Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of John 8:9
And they which heard [it,] being convicted by [their own] conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
9. being convicted by their own conscience ] These words are probably a gloss added by some copyist, like ‘as though He heard them not,’ added by our translators ( Joh 8:6).
beginning at the eldest ] Literally, beginning at the elders: but it means the elders in years, not the Elders; so that our translators have done well to avoid a literal rendering which would have been misleading. Meyer suggests that the oldest would be shrewd enough to slip away at once without compromising themselves further; certainly they would have the largest experience of life and its temptations.
was left alone ] Not that there were no witnesses, but that they had withdrawn to a distance. The graphic precision of this verse indicates the account of an eyewitness.
standing in the midst ] Literally, being in the midst, where the brutality of her accusers had placed her ( Joh 8:3).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Beginning at the eldest – As being conscious of more sins, and, therefore, being desirous to leave the Lord Jesus. The word eldest here probably refers not to age, but to benefit – from those who were in highest reputation to the lowest in rank. This consciousness of crime showed that the state of the public morals was exceedingly corrupt, and justified the declaration of Jesus that it was an adulterous and wicked generation, Mat 16:4.
Alone – Jesus only was left with the woman, etc.
In the midst – Her accusers had gone out, and left Jesus and the woman; but it is by no means probable that the people had left them; and, as this was in the temple on a public occasion, they were doubtless surrounded still by many. This is evident from the fact that Jesus immediately Joh 8:12 addressed a discourse to the people present.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 9. Being convicted by their own conscience] So it is likely they were all guilty of similar crimes. Their own is not in the original, and is needless: being convicted by conscience is expressive enough.
Beginning at the eldest even unto the last] , from the most honourable to those of the least repute. In this sense the words are undoubtedly to be understood.
The woman standing in the midst.] But if they all went out, how could she be in the midst? It is not said that all the people whom our Lord had been instructing went out, but only her accusers: see Joh 8:2. The rest undoubtedly continued with their teacher.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
This was an age of very great corruption as to mens lives and manners, as well as to doctrine, and corruption of worship; and as other enormities of life were very common and ordinary amongst them, so it is very probable were adulteries, and that their rulers and teachers were not without great guilt. Now, see the power of conscience, when set on work by God; these accusers consciences were to them as a thousand witnesses; they were reproved and convicted by them, and not able to stand under the reflections of them, or to say any thing in answer to what our Saviour had said: they went away one after another; and possibly it is particularly noted that they began
at the eldest, because the consciences of the eldest of them charged them more deeply for more and greater sins. Jesus was left not wholly alone, for the next words tell us, that the woman was still left standing in the midst; and no doubt but his apostles were there, for they constantly attended him; and no doubt divers others were also there: but the meaning is, that he was by this means quit of the scribes and Pharisees company, who were gone out of shame, being thus convicted by their own consciences, which told them, that whatsoever this woman was, they were no fit accusers.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
9. they . . . convicted . . . wentout one by one . . . Jesus was left alonethat is, without oneof her accusers remaining; for it is added.
the woman in the midstthatis, of the remaining audience. While the trap failed to catch Him forwhom it was laid, it caught those who laid it. Stunned by theunexpected home thrust, they immediately made offwhich makes theimpudence of those impure hypocrites in dragging such a case beforethe public eye the more disgusting.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And they which heard it,…. Not all, not the disciples of Christ, nor the multitude, but the Scribes and Pharisees:
being convicted by their own conscience; that they were not without sin, nor free from this; they had a beam in their own eye, who were so forward to observe the mote in another’s; and oftentimes so it is, that those who are most forward to reprove, and bear hardest on others for their sins, are as culpable in another way, if not in the same; when sin lies at the door, and conscience is awakened and open, it is as good as a thousand witnesses; and lets in, and owns the sin which lies heavy, and makes sad work; and fills with anguish, confusion, and shame, as it did these men: who
went out one by one; from the temple, in as private a manner, and as unobserved as they could:
beginning at the eldest: who might have been most culpable, or however soonest took the hint; being more wise and sagacious:
unto the last; this is wanting in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Persic versions, and in two of Beza’s copies, and the Basil edition:
and Jesus was left alone; not by his disciples, nor the multitude, but his antagonists, who came to tempt and ensnare him: for it follows,
and the woman standing in the midst; that is, of the company as before.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Went out (). Inchoative imperfect. Graphic picture.
One by one ( ‘ ). Not a Johannine phrase, but in Mr 14:19 where also the second nominative is retained as if ‘ () is regarded as a mere adverb and not as a preposition.
Beginning from the eldest ( ). “From the elder (comparative form, common in Koine as superlative) men,” as was natural for they had more sins of this sort which they recalled. “They are summoned to judge themselves rather than the woman” (Dods).
Was left alone ( ). First aorist effective passive indicative of , to leave behind, with predicate nominative . “Jesus was left behind alone.”
And the woman, where she was, in the midst ( ). The woman was left behind also “being in the midst” as they had placed her (verse 3) before they were conscience stricken and left.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience,” (hoi de akousantes) “Then they upon hearing his challenge,” and being convicted of their own guilt, Rom 3:23; 1Ki 846; Mat 5:27-28. Their consciences were not void of offense, Act 24:16; Rom 2:15; Rom 9:1; 2Co 1:12; 2Co 13:5. That every mouth might be stopped, Rom 3:19.
2) “Went out one by one,” (echserchonto eis kath’ eis) ”They went out voluntarily one by one,” of their own choice or decision, as the rich young ruler turned and walked away from Jesus when he was convicted of his own covetous guilt, Mat 19:22; Mar 10:22; Luk 18:23.
3) ”Beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: (arksamenoi apo ton presbuteran) “Beginning from the older ones (the elders),” the mature scribes and Pharisees who had initiated this encounter, Joh 8:3, and who perhaps had more sins to remember and who realized they had carried their charges too far.
4) “And Jesus was left alone,” (kai kateleiphthe monos) “And he(Jesus)was left alone,” When those who had come to entrap Him had gone out, evaporated like thin air, unwilling to try to defend their charges against the woman that they had hailed or dragged before Him.
5) “And the woman standing in the midst.” (kai he gune en meso ousa) “And the woman being (still standing) in the midst,” before Him as one on trial to answer charges and show respect to the process of the trial court.
This miserable woman stood face to face with the pitying Savior.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
9. And being reproved by their conscience. Here we perceive how great is the power of an evil conscience. Though those wicked hypocrites intended to entrap Christ by their cavils, yet as soon as he pierces their consciences by a single word, shame puts them to flight. This is the hammer with which we must break the pride of hypocrites. They must be summoned to the judgment-seat of God. Though it is possible that the shame, with which they were struck before men, had greater influence over them than the fear of God, still it is a great matter that, of their own accord, they acknowledge themselves to be guilty, when they thus fly away as if they were confounded. It is immediately added,
Beginning from the eldest even to the last. Our attention is drawn to this circumstance, that, according as each of them surpassed the others in honorable rank, he was the more quickly moved by his condemnation. And would to God that (209) our scribes, who in the present day sell their labors to the Pope to make war with Christ, had at least as much modesty as those men; but they are so destitute of shame that, while they have rendered themselves infamous by every detestable crime, they glory in the fact that they are permitted to be as abominable as they choose, without being punished. We ought also to observe how widely this conviction of sin, by which the scribes were affected, differs from true repentance. For we ought to be affected by the judgment of God in such a manner, that we shall not seek a place of concealment to avoid the presence of the Judge, but rather shall go direct to Him, in order to implore his forgiveness.
Jesus was left alone. This was brought about by the Spirit of wisdom, that those wicked men, having gained nothing by tempting Christ, went away. Nor is there any reason to doubt that we shall succeed in defeating all the contrivances of our enemies, provided that we permit ourselves to be governed by the same Spirit. But it frequently happens that they gain an advantage over us, because, not attending to their snares, we are not careful to take advice, or rather, trusting to our own wisdom, we do not consider how much we need the government of the Holy Spirit. He says that Christ remained alone; not that the people, whom he was formerly teaching, had left him, but because all the scribes, who had brought the adulteress, gave him no farther annoyance. When it is said that the woman remained with Christ, let us learn by this example that there is nothing better for us than to be brought, as guilty, to his tribunal, provided that we surrender ourselves mildly and submissively to his government.
(209) “ Pleust a Dieu que.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(9) The readings of the texts here differ considerably, but without any essential difference of meaning. Being convicted by their own conscience is probably an addition made by some copyist to explain the meaning, which is quite clear without it.
Beginning at the eldest.Literally, beginning at the elders; but our version gives the right sense, and prevents the possible mistake of understanding the word to mean the elders of the people. So the last should probably be taken, not of the lowest in official rank, but of the last who went out.
And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.The scribes and Pharisees had probably stood close to Him. The woman was at some little distance, naturally shrinking from their gaze; but there is a crowd of people, including the disciples, around her, for they are in the Temple, and before this interruption He was engaged in teaching the people (Joh. 8:2). Her accusers had set her in the midst (Joh. 8:2), where she now stands. The whole scene is pictured with the minute detail of an eye-witness, who remembers how the persons were grouped, how the accusers went out one after another, and then, how Jesus was left alone, apart from the crowd, but that the others were still present.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
9. Convicted by their own conscience There is an interval of silence, Jesus writing, they ruminating. Not a man would dare lift a stone. If this be the Messiah, none dares assume in such a presence that himself is pure. If he be not Messiah, the Roman law may deal with the man who leads in execution. The whole scene becomes intolerable to the actors, and they retreat. Of the gross licentiousness of the Jews at this period, even of those most jealous for Jewish institutions, Josephus furnishes ample proof. “There is evidence,” says Tholuck, “that at this period many of the Rabbins high in position were living in adultery.”
One by one It was easier for any one to lead in the departing than in the stoning.
Beginning at the eldest Who from the gravity of their age may have held themselves most excusable from flinging the deathly missile.
The last Who could leave without any comrade to witness his shame.
Jesus alone Jesus, as ever, is victor.
Woman standing Petrified, doubtless, with fear and shame. She had been surrendered over to death; every moment, perhaps, she expected to be led without the city to the execution. Minute after minute had passed of suspense but of dawning hope. The Searcher of hearts alone knew how her conscience may have been awakened by the near approach of death.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And when they heard it they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, even to the last, and Jesus was left alone, and the woman where she was, in the midst.’
The original narrator had noted that the eldest was the first to leave. They above all were aware that they dare not claim to be without sin, and perhaps they were a little ashamed and even the more aware of their own guilt. The younger hotheads took a little longer, but in the end they too realised that they had no choice. They accepted the verdict of their elders and also left, leaving the woman ‘alone’ without any accusers.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Joh 8:9. And they which heard it, &c. “And as all their consciences were struck with horror by a secret power which set these words home upon them, and they thereupon could not but accuse themselves of one heinous crime or another, they were ashamed to plead innocence, or to proceed in a demand of justice against her; and were afraid, lest, if Jesus spoke again, he would say to them some severer thing: and therefore, instead of applying to him, as they ought, for cleansing from their own sins, they silently slipped away from him one after another; the eldest, who might be conscious of most guilt, going out first, and the younger following them, till they were all gone, and there was no one left with him, except the woman, and the people who, with his disciples, were there before attending on his ministry.”
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
9 And they which heard it , being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Ver. 9. Convicted by their own conscience ] Which is God’s spy and man’s overseer, index, iudex, vindex: a sign, a judge a defender, so that sinners are self-condemned , and often betrayed by their own blushing and heart beating, when yet the offence is secret. Yea, a man feels an inward shame in his own heart, disgracing and abusing him, though he make no outward show of it. For albeit an innocent person, upon the foulness of an aspersion, may conceive shame, as did David, Psa 44:15 , yet it is usually the effect of an ill conscience.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
9. ] They had said, they now perceive that they themselves were . There is no historical difficulty in this conduct of the Pharisees, as Olshausen finds; they were struck by the power of the word of Christ. It was a case somewhat analogous to that in which His struck His foes to the ground, ch. Joh 18:6 .
The variations of reading are very wide (see digest) in the latter part of the verse. We can hardly (with some) lay any stress on , as indicating the natural order of conviction of sin. If the consciences of older sinners have heavier loads on them, those of younger ones are more tender.
, i.e. with the multitude and the disciples; the woman standing between Him and the disciples on one hand, and the multitude on the other.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Joh 8:9 . . “And they when they heard it went out one by one, beginning from the elders until the last.” [The words which truly describe the motive of this departure, , are deleted by Tr. W.H.R.] refers not to the elders by office but by age. They naturally took the lead, and the younger men deferentially allowed them to pass and then followed. Thus . Jesus was left sitting and the woman standing before Him. But only those would retire who had been concerned in the accusation: the disciples and those who had previously been listening to Him would remain.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
convicted, &c. By the manifestation of the Lord’s knowledge of what was in their hearts and of what they were concealing for the purpose of tempting Him. Greek. elencho. Same word as in Joh 8:46; Joh 5:20; Joh 16:8.
by. Greek. hupo. App-104.
at = from. Greek. apo. App-104.
eldest = elders.
unto = as far as.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
9.] They had said, -they now perceive that they themselves were . There is no historical difficulty in this conduct of the Pharisees, as Olshausen finds;-they were struck by the power of the word of Christ. It was a case somewhat analogous to that in which His struck His foes to the ground, ch. Joh 18:6.
The variations of reading are very wide (see digest) in the latter part of the verse. We can hardly (with some) lay any stress on , as indicating the natural order of conviction of sin. If the consciences of older sinners have heavier loads on them, those of younger ones are more tender.
, i.e. with the multitude and the disciples; the woman standing between Him and the disciples on one hand,-and the multitude on the other.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Joh 8:9. , beginning with the elders) These had been most conscience-struck. Great was the force of Jesus words, [throwing open the inmost recesses of men.-V. g.]-, alone) not one of those, who had proposed the case, remaining. Others, who also were of the Pharisees, remained, as appears from comparing Joh 8:3; Joh 8:13.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Joh 8:9
Joh 8:9
And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst.-Jesus, called into activity their own consciences and then left the conscience to direct their course. He decided according to the law and threw the responsibility of executing the law upon them. They slipped out one by one and left him and the woman alone.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
being: Gen 42:21, Gen 42:22, 1Ki 2:44, 1Ki 17:18, Psa 50:21, Ecc 7:22, Mar 6:14-16, Luk 12:1-3, Rom 2:15, Rom 2:22, 1Jo 3:20
went out: Job 5:12, Job 5:13, Job 20:5, Job 20:27, Psa 9:15, Psa 9:16, Psa 40:14, Psa 71:13, Luk 13:17
alone: Joh 8:2, Joh 8:10, Joh 8:12
Reciprocal: Gen 38:26 – She hath 2Sa 24:10 – David’s heart Joh 5:45 – there Joh 16:8 – reprove Act 2:37 – they Act 4:7 – when Rom 3:19 – that Heb 10:22 – an evil Jam 2:9 – are
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
ALONE WITH JESUS
And they went out and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
Joh 8:9
The sinner and Jesus were left alone. They must always be so. None should come in there, specially where sin is the question to be settled. So long as the scribes and Pharisees remained there was not a word passed from the lips of the Saviour to her, nor from her lips to Him. When all had gone out, He spoke to her. Not till then. Till they are all gone out thou wilt never hear thy Saviours voice speaking to thy soul. He is thy Saviour, and only He. All must go out, and thou be alone with Him. Not till then wilt thou hear His voice saying to thy troubled soul, Neither do I condemn thee.
I. A glorious release.What a glorious discharge for this poor trembling one! The law thundered, Satan charged, conscience accused, man pointed the finger of scorn. What of it? Above them all she heard the voice of God proclaiming, Neither do I condemn thee. She could look them all in the face, for God had looked upon her. She could face every frown and tremble not, for heavens sunshine had fallen upon her stricken soul in the smile of Jesus. The storm that raged within had subsided, for He Who ruled the winds and the waves had uttered His voice, and now there was a great calm.
II. Gods order.And mark the orderpardon first, then obedience. This is Gods order. Human religion exactly reverses it. It says, Go, and sin no more, and then you may hope to be forgiven. It puts the sinner altogether off the work of Christ for pardon, and places him on his doings for it. Gods way is first to pardon, and then to enjoin obedience. And why? Because man can do nothing in this world without a motive. What is that motive? The love of God shed abroad in his own soul. Christ has forgiven him while yet a sinner; and this free, unmerited grace to one so unworthy is the great motive constraining him to holiness of life.
III. Alone with Jesus! What a sweet and holy spot! What a blessed refuge to which the soul may betake itself from the charges of Satan, the accusations of the world, aud the sorrows of life! There the self-condemned and the penitent may bathe His feet with tears. There the aching heart, stung with the scorn and reproaches of the world, may find sweet repose.
Rev. F. Whitfield.
Illustration
The solution of many difficult questions respecting the life of Christ, lies in the right understanding and recognition of the character of His first mission to our world. It was purely spiritual. He did not come as a magistrate, or as a judge, or as a king: that He will be when He comes again. But, when He came before, He was very jealous on this point; and scrupulously careful to show that He had nothing at all to do with the administration of justice, or the adjudication of any matter. Christ did not really either condemn the woman who was brought to Him, or acquit her. He treated it as outside His province. His duty, as Judge, was not yet begun. The Scribes and Pharisees tempting Him, but still treating Him as a high authority, said, By the law, this woman should be stoned; but what sayest Thou? They placed Him in a judicial position; but Jesus positively declined it. He declined it to the Pharisees, by first appearing not to notice what they said; then, by waiving the point, and leaving it to their own consciences. And He declined it to the woman, by throwing it back upon her accusers: Woman, where are thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? And then by refusing all responsibility: Neither do I condemn thee; go, and sin no more.
Fuente: Church Pulpit Commentary
9
Conscience is from SUNEI-DESIS, and the lexicons give a various description. The outstanding definition of the word as Thayer gives it is, “The soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending the one, condemning the other.” These accusers were convicted by their conscience, which means it condemned their own conduct. That was because they knew they had done that which was bad, and hence were not qualified to be the executioners of the law at hand. Went out means they left the temple where they had been in their pretended attempt to enforce the law, leaving Jesus and the woman yet together.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
And they which heard it; being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
[Being convicted by their own conscience.] Our Saviour had determined to shame these wicked men before the common people: and therefore adds that peculiar force and energy to what he said that they could not stand it out, but with shame and confusion drawing off and retiring, they confess their guilt before the whole crowd. A thing little less than miracle.
Fuente: Lightfoot Commentary Gospels
Joh 8:9. But they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning at the elder. It was a correct comment on their state when the words being convicted by their own conscience found their way into the text. They felt how entirely they had misapprehended the relation in which sinners ought to stand to sinners. They were brought to a conception of morality of which they had never dreamed. Then learned that they could only vindicate that law upon which they prided themselves by purity of heart. They who came to condemn Jesus went away self-condemned, because He had opened their eyes to that spirit of the law which is so much greater than the letter.
And Jesus was left alone, and the woman who was in the midst. Nothing has been said of the departure of the people (Joh 8:2). We may therefore suppose that they were still around Jesus and the woman; but they are silent and awe-struck. To all intents Jesus is alone with the woman. He reads her heart, as if His thoughts were concentrated upon her; and she can see none but Him.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Ver. 9. If the Pharisees had been sincere in their indignation against the accused, it was the time to lead her to the presence of the officially constituted judge. But it was not the evil that they were set against: it was Jesus. Recognizing the fact that their design has failed, they take the only course which remains for them, that of withdrawing, and they make thus the tacit avowal of the odious intention which had brought them. is not here an official name; it is the oldest who, as the most venerable representatives of public morality, had taken their place at the head of the company: , the last, does not mean the youngest or the last in respect to social position, but simply, as Meyer says, the last who left. The word alone implies only the departure of the accusers.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
Verse 9
Eldest; greatest, those of highest rank and dignity.–Alone; alone in the place where the accusers had stood. Other spectators probably remained around.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
The scribes and Pharisees’ actions confessed their guilt. Evidently the older ones among them had the most tender consciences. They had plotted to kill the woman, but her crime only involved committing adultery. Adultery is no insignificant sin, but next to murder it has less severe consequences. Time and accumulated wisdom frequently increase one’s sense of personal guilt unless a person hardens his or her heart completely. Probably we should understand the text as implying that all the critics departed, which would have left Jesus, the woman, and perhaps other onlookers. This left the woman and Jesus with no accusers.
The action of the woman’s accusers was remarkable. Jesus’ words brought deep conviction to inveterate opponents remarkably soon. Moreover they ended up making a public declaration of their own guilt and dropping their charge against the woman even though she was evidently guilty of adultery.