King James Version

What Does John 8:10 Mean?

John 8:10 in the King James Version says “When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? h... — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

John 8:10 · KJV


Context

8

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11

She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus asks, 'Where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?' This question emphasizes the absence of qualified judges. Human accusers fled before their own guilt, leaving only Christ - who has right to condemn but chooses to save. This moment pictures the gospel: the only righteous Judge offers pardon, not punishment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Without accusers present and with Roman restriction on Jewish capital punishment, the legal case dissolved. But Jesus' question addresses deeper reality - the absence of any human qualified to condemn.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that Christ, the only qualified judge, chooses mercy?
  2. How does understanding your own guilt before God affect how you treat others?
  3. Why does Jesus ask about her accusers rather than immediately pronouncing forgiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀνακύψας1 of 23

had lifted up himself

G352

to unbend, i.e., rise; figuratively, be elated

δὲ2 of 23

When

G1161

but, and, etc

3 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 23

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

καὶ5 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μηδένα6 of 23

none

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

θεασάμενος7 of 23

saw

G2300

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

πλὴν8 of 23

but

G4133

moreover (besides), i.e., albeit, save that, rather, yet

τὴς9 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνή10 of 23

Woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

εἶπεν11 of 23

he said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ12 of 23

unto her

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

13 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυνή14 of 23

Woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ποῦ15 of 23

where

G4226

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

εἰσιν16 of 23

are

G1526

they are

ἐκεῖνοι17 of 23

those

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

οἱ18 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατήγοροί19 of 23

accusers

G2725

against one in the assembly, i.e., a complainant at law; specially, satan

σου20 of 23

thine

G4675

of thee, thy

οὐδείς21 of 23

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

σε22 of 23

thee

G4571

thee

κατέκρινεν23 of 23

condemned

G2632

to judge against, i.e., sentence


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 8:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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