John 8:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
when
G5613
ὡς
when
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐπέμενον
they continued
G1961
ἐπέμενον
they continued
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
3 of 18
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
αὓτη
her
G846
αὓτη
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 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
ἀνάκυψας
he lifted up himself
G352
ἀνάκυψας
he lifted up himself
Strong's:
G352
Word #:
6 of 18
to unbend, i.e., rise; figuratively, be elated
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 18
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὓτη
her
G846
αὓτη
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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 #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπ'
at
G1909
ἐπ'
at
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 18
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
Jewish law required witnesses to cast the first stones (Deut 17:7). Jesus doesn't deny her guilt or dismiss the law, but requires sinless judges - an impossible standard revealing universal human sinfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognition of your own sin affect how you view others' sins?
- What is the difference between judging sin and being judgmental?
- When are you tempted to hold others to standards you yourself fail to meet?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When they persist, Jesus stands and delivers His famous response: 'He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.' This brilliant answer upholds law's standard while exposing human inability to execute perfect justice. It shifts focus from the woman's sin to her accusers' sins, demonstrating that all fall short of God's glory.