John 8:6
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
Original Language Analysis
ἔλεγον
they said
G3004
ἔλεγον
they said
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πειράζοντες
tempting
G3985
πειράζοντες
tempting
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
4 of 20
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 20
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
ἔχωσιν
they might have
G2192
ἔχωσιν
they might have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
κατηγορεῖν
to accuse
G2723
κατηγορεῖν
to accuse
Strong's:
G2723
Word #:
8 of 20
to be a plaintiff, i.e., to charge with some offence
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 20
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 #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
12 of 20
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔγραφεν
wrote
G1125
ἔγραφεν
wrote
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
17 of 20
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
18 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Jeremiah 17:13O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.Luke 10:25And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?Matthew 19:3The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?Ecclesiastes 3:7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;Amos 5:10They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.
Historical Context
Writing on the ground recalls Jeremiah 17:13 - those who depart from God have their names 'written in the earth.' Some Church Fathers suggested Jesus wrote the accusers' sins, though Scripture doesn't specify.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern manipulative questioning versus genuine inquiry?
- When is silence the wisest response to hostile questions?
- What does this teach about engaging with those who seek to trap you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John reveals their motive - 'tempting him, that they might have to accuse him.' Religion becomes demonic when it seeks to destroy rather than restore. Jesus responds by writing on the ground, perhaps listing their sins or simply creating pause for reflection. His silence demonstrates wisdom in the face of manipulative questioning.