John 8:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground.

NIV: Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

NASB: And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.

CSB: Then he stooped down again and continued writing on the ground.

NLT: Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

KJV: And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

NKJV: And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.

This is the second time in a few short verses where Jesus is said to have written on the ground (John 8:6). In fact, He apparently does not stop writing until after all of the accusers have left (John 8:9–10)! The Bible is completely silent on exactly what Jesus was carving into the dust. The fact that it's mentioned more than once suggests that it's an important part of His response. He might have been writing Old Testament Scriptures which supported His point. Or, as some have suggested, He may have been recording the names and sins of some of the woman's accusers. One can assume that whatever He wrote was at least part of the reason the Pharisees and Scribes abandon their attempt.

In general, Jesus reacts by proving that the mob who has brought this woman is not actually trying to follow the law, either in spirit or even in the letter. Adulterers are subject to death by stoning (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22), but the law specifies both guilty persons are to be so punished. There is no guilty man present here! Further, the law says that those who make the accusation are to begin the execution themselves (Deuteronomy 17:7). The Old Testament demands right judgment and mercy as much as it does holiness (Proverbs 21:10; Zechariah 7:8–9; Matthew 23:23). This, combined with Jesus' challenge about the accusers' claims to morality, results in a complete reversal. Every single one of the challengers leave (John 8:9).

John 7:53—8:11 is one of the most famous stories of the New Testament. However, scholars do not believe it was originally found in this particular place in Scripture. The flow of the gospel of John seems interrupted by the story. Also, in ancient manuscripts, these verses are located in various places. This leads to the consensus that it is a true story, but not part of John's original narrative of the Festival of Booths in chapters 7 and 8. Jesus' response to a trap sprung by the Pharisees is masterful. Though He alone has the moral authority to execute the woman for her sin, Jesus instead chooses forgiveness. This highlights a major concept of Christian ethics: just because one has the power to do something does not mean it's the best option.

John chapter 8 includes the story of the adulterous woman, a well-known but controversial passage. Most scholars believe this story is authentic, but not originally found in this exact spot in Scripture. This chapter continues Jesus' preaching during the Feast of Booths, where He once again comes into conflict with local religious leaders. Here, Christ will make His second ''I AM'' statement, using the analogy of light, which is a common theme in Hebrew theology. This conversation will become more and more heated. Eventually, Jesus' opponents are enraged enough to attempt killing Him right then and there.

Jesus is attending the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem, and has once again come into conflict with the local religious authorities. In the previous chapter, Jesus referred to Himself as a source of living water, playing off of the festivals' ritual pouring of water in the temple. In this chapter, Jesus will use the imagery of lights, also related to festival traditions. This chapter demonstrates Jesus' willingness to be direct, even aggressive, with His critics. The next few chapters will complete Jesus' public ministry, as He prepares for His impending death.

The gospel of John was written by the disciple John, decades later than the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls “signs”—in order to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in all of the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.