New Testament
John 8:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When they kept pressing him for an answer, he straightened up and told them, "Whichever one of you has never sinned — let that person throw the first stone at her."
Compare translations
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.
What John 8:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, Jesus is confronted by a group of people who want to stone a woman caught in adultery. They are trying to trap him into making a judgment that could be used against him. Instead of condemning her, Jesus challenges them by saying that only someone without sin should cast the first stone. This statement highlights the idea that everyone has sinned and therefore should not be quick to judge others. By doing this, Jesus shifts the focus from the woman's sin to the hypocrisy of those who are ready to punish her without acknowledging their own faults. His response emphasizes mercy and forgiveness over judgment, encouraging self-reflection among the accusers. This moment illustrates the core message of compassion and understanding in the face of wrongdoing, reminding us that we all fall short and need grace.
How to apply John 8:7 to your life
When we encounter others who have made mistakes, we should remember our own imperfections. Instead of rushing to judge or condemn, we can choose to respond with compassion and understanding, offering support and forgiveness rather than criticism.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 8:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 8:7
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 8:7 mean?
John 8:7 captures a moment when Jesus responds to those wanting to stone a woman caught in adultery. He challenges them by saying that only someone without sin should cast the first stone, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and mercy over judgment.
What is the meaning of 'let him first cast a stone' in John 8:7?
The phrase 'let him first cast a stone' means that only someone who is completely free of sin has the right to judge and punish others. Jesus uses this statement to emphasize that everyone has faults and should not be quick to condemn others.
How does John 8:7 relate to judgment and forgiveness?
John 8:7 illustrates the balance between judgment and forgiveness by reminding us that everyone has sinned. Jesus' response encourages compassion and understanding instead of harsh judgment, promoting a message of grace.
What lesson can we learn from John 8:7?
The lesson from John 8:7 is to approach others' mistakes with compassion rather than judgment. It teaches us to reflect on our own imperfections before criticizing others, fostering a spirit of forgiveness and understanding.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.