King James Version

What Does John 8:11 Mean?

John 8:11 in the King James Version says “She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

John 8:11 · KJV


Context

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.

13

The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The woman's simple 'No man, Lord' acknowledges both the absence of human accusers and addresses Jesus as 'Lord.' Jesus responds with grace and truth balanced perfectly: 'Neither do I condemn thee' (grace) and 'go, and sin no more' (truth). This is not permissiveness - He acknowledges her sin and calls for repentance - but He offers forgiveness before reformation. Grace enables obedience; it doesn't excuse sin.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus' response demonstrates the gospel pattern: justification precedes sanctification. He forgives first, then calls for changed life. This contradicts both legalism (earn forgiveness through change) and antinomianism (forgiveness makes change unnecessary).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' response model balancing grace and truth?
  2. What is the relationship between receiving forgiveness and turning from sin?
  3. How can you extend Christ's balance of grace and truth to others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
1 of 18
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

εἶπεν3 of 18

She said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὐδείς4 of 18

No man

G3762

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

κύριε5 of 18

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εἶπεν6 of 18

She said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ7 of 18

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῇ8 of 18

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

9 of 18
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς10 of 18

Jesus

G2424

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

Οὐδὲ11 of 18

Neither

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

ἐγώ12 of 18

I

G1473

i, me

σε13 of 18

thee

G4571

thee

κατακρίνω·14 of 18

condemn

G2632

to judge against, i.e., sentence

πορεύου15 of 18

go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

καὶ16 of 18

and

G2532

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

μηκέτι17 of 18

no more

G3371

no further

ἁμάρτανε18 of 18

sin

G264

properly, to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), i.e., (figuratively) to err, especially (morally) to sin


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 8:11 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 8:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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