John Chapter 8 · Verse 11
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Οὐδείς
No man
G3762
Οὐδείς
No man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
4 of 18
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
κύριε
Lord
G2962
κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 18
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
10 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πορεύου
go
G4198
πορεύου
go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
15 of 18
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
Cross References
John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.John 5:14Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.John 8:15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.Luke 15:7I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.Job 34:31Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:Luke 5:32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.Proverbs 28:13He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Luke 15:10Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.Luke 13:3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' response model balancing grace and truth?
- What is the relationship between receiving forgiveness and turning from sin?
- How can you extend Christ's balance of grace and truth to others?
Analysis & 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.