when he had work to do in the temple, he willingly exposed himself, and was under special protection, Isa 49:2. But in the night, when he had not work to do, he withdrew into the country, and sheltered himself there. II. His return in the morning to the temple, and to his work there, Joh 8:2. Observe, 1. What a diligent preacher Christ was: Early in the morning he came again, and taught. Though he had been teaching the day before, he taught again today. Christ was a constant preacher, in season and out of season. Three things were taken notice of here concerning Christ's preaching. (1.) The time: Early in the morning. Though he lodged out of town, and perhaps had spent much of the night in secret prayer, yet he came early. Whe…
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὄρος (óros, G3735) — perhaps akin to G142 (αἴρω); compare G3733 (ὄρνις)); a mountain (as lifting itself above… ἐλαία (elaía, G1636) — an olive (the tree or the fruit)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὄρθρος (órthros, G3722) — dawn (as sun-rise, rising of light); by extension, morn παραγίνομαι (paragínomai, G3854) — to become near, i.e. approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἱερόν (hierón, G2411) — a sacred place, i.e. the entire precincts (whereas G3485 (ναός) denotes the central… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole λαός (laós, G2992) — a people (in general; thus differing from G1218 (δῆμος), which denotes one's own populace) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… καθίζω (kathízō, G2523) — to seat down, i.e. set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down);… διδάσκω (didáskō, G1321) — to teach (in the same broad application)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. γραμματεύς (grammateús, G1122) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaîos, G5330) — a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary ἄγω (ágō, G71) — properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife καταλαμβάνω (katalambánō, G2638) — to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μοιχεία (moicheía, G3430) — adultery ἵστημι (hístēmi, G2476) — to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or… μέσος (mésos, G3319) — middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)
Open source ↗λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… διδάσκαλος (didáskalos, G1320) — an instructor (genitive case or specially) οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife καταλαμβάνω (katalambánō, G2638) — to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively) μοιχεύω (moicheúō, G3431) — to commit adultery ἐπαυτοφώρῳ (epautophṓrōi, G1888) — in theft itself, i.e. (by analogy) in actual crime
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Μωσεύς (Mōseús, G3475) — Moseus, Moses, or Mouses (i.e. Mosheh), the Hebrew lawgiver ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… ἐντέλλομαι (entéllomai, G1781) — to enjoin ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) λιθοβολέω (lithoboléō, G3036) — to throw stones, i.e. lapidate οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… σύ (sý, G4771) — thou
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… πειράζω (peirázō, G3985) — to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… κατηγορέω (katēgoréō, G2723) — to be a plaintiff, i.e. to charge with some offence Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites κύπτω (kýptō, G2955) — to bend forward κάτω (kátō, G2736) — downwards δάκτυλος (dáktylos, G1147) — a finger γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἐπιμένω (epiménō, G1961) — to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere) ἐρωτάω (erōtáō, G2065) — to interrogate; by implication, to request αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, G352) — to unbend, i.e. rise; figuratively, be elated ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἀναμάρτητος (anamártētos, G361) — sinless ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you βάλλω (bállō, G906) — to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense) πρῶτος (prōtos, G4413) — foremost (in time, place, order or importance) λίθος (líthos, G3037) — a stone (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… κύπτω (kýptō, G2955) — to bend forward κάτω (kátō, G2736) — downwards γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… γῆ (gē, G1093) — soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐλέγχω (elénchō, G1651) — to confute, admonish ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… συνείδησις (syneídēsis, G4893) — co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) εἷς καθ’ εἷς (heîs kath’ heîs, G1527) — severally ἄρχομαι (árchomai, G756) — to commence (in order of time) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πρεσβύτερος (presbýteros, G4245) — older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member… ἕως (héōs, G2193) — a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place) ἔσχατος (éschatos, G2078) — farthest, final (of place or time) Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀνακύπτω (anakýptō, G352) — to unbend, i.e. rise; figuratively, be elated καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θεάομαι (theáomai, G2300) — to look closely at, i.e. (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) πλήν (plḗn, G4133) — moreover (besides), i.e. albeit, save that, rather, yet γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ποῦ (poû, G4226) — as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) οὐδείς (oudeís, G3762) — not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e. none, nobody, nothing κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even κατακρίνω (katakrínō, G2632) — to judge against, i.e. sentence ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) σέ (sé, G4571) — thee πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἁμαρτάνω (hamartánō, G264) — properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e. (figuratively) to err,… μηκέτι (mēkéti, G3371) — no further
Open source ↗οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites πάλιν (pálin, G3825) — (adverbially) anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally)… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) εἰμί (eimí, G1510) — I exist (used only when emphatic) φῶς (phōs, G5457) — compare G5316 (φαίνω), G5346 (φημί)); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or… κόσμος (kósmos, G2889) — orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow… ἀκολουθέω (akolouthéō, G190) — properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple) ἐμοί (emoí, G1698) — to me περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… οὐ μή (ou mḗ, G3364) — a double negative strengthening the denial; not at all
Open source ↗Φαρισαῖος (Pharisaîos, G5330) — a separatist, i.e. exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… σύ (sý, G4771) — thou μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively) περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… σεαυτοῦ (seautoû, G4572) — of (with, to) thyself σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy μαρτυρία (martyría, G3141) — evidence given (judicially or genitive case) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἀληθής (alēthḗs, G227) — true (as not concealing)
Open source ↗Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κἄν (kán, G2579) — and (or even) if ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively) περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἐμαυτοῦ (emautoû, G1683) — of myself so likewise the dative case , and accusative case μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me μαρτυρία (martyría, G3141) — evidence given (judicially or genitive case) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ἀληθής (alēthḗs, G227) — true (as not concealing)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples
And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen:
While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,