1.
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
Jesus = But Jesus. Connecting John 8:1 with Joh 7:63 . See App-98 .
unto . Greek. eis. App-104 .
2.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
early in the morning = at dawn.
into = unto, as in John 8:1 .
temple . Greek. hieron. See note on Matthew 23:16 .
people. Greek. laos. In John's Gospel only here, John 11:50 ; John 18:14 . Not ochlos, or plethos.
unto . Greek. pros. App-104 .
sat down . . . and = having sat down.
taught = was teaching.
3.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
Pharisees . See App-120 .
brought = bring.
taken = having been taken. in. Greek. en. App-104 ,
4.
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Master =
Teacher . App-98 . John 8:1 .
in the very act . Greek. ep' ( App-104 .) autophoro. Autophoros means self-detected.
5.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
Moses. See note on John 1:17 .
commanded . . . stoned . This law referred only to a "betrothed damsel "(Deuteronomy 22:24 ); and to show that the Lord knew their thoughts, and knew also that this was another man's "wife". He complied with the law prescribed in "such" a case (Numbers 5:11-31 ), and stooped down and wrote the curses (as required in John 8:23 ) on the ground.
but = therefore.
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.
tempting = testing. The temptation was in the word "such", and of two cases they mention the punishment without defining what it was: for the one in Deuteronomy 22:23 , Deuteronomy 22:24 (a virgin) the death was stoning; but in the case of a "wife" the punishment was not stoning, but required a special procedure (Numbers 5:11-31 , which left the punishment with God.
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
on, &o. = into (Greek eis. App-104 .) [the dust of] the earth ( App-129 .).
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.
asking. App-134 .,
lifted up . Greek. anakupto. Only here, John 8:10 . Luke 13:11 ; Luke 21:28 .
without sin = sinless. Greek. anamartetos. Compare App-128 . Occ, nowhere else in the N.T.
a stone = the stone, i.e. the heavy stone for execution. Compare Joh 8:69 .
at = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .
8.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
wrote . The curses, as before.
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.
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 John 8:46 ; John 5:20 ; John 16:8 .
by. Greek. hupo. App-104 .
at = from. Greek. apo. App-104 .
eldest = elders.
unto = as far as.
10.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
saw . App-133 .
none . Greek. medeis.
but = except. Greek. plen,
no man = no one. Greek. oudeis.
condemned. App-122 .
11.
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Lord . See App-98 . B. a.
thee . He does not say "thy sin". He speaks judicially.
sin . App-128 .
12.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
Then = Therefore.
again . This section has no necessary connection with Joh 7:62 , but refers to a subsequent occasion in "the Treasury" (John 8:20 ).
I am . See note on John 6:35 ,
light. Greek. phos ( App-130 .) Not luchnos as in John 5:36 ( App-130 .) One of the characteristic words of this Gospel. See note on John 1:4 .
world . App-129 . See note on John 1:9 . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Subject), App-6 , for its inhabitants without distinction, implying others than Jews.
not = in no wise. Greek. ou me. App-105 .
shall have = not merely see it, but possess it.
life = the life. App-170 . See note on John 1:4 .
13.
The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14.
Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
answered and said . See App-122 and note on Deuteronomy 1:41 .
Though = Even if. App-118 .
know. Greek. oida. App-132 . See note on John 1:26 .
cannot tell = know (Greek. oida) not ( App-105 ).
and. All the texts read "or".
15.
Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.
16.
And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.
17.
It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
It is . . . written = It has been (and standeth) written.
also . . . law = law also, your law.
your your own. Greek. humeteros. Emphatic Compare John 7:49 .
testimony . Gr, marturia. See note on "record", John 8:13 .
two. See Deuteronomy 19:16 .
18.
I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
19.
Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
neither . . . nor. Greek. oute, compound of ou. App-105 .
My Father . See note on John 2:16 .
if. A true hypothesis. App-118 .
should = would.
20.
These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.
words. Greek. rhema. See note on Mark 9:32 .
the treasury. A part of the Temple, in the court of the women. Occurs in Mark 12:41 , Mark 12:43 .Luke 21:1 , and John only here.
as He taught = teaching.
laid hands = arrested. See John 7:30 , John 7:32 , John 7:44 .
not yet come . See note on John 7:6 .
21.
Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.
go My way = withdraw Myself.
shall = will.
sins = sin. See App-128 . The sin of rejecting Him.
cannot = are not (Greek. ou) able to.
22.
Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come.
Jews. See note on John 1:19 ,
'Will He kill Himself? = Surely He will not (Greek. met) kill Himself?
23.
And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
ye are from beneath ; i.e. of the earth. See 1 Corinthians 15:47 . The phrase occurs only in this Gospel.
from = out from. Greek. ek. App-104 . Compare John 1:46 .
from above . Greek ek ton ano (plural) = the heavens. See John 3:13 , John 3:31 ; John 6:33 , John 6:38 , 2 Chronicles 3:1; 2 Chronicles 3:12 Chronicles 3:1
of . Gr ek, as above.
24.
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
25.
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.
Even the same that . . . beginning = He Whom I say also to you at the beginning [of this colloquy, verses: John 8:12-20 ]. Compare Septuagint, Genesis 43:18 , Genesis 43:20 = at the beginning [of our coming down] = at the first.
from the beginning . There is no "from" in the Gr See note on John 8:44 .
26.
I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
speak . Greek. lego. All the texts read "say". Greek laleo.
to = unto. Greek. eis. App-104 .
of = from [beside]. Greek. para. App-104 .
27.
They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
28.
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
When . . . then . Revealing that, after that, men would believe in the truth of His Deity,
have = may, or shall have,
lifted up . Compare John 3:14 ; John 12:34 .
Son of man . App-98 .
know . App-132 . , as in John 8:27 . I do, &c. Note the complex Ellipsis ( App-6 ) = "Of Myself I do nothing [nor speak); but according as the Father taught Me, these things I speak [and do them]".
nothing . Greek ouden.
of = from. Greek. apo. App-101 .
hath taught = taught.
I speak , &c. See note on "My doctrine", John 7:16 .
29.
And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.
with . Greek. meta. App-104 .
alone. Compare John 8:16 .
I do always, &c. = I do the things pleasing to Him always. The last word in the sentence in the Greek emphasized by the Figure of speech Hyperbaton ( App-6 ).
30.
As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31.
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
said = spake, as in John 8:27 , John 8:28 .
to. Greek pros, App-104 .
believed on = had believed. App-160 . Thus distinguishing these Jews from the true believers of John 8:30 . Note the emphatic word "ye" in next clause.
continue = abide. See note on John 1:32 .
My word = the word which is Mine. Greek. logos. See note on Mark 9:32 .
are ye = ye are.
indeed = truly. Greek. alethos, See note on John 1:47 .
Trusting in Him , not merely admitting His claims.
32.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
truth. See note on John 1:14 ,
make = set.
33.
They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
were never. any man , &c. Have been in bondage to no one ( App-105 ) at any time. Thus ignoring all historical facts. These were "the Jews" who believed in John 8:31 , and thus proved themselves not "believers indeed".
34.
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35.
And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
abideth . See note on John 1:32 .
for ever . See App-151 . a, He may be sold or manumitted.
the Son. Greek huios. App-108 . Never used of believers in this Gospel. This word is reserved for Christ only. See note 2, p. 1511.
ever = for ever, as above.
36.
If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
ye shall be free indeed = ye will be really free. indeed. Greek. ontos. Not the same word as in John 8:31 . Compare 1 Timothy 6:19 , Revised Version.
37.
I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
hath no place = findeth no entrance. Compare Thess. John 2:13 .
no = not. Greek. ou. App-105 .
38.
I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
have seen. Greek. horao. App-133 .
with. Greek. para. App-104 .
ye have seen . All the texts read = ye have heard. But not the Syriac. See App-94 . note 8, p. 136.
39.
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
children . Greek. Plural of teknon. App-108 . See note 2.
works . See note on John 4:34 .
40.
But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
a Man . Greek. anthropos. App-123 . Used by the Lord of Himself only here, and in contrast with the "manslayer "of John 8:44 .
God . App-98 .
41.
Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
do = are doing.
deeds = works, as in John 8:39 .
be not born = have not been begotten (see Matthew 1:2 ).
42.
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
love . Greek agapao. App-136 .
came = am here.
neither = not even. Greek. oude.
came I = am I come.
sent . Greek. apostello. App-174 .
43.
Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
understand = get to know. App-132 .
speech. Referring to the form of the discourse.
hear. Hebrew idiom = understand, receive, or believe, as in John 9:27 ; John 10:3 ; John 12:47 . Acts 3:22-23 .Galatians 1:4 , Galatians 1:21 .
word. Denoting the subject of the discourse.
44.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
devil. Greek. diabolos. Thrice in this Gospel: here, John 6:70 ; John 13:2 . Not the same word as in verses: John 8:48 , John 8:49 .
lusts = strong desires of all kinds. Compare Mark 4:10 . The only occurance of epithumia in John's Gospel. Occurs in 1 John 2:16 , 1 John 2:17 , and Revelation 18:14 .
will do = will ( App-102 .) to do (two verbs).
murderer = manslayer. Occurs only here and in 1 John 3:15 . Because death came through him. Compare Hebrews 2:14 .
from the beginning . Greek. ap' archies. The expression occurs twenty-one times, and the dependent noun must be supplied. In Matthew 19:4 , Matthew 19:8 ; Matthew 24:21 .Mark 10:6 ; Mark 13:19 . 2 Peter 3:4 , we must supply "from the beginning [of the creation]". Here we must supply "[of the human race]". In Luke 1:2 , John 15:27 . 1 John 1:1 we must supply "[of the Lord's ministry]". In Acts 26:4 , supply "[of my public life]". 1 John 2:7 ; 1 John 2:7 (all the texts, with Syriac, omit), 13, 14, 24, 24; 1 John 3:11 [or John 3:11 ?]; 2John [Chapters?] 5, 6 supply "[of your hearing ]".
abode not = stood not. His fall must have taken place before Genesis 3:1 . Probably in "the world that then was "(Genesis 1:1 . 2 Peter 3:6 ).
a = the. Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:11 .
his own . Compare John 15:19 .
45.
And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
And = But
tell you = speak.
believe Me . App-150 . See note on John 1:7 .
46.
Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47.
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
48.
Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
devil = demon. Greek daimonion. Compare John 7:20 .
49.
Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
honour. Compare John 5:23 .
50.
And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
glory. See note on John 1:14 .
51.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
keep. Greek. area, implying watching rather than guarding. See notes on John 17:12 .
saying = word. Greek. logos. See note on Mark 9:32 .
never see death = by no means (Greek. ou me. App-105 ) see ( App-133 ) death for ever (Greek. eis ton aiona. App-151 ): i.e. eternal death, because he will have part in the "resurrection unto life" as declared by the Lord in John 11:25 . See notes there.
see death . The expression Occurs only here in N.T.
52.
Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
is dead = died.
taste of death . They altered the Lord's words. Not an O.T. term. Occurs five times: here; Matthew 16:28 . Mark 9:1 .Luke 9:27 . Hebrews 2:9 .
53.
Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
54.
Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
honour = glorify. Greek doxazo. See p. 1511.
honour = glory. See note on John 5:41 .
55.
Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
56.
Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
rejoiced = leaped for joy. Greek. agalliao. Compare John 5:35 .
to = in order that (Greek. hina) he might.
see. App-133 . Therefore Abraham must have heard of it from Jehovah, for "faith cometh by hearing" (Romans 10:17 ).
My day = the day, Mine; i.e. the day of My promised coming.
he saw = he saw [it, by faith]. App-133 .
was glad = rejoiced. Greek. chairo. Compare John 3:29 .
57.
Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
58.
Jesus said unto them, Verily,verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
was = came into existence: i.e. was born.
I am . See note on John 6:35 .
59.
Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
took . . . up stones . And thus would murder the great Prophet Himself. Compare John 10:31 , John 10:39 and Matthew 23:31 , Matthew 23:37 . stones, i.e. heavy stones. Compare John 8:7 . The Temple was not yet finished, and stones would be lying about. Lightfoot, vol. xii, pp. 247-9, 324.
at = upon. Greek. epi. App-104 .
went = went forth.
out of . Greek. ek. App-104 .
through . Greek dia. App-104 .John 8:1 .
passed by . All the texts omit this clause, but not, the Syriac. See note 3, p. 1511, and on John 9:1 .