John 7:51
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
G3361
Μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμος
law
G3551
νόμος
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
3 of 17
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
παρ'
G3844
παρ'
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 17
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γνῷ
know
G1097
γνῷ
know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
15 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
Cross References
Proverbs 18:13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.Deuteronomy 1:17Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.Acts 23:3Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
Historical Context
Jewish law required hearing the accused before judgment (Deuteronomy 17:4, 19:15). The Sanhedrin was violating their own legal standards by condemning Jesus without proper trial. Later, Jesus's actual trial violated multiple legal procedures—nighttime session, lack of defense witnesses, same-day verdict in capital case. The eagerness to execute Jesus overrode legal scruples. Throughout history, authorities often abandon legal principles when opposing perceived threats.
Questions for Reflection
- Why did the Sanhedrin violate their own legal standards?
- What does this teach about how fear or hostility overrides reason and justice?
- How do we ensure fairness when evaluating controversial claims?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? Nicodemus appeals to Jewish legal procedure—no one should be condemned without hearing. This is mild defense, not open confession. He doesn't claim Jesus is Messiah, only that He deserves fair hearing. His argument is based on justice (Deuteronomy 1:16-17), not endorsement. Yet even this mild defense provokes hostile response (verse 52). This shows how unreasonable opposition can be—even procedural fairness is rejected when convenient.