New Testament
John 8:11
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She answered, "No one, Lord." Jesus told her, "I don't condemn you either. Go, and don't sin anymore."
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She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
What John 8:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a woman caught in adultery is brought before Jesus by the religious leaders who want to stone her according to the law. Instead of condemning her, Jesus challenges her accusers, leading them to leave one by one. When the woman is left alone with Jesus, He asks her if anyone has condemned her. She replies that no one has. Jesus then tells her that He does not condemn her either, but instructs her to go and sin no more. This interaction highlights Jesus' compassion and forgiveness, emphasizing that while He does not condone sin, He offers a chance for redemption and a new beginning. The message is clear: Jesus offers grace and the opportunity to change one's life, encouraging individuals to turn away from their past mistakes and live righteously.
How to apply John 8:11 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek forgiveness and to extend grace to others. It reminds us that while we may have made mistakes, we can choose to change our lives for the better. We should strive to live righteously and help others do the same.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 8:11 mean?
John 8:11 depicts a moment where Jesus shows compassion to a woman caught in adultery. He does not condemn her but encourages her to leave her life of sin, highlighting themes of forgiveness and the possibility of a fresh start.
What is the significance of 'go and sin no more' in John 8:11?
The phrase 'go and sin no more' signifies Jesus' call for the woman to change her ways after receiving forgiveness. It emphasizes that while grace is offered, there is also an expectation to live a transformed life.
How does John 8:11 relate to forgiveness?
John 8:11 illustrates forgiveness by showing that Jesus does not hold the woman's past against her. Instead, He offers her a new beginning, which reflects the broader theme of mercy and the opportunity to start anew.
What lessons can we learn from John 8:11?
From John 8:11, we learn about the importance of compassion, the power of forgiveness, and the call to live righteously. It encourages us to seek forgiveness for our mistakes and to extend grace to others.
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