New Testament
John 8:5
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"Moses commanded in the Law that women like this should be stoned to death. What do you say?"
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Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
What John 8:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders confront Jesus with a question about the Law of Moses, which prescribed stoning for women caught in adultery. They are trying to trap Jesus into making a statement that could be used against him. By referencing the Law, they highlight the seriousness of the woman's sin and seek to test Jesus' adherence to the Law. This moment sets the stage for Jesus' profound response, which emphasizes mercy and forgiveness over strict legalism. The leaders are not just seeking justice; they are attempting to undermine Jesus' authority and teachings. This interaction reveals the tension between the letter of the law and the spirit of compassion that Jesus embodies. It challenges readers to consider how they approach sin, judgment, and grace in their own lives.
How to apply John 8:5 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we respond to others' failures. Instead of rushing to judgment, we should consider the principles of mercy and forgiveness. It reminds us to approach situations with compassion, recognizing our own imperfections and the need for grace.
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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The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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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 8:5 say about the punishment for adultery?
John 8:5 refers to the Law of Moses, which commanded that women caught in adultery should be stoned to death. This verse highlights the strict legal consequences of such actions in ancient Jewish law, emphasizing the seriousness of the sin of adultery as perceived by the religious leaders of the time.
Why did the religious leaders ask Jesus about stoning the woman?
The religious leaders aimed to trap Jesus by presenting a situation where he had to choose between upholding the Law of Moses and showing compassion. They wanted to see if he would contradict the law, which could be used against him, or if he would advocate for mercy, which could undermine his authority among the people.
How does John 8:5 relate to the themes of judgment and mercy?
John 8:5 illustrates the tension between strict adherence to the law and the compassionate approach that Jesus embodies. While the law demands judgment for sin, Jesus' response in this situation emphasizes mercy and forgiveness, challenging readers to consider how they balance justice with compassion in their own lives.
What lesson can we learn from Jesus' response to the Law in John 8:5?
The lesson from Jesus' response is the importance of mercy over legalism. It encourages us to reflect on our own judgments of others and to approach situations with compassion, recognizing that everyone has flaws and is in need of grace. This teaches us to prioritize understanding and forgiveness in our interactions.
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