King James Version

What Does John 8:9 Mean?

John 8:9 in the King James Version says “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unt... — study this verse from John chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 8:9 · KJV


Context

7

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Convicted by conscience, the accusers leave one by one, oldest first - perhaps those with longest lives had most accumulated guilt. Their departure proves Jesus' point: none are sinless, none qualified to execute judgment. Only the woman and Jesus remain - the only sinless One, the only qualified Judge, alone with the guilty. This sets up grace's triumph.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The elders leaving first may reflect greater self-awareness that comes with age, or greater sense of accumulated guilt. The departure of all accusers leaves Jesus as sole qualified judge.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does conscience conviction accomplish that mere argument cannot?
  2. How does recognizing your own sin increase compassion for others?
  3. Why is Jesus the only qualified judge of humanity?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
οἱ1 of 30
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 30

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκούσαντες3 of 30

they which heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ4 of 30

and

G2532

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

ὑπὸ5 of 30

by

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῆς6 of 30
G3588

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

συνειδήσεως7 of 30

their own conscience

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἐλεγχόμενοι,8 of 30

being convicted

G1651

to confute, admonish

ἐξήρχοντο9 of 30

went out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἷς10 of 30
G1520

one

καθ'11 of 30
G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

εἷς12 of 30
G1520

one

ἀρξάμενοι13 of 30

beginning

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ἀπὸ14 of 30

at

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν15 of 30
G3588

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

πρεσβυτέρων16 of 30

the eldest

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

ἕως17 of 30

even unto

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῶν18 of 30
G3588

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

ἐσχάτων19 of 30

the last

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

καὶ20 of 30

and

G2532

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

κατελείφθη21 of 30

was left

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

μόνος22 of 30

alone

G3441

remaining, i.e., sole or single; by implication, mere

23 of 30
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς,24 of 30

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ25 of 30

and

G2532

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

26 of 30
G3588

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

γυνὴ27 of 30

the woman

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

ἐν28 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέσῳ29 of 30

the midst

G3319

middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun)

ἑστῶσα30 of 30

standing

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)


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 8:9 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 8:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study