New International Version and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. New Living Translation “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. English Standard Version they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Berean Standard Bible and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. Berean Literal Bible they say to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act, committing adultery. King James Bible They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. New King James Version they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. New American Standard Bible they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of committing adultery. NASB 1995 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. NASB 1977 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Legacy Standard Bible they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Amplified Bible and they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. Berean Annotated Bible and said, “Teacher {Didaskale}, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. Christian Standard Bible “Teacher,” they said to him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. Holman Christian Standard Bible Teacher,” they said to Him, “this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. American Standard Version they say unto him, Teacher, this woman hath been taken in adultery, in the very act. Contemporary English Version Then they said, "Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn't her husband. English Revised Version they say unto him, Master, this woman hath been taken in adultery, in the very act. GOD'S WORD® Translation and asked Jesus, "Teacher, we caught this woman in the act of adultery. Good News Translation "Teacher," they said to Jesus, "this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. International Standard Version they told him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in the very act of adultery. NET Bible and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. New Heart English Bible they said to him, "Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. Webster's Bible Translation They say to him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Weymouth New Testament "Rabbi," they said, "this woman has been found in the very act of committing adultery. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand to test Him they said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. World English Bible they told him, “Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthey say to Him, “Teacher, this woman was taken in the very crime [of] committing adultery, Berean Literal Bible they say to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act, committing adultery. Young's Literal Translation they say to him, 'Teacher, this woman was taken in the very crime -- committing adultery, Smith's Literal Translation They say to him, Teacher, this woman was taken committing adultery, in the very act. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd said to him: Master, this woman was even now taken in adultery. Catholic Public Domain Version And they said to him: “Teacher, this woman was just now caught in adultery. New American Bible They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. New Revised Standard Version they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThey said to him, Teacher, this woman was caught openly in the act of adultery. Aramaic Bible in Plain English They were saying to him, “Teacher, this woman was taken openly in the act of adultery.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand said to him: Teacher, this woman was detected in adultery; in the very act. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament they say unto him, Master, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Mace New Testament they said to him, master, this woman was actually taken in adultery. Weymouth New Testament "Rabbi," they said, "this woman has been found in the very act of committing adultery. Worrell New Testament they say to Him, "Teacher, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Worsley New Testament and setting her in the midst, they said to Him, "This woman was caught in the very act, committing adultery. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Woman Caught in Adultery…3The scribes and Pharisees, however, brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before them 4and said, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. So what do You say?”… Cross References and said, Deuteronomy 19:15-19 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. / If a false witness testifies against someone, accusing him of a crime, / both parties to the dispute must stand in the presence of the LORD, before the priests and judges who are in office at that time. … Matthew 26:59-60 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward Luke 23:10 Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes stood there, vehemently accusing Him. “Teacher, Matthew 19:16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” Mark 10:17 As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up and knelt before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25 One day an expert in the law stood up to test Him. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” this woman Numbers 5:13-14 by sleeping with another man, and it is concealed from her husband and her impurity is undetected (since there is no witness against her and she was not caught in the act), / and if a feeling of jealousy comes over her husband and he suspects his wife who has defiled herself—or if a feeling of jealousy comes over him and he suspects her even though she has not defiled herself— Deuteronomy 22:23-24 If there is a virgin pledged in marriage to a man, and another man encounters her in the city and sleeps with her, / you must take both of them out to the gate of that city and stone them to death—the young woman because she did not cry out in the city, and the man because he has violated his neighbor’s wife. So you must purge the evil from among you. Leviticus 20:10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. was caught Proverbs 7:22-23 He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding into a trap, / until an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare—not knowing it will cost him his life. Jeremiah 2:26 As the thief is ashamed when he is caught, so the house of Israel is disgraced. They, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets Proverbs 5:22 The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. in the act of adultery. Deuteronomy 22:22 If a man is found lying with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel. Proverbs 6:32-33 He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. / Wounds and dishonor will befall him, and his reproach will never be wiped away. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. Leviticus 20:10 If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must surely be put to death. Treasury of Scripture They say to him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Jump to Previous Act Adultery Caught Committing Crime Forward Found Jesus Married Master Putting Rabbi Relation Sinning TeacherJump to Next Act Adultery Caught Committing Crime Forward Found Jesus Married Master Putting Rabbi Relation Sinning TeacherJohn 8 1. Jesus delivers the woman taken in adultery.12. He declares himself the light of the world, and justifies his doctrine; 31. promises freedom to those who believe; 33. answers the Jews who boasted of Abraham; 48. answers their reviling, by showing his authority and dignity; 59. and slips away from those who would stone him. and said, The scribes and Pharisees brought their charge publicly before Jesus, seeking a ruling they could use against Him. Deu 19:15-19 A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing… “Teacher, They addressed Him respectfully while attempting to test His faithfulness to the Law. Mat 19:16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired,… this woman Only the woman was brought forward, though the Law held both parties accountable for adultery. Their selective accusation exposed their unjust purpose. Num 5:13-14 sleeping with another man, and it is concealed… was caught They claimed direct evidence sufficient to establish a serious legal charge. Pro 7:22-23 He follows her on impulse, like an ox going to the slaughter… in the act of adultery. Adultery was a grave sin under the Law of Moses. By presenting the woman without the man and demanding Jesus’ judgment, the accusers sought to trap Him between the demands of the Law and Roman authority. Deu 22:22 If a man is found lying with another man’s wife,… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts when the scribes and Pharisees bring the woman to Him. His response to the situation is pivotal. 2. The Woman Caught in Adultery She is brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees, accused of committing adultery. Her situation is used as a test for Jesus. 3. Scribes and Pharisees Religious leaders who bring the woman to Jesus, attempting to trap Him into making a statement they could use against Him. They are often depicted as legalistic and self-righteous. 4. The Temple Courts The setting of this event, a place of teaching and worship, which underscores the public nature of the accusation and the test. 5. Adultery The act the woman is accused of, which according to Mosaic Law, was punishable by stoning. This highlights the tension between law and grace. Teaching Points The Nature of Sin and JudgmentThis passage challenges us to consider our own sinfulness before judging others. Jesus' response to the accusers highlights the importance of self-reflection and humility. Grace and Mercy Over Legalism Jesus demonstrates grace and mercy, contrasting with the legalistic approach of the Pharisees. This teaches us to prioritize compassion and forgiveness in our interactions. The Role of Jesus as Teacher and Savior Jesus is addressed as "Teacher," but His actions reveal His deeper role as Savior, offering redemption and a new path to those caught in sin. Public vs. Private Sin The public nature of the accusation contrasts with the private nature of sin, reminding us that God sees all and that our response should be one of grace, not public shaming. The Power of Jesus' Words Jesus' response to the situation demonstrates the power and authority of His words, encouraging us to seek His wisdom in our own lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of John 8:4?2. How does John 8:4 challenge us to address sin in our community? 3. What does John 8:4 reveal about the Pharisees' understanding of the law? 4. How can we avoid hypocrisy as seen in John 8:4? 5. How does John 8:4 connect to Matthew 7:1 on judging others? 6. What steps can we take to show grace instead of condemnation? 7. What does John 8:4 reveal about Jesus' stance on sin and forgiveness? 8. How does John 8:4 challenge our understanding of justice and mercy? 9. What historical context is essential for interpreting John 8:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from John 8? (4) The Cambridge MS. reads, "the priests say unto Him, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him," adding the word "priests," and placing here the first words of the sixth verse of the Received text.Verse 4. - Master - Teacher - this woman has been taken committing adultery, in the very act. Ἐπαυτοφώρω originally meant in ipso furto, "in the very theft;" afterwards more generally in the commission of this particular sin. The burning shame and bestial bluntness of the charge make no excuse or palliation possible. Every phrase in John 8:4 shows a calculated attempt to trap Jesus: respectful address, public shaming, claimed eyewitness certainty, undeniable timing, and a capital offense. Yet the scene also prepares us for the Lord’s perfect balance of justice and mercy. He will uphold the Law’s righteousness, expose hypocrisy, and extend forgiveness that transforms, illustrating that grace never ignores sin but overcomes it through truth (John 1:17). Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [and] said,λέγουσιν (legousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Teacher, Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 1320: A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. this αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. woman γυνὴ (gynē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. was caught κατείληπται (kateilēptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2638: From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc. in ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. the act αυτοφώρῳ (autophōrō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 1888: In the very act. From epi and autos and a derivative of phor; in theft itself, i.e. in actual crime. of adultery. μοιχευομένη (moicheuomenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 3431: To commit adultery (of a man with a married woman, but also of a married man). From moichos; to commit adultery. Additonal Resources John 8:4 Blue Letter BibleJohn 8:4 Bible Gateway John 8:4 Bible.com John 8:4 NIV |
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