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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 8:5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/8-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/43_Jhn_08_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 8:5 - The Woman Caught in Adultery" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. 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What do you say?” <a href="/esv/john/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” <a href="/bsb/john/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?” <a href="/blb/john/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now in the Law Moses commanded us such to be stoned. You therefore, what do You say?" <a href="/kjv/john/8.htm">King James Bible</a> Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? <a href="/nkjv/john/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” <a href="/nasb_/john/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” <a href="/nasb/john/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” <a href="/lsb/john/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?” <a href="/amp/john/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women [to death]. So what do You say [to do with her—what is Your sentence]?” <a href="/csb/john/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do You say?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such: what then sayest thou of her? <a href="/cev/john/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?" <a href="/erv/john/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such: what then sayest thou of her? <a href="/gwt/john/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In his teachings, Moses ordered us to stone women like this to death. What do you say?" <a href="/gnt/john/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> In our Law Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?" <a href="/isv/john/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women to death. What do you say?" <a href="/msb/john/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?? <a href="/net/john/8.htm">NET Bible</a> In the law Moses commanded us to stone to death such women. What then do you say?" <a href="/nheb/john/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such. So what do you say?" <a href="/wbt/john/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned; but what sayest thou? <a href="/wey/john/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now, in the Law, Moses has ordered us to stone such women to death. But what do you say?" <a href="/web/john/8.htm">World English Bible</a> Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and in the Law, Moses commanded us that such be stoned; You, therefore, what do You say?” <a href="/blb/john/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now in the Law Moses commanded us such to be stoned. You therefore, what do You say?" <a href="/ylt/john/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and in the law, Moses did command us that such be stoned; thou, therefore, what dost thou say?' <a href="/slt/john/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> In the law Moses commanded us such to be stoned: therefore what sayest thou?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now Moses in the law commanded us to stone such a one. But what sayest thou? <a href="/cpdv/john/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such a one. Therefore, what do you say?” <a href="/nabre/john/8.htm">New American Bible</a> Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now in the law of Moses it is commanded that women such as these should be stoned; but what do you say? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “But in The Written Law of Moses, he commanded that we shall stone such as these.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now Moses, in his law, commanded us, that such should be stoned; but what say you? <a href="/godbey/john/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <a href="/haweis/john/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now Moses in the law commanded, that such women should be stoned: therefore what sayest thou? <a href="/mace/john/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now Moses has ordain'd in the law, that such criminals should be stoned: but what is your opinion? <a href="/wey/john/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now, in the Law, Moses has ordered us to stone such women to death. But what do you say?" <a href="/worrell/john/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such; what, therefore, dost Thou say?" <a href="/worsley/john/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now Moses in the law has commanded us that such women should be stoned, but what sayest Thou?" <a href="/parallel/john/8-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=2712" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/8.htm">The Woman Caught in Adultery</a> …4and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">In</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomō (N-DMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">Law</a> <a href="/greek/3475.htm" title="3475: Mōusēs (N-NMS) -- Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.">Moses</a> <a href="/greek/1781.htm" title="1781: eneteilato (V-AIM-3S) -- To give orders (injunctions, instructions, commands). From en and the base of telos; to enjoin.">commanded</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3034.htm" title="3034: lithazein (V-PNA) -- To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate.">to stone</a> <a href="/greek/5108.htm" title="5108: toiautas (DPro-AFP) -- (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).">such a woman.</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">what</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legeis (V-PIA-2S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">do You say?”</a> 6They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a> If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. <a href="/deuteronomy/22-22.htm">Deuteronomy 22:22</a> If a man is found lying with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. <a href="/deuteronomy/22-23.htm">Deuteronomy 22:23-24</a> If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, / you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. So you must purge the evil from among you. <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a> Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Matthew 19:7-8</a> “Why then,” they asked, “did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” / Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning. <a href="/mark/10-3.htm">Mark 10:3-5</a> “What did Moses command you?” He replied. / They answered, “Moses permitted a man to write his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.” / But Jesus told them, “Moses wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart. <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2-3</a> For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a> Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. <a href="/galatians/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10</a> All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” <a href="/galatians/3-19.htm">Galatians 3:19</a> Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Hebrews 10:28</a> Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. <a href="/james/2-10.htm">James 2:10-11</a> Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. / For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. <a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Exodus 20:14</a> You shall not commit adultery. <a href="/numbers/5-11.htm">Numbers 5:11-31</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that if any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him / by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act), ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what say you?Moses.<a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a> And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.<a href="/deuteronomy/22-21.htm">Deuteronomy 22:21-24</a> Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you… <a href="/ezekiel/16-38.htm">Ezekiel 16:38-40</a> And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy… but.<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a> Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.<a href="/matthew/19-6.htm">Matthew 19:6-8</a> Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder… <a href="/matthew/22-16.htm">Matthew 22:16-18</a> And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-56.htm">Command</a> <a href="/luke/19-15.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/john/7-25.htm">Death</a> <a href="/john/2-15.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/john/8-3.htm">Law</a> <a href="/john/7-23.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/luke/19-15.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/luke/20-6.htm">Stoned</a> <a href="/luke/24-24.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/10-18.htm">Command</a> <a href="/john/11-57.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/john/8-21.htm">Death</a> <a href="/john/10-12.htm">Directions</a> <a href="/john/8-17.htm">Law</a> <a href="/john/9-28.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/john/14-31.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/john/8-7.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/acts/5-26.htm">Stoned</a> <a href="/john/11-19.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">John 8</div>1. <a href="/john/8-1.htm">Jesus delivers the woman taken in adultery.</a> 12. <a href="/john/8-12.htm">He declares himself the light of the world, and justifies his doctrine;</a> 31. <a href="/john/8-31.htm">promises freedom to those who believe;</a> 33. <a href="/john/8-33.htm">answers the Jews who boasted of Abraham;</a> 48. <a href="/john/8-48.htm">answers their reviling, by showing his authority and dignity;</a> 59. <a href="/john/8-59.htm">and slips away from those who would stone him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. This phrase refers to the Mosaic Law found in the Torah, specifically in <a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/22-22.htm">Deuteronomy 22:22-24</a>, which prescribes stoning for adultery. The law was given to the Israelites as a means to maintain holiness and justice within the community. The Pharisees and scribes, who were experts in the Law, are referencing this to test Jesus. The act of stoning was a communal punishment, emphasizing the seriousness of the sin and the collective responsibility to uphold God's commandments. This reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where adherence to the Law was central to religious and social life.So what do You say?” This question is posed to Jesus by the religious leaders as a trap. They aim to challenge His authority and wisdom, hoping to accuse Him of either contradicting the Law of Moses or Roman law, which did not permit Jews to carry out capital punishment. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, who often sought to undermine His ministry. It also foreshadows the greater conflict leading to His crucifixion. Jesus' response, which follows in the subsequent verses, demonstrates His divine wisdom and ability to transcend legalistic interpretations, pointing instead to grace and redemption. This interaction is a type of Christ's role as the ultimate judge and mediator, fulfilling the Law through His life and teachings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> - Central figure in the New Testament, known for His teachings, miracles, and role as the Savior. In this passage, He is being tested by the Pharisees and scribes. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_scribes.htm">Pharisees and Scribes</a> - Religious leaders and experts in the Jewish Law who often opposed Jesus. They bring the woman caught in adultery to Jesus to test Him. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_woman_caught_in_adultery.htm">The Woman Caught in Adultery</a> - A woman accused of committing adultery, brought before Jesus by the Pharisees and scribes to trap Him. 4. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> - A prophet and leader in the Old Testament who received the Law from God, which includes the commandments regarding adultery. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple_courts.htm">The Temple Courts</a> - The setting of this event, a public place in Jerusalem where Jesus was teaching and where the confrontation occurs.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_law_and_grace.htm">Understanding the Law and Grace</a> The Law of Moses was given to guide and govern the people of Israel, but Jesus introduces a new covenant of grace. Understanding the balance between law and grace is crucial for Christian living. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_hypocrisy.htm">The Danger of Hypocrisy</a> The Pharisees and scribes were quick to judge the woman but ignored their own sinfulness. We must be cautious not to fall into the trap of hypocrisy, judging others while neglecting our own faults. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_mercy_and_forgiveness.htm">The Role of Mercy and Forgiveness</a> Jesus' response to the situation emphasizes mercy and forgiveness over strict legalism. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend the same mercy and forgiveness to others. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_self-reflection.htm">The Importance of Self-Reflection</a> Before casting judgment on others, we should examine our own lives and recognize our need for God's grace and forgiveness. <a href="/topical/t/the_transformative_power_of_jesus'_teachings.htm">The Transformative Power of Jesus' Teachings</a> Jesus' handling of the situation demonstrates His wisdom and authority. His teachings have the power to transform lives and challenge societal norms.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 8</a> <a href="/q/have_you_remembered_the_lord_today.htm">What did Jesus inscribe in the sand?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_stoning.htm">What is the Bible's stance on stoning?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_john_8_3-5's_procedure.htm">John 8:3-5: Is there historical or legal evidence that supports the described procedure for dealing with adultery under Jewish law?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_leviticus_20_10_mandate_death.htm">In Leviticus 20:10, how can this text mandate capital punishment for adultery when other passages in the Bible offer alternative outcomes for similar offenses (e.g., John 8:1-11)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned.--If we interpret the words strictly, the case they contemplate is not that referred to in <a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm" title="And the man that commits adultery with another man's wife, even he that commits adultery with his neighbor's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.">Leviticus 20:10</a>, and quoted here in the margin, but that of <a href="/context/deuteronomy/22-23.htm" title="If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed to an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;">Deuteronomy 22:23-24</a>, which was the only case for which stoning was specified as a punishment. It would be a case of rare occurrence, and perhaps for this very reason, one on which the opinions of later Rabbis were divided. Strangulation was regarded as the punishment intended when no other was specified; and in the Talmudic distinction in cases of this kind, stoning and strangulation are named as the respective punishments:--"Filia Israelitae, si adultera cum nupta, strangulanda; cum desponsata tantum, lapidanda. Filia Sacerdotis. si adultera cum nupta, lapidanda; cum desponsata tantum, comburenda (Sanhedrin, fol. 51, 2).But what sayest thou?--The question is, like that about the tribute money (<a href="/matthew/22-17.htm" title="Tell us therefore, What think you? Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?">Matthew 22:17</a>), a snare in which they hope to take Him whatever answer He gives. If He answers that she should be stoned, this would excite the opposition of the multitude, for a lax state of morality had practically made the laws against unchastity a dead letter. The immorality of Rome had spread through the provinces of the empire, and although the Jews were less infected by it than others, the court of the Herods had introduced its worst forms, and Christ Himself speaks of them as "an evil and adulterous generation" (<a href="/matthew/12-39.htm" title="But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:">Matthew 12:39</a>. Comp. <a href="/james/4-4.htm" title="You adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.">James 4:4</a>). To have pronounced for a severe law against common forms of sin would have been to undermine popular support, and it is this only that the rulers had to fear. To have pronounced for capital punishment would moreover have brought Him into collision with the Roman government, which reserved to itself the power of life and death. (Comp. <a href="/john/18-31.htm" title="Then said Pilate to them, Take you him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said to him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:">John 18:31</a>; <a href="/john/19-7.htm" title="The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.">John 19:7</a>.) Had He uttered a word in derogation of the majesty of the Roman empire, the charge of treason--in which case to be accused was practically to be condemned--would at once have been brought against Him. (Comp. Notes on <a href="/john/19-12.htm" title="And from thereafter Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's friend: whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.">John 19:12</a>; <a href="/john/19-15.htm" title="But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate said to them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.">John 19:15</a>.) It is clearly the more severe view that the form of the question is intended to draw forth. "Moses said, in express words, . . .; what dost Thou say? You surely will not differ from Moses?" But if He had taken the laxer view, then this, like the Sabbath question, would have been a charge of breaking the Law. He would have been brought before the Sanhedrin as a false Messiah, for the true Messiah was to establish the Law. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned (or, to stone such); but what sayest thou? The Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/22-23.htm">Deuteronomy 22:23</a>, etc.) prescribed stoning for both parties when the woman is the betrothed bride of another man, and if she make no sufficient attempt to foil the purpose of her seducer. For ordinary adultery the death penalty is left indefinite (<a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a>). It is no proof that strangulation was the method of punishment in the days of our Lord because the Talmud and Maimonides thus express it. Meyer concludes that the woman was a betrothed bride. This offence is, broadly speaking. "adultery" of an aggravated kind. The reference to the method of the punishment is not demonstrable proof of this, because it would be easily feasible to transfer the method of the death from the extreme case to the ordinary ease of nuptial infidelity (cf. <a href="/exodus/31-14.htm">Exodus 31:14</a> for the punishment of unspecified death for sabbath violation (repeated <a href="/exodus/35-2.htm">Exodus 35:2</a>), interpreted of "stoning" in the special illustrative case, <a href="/numbers/15-32.htm">Numbers 15:32-36</a>). This is Moses' Law - "what sayest thou?" This query involves an ascription to Jesus of the right of authoritatively interpreting the Law. thus attributing to him the functions of a new legislator. Some have objected to the bare possibility of such an appeal being made to Jesus by any species of Jewish authority. The whole context shows that the process was malicious, ironical, crafty. The entire audience knew that this law had never been accepted or applied literally; that the Sanhedrin had not enforced it; and that, if they had endeavoured to do so, the Roman power had taken from the nation the jus gladii. The question, therefore, became one of casuistry inflamed by a concrete case, and having as its ally a secret sympathy with the offenders. It was not uncommon for the rabbis to discuss the incidence of obsolete laws. Many of the glosses upon the ancient law, and laborious trifling with specific regulations of the so called oral law, turn upon customs that were absolutely impracticable under the new conditions of the Jewish life. This, however, was no mere quibble of words about possible duties. The query was put with dramatic force and in concrete form. The shame and life of a fellow creature were the materials which this eager and bloodthirsty group were utilizing for their vile purpose. <a href="/commentaries/john/8-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμῳ (nomō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. Moses Μωϋσῆς (Mōusēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3475.htm">Strong's 3475: </a> Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver. commanded ἐνετείλατο (eneteilato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1781.htm">Strong's 1781: </a> To give orders (injunctions, instructions, commands). From en and the base of telos; to enjoin. us ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. to stone λιθάζειν (lithazein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3034.htm">Strong's 3034: </a> To stone, pelt with stones. From lithos; to lapidate. such [a woman]. τοιαύτας (toiautas) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5108.htm">Strong's 5108: </a> (including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality). So οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. what τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. do You say?” λέγεις (legeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/8-5.htm">John 8:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/8-5.htm">NT Gospels: John 8:5 Now in our law Moses commanded us (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/8-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 8:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 8:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/8-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 8:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 8:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>