John 8
8
1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.
2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered round him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no-one condemned you?’
11 ‘No-one, sir,’ she said.
‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’
Dispute over Jesus’ testimony
12When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’
13The Pharisees challenged him, ‘Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.’
14Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no-one. 16But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.’
19Then they asked him, ‘Where is your father?’
‘You do not know me or my Father,’ Jesus replied. ‘If you knew me, you would know my Father also.’ 20He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no-one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
Dispute over who Jesus is
21Once more Jesus said to them, ‘I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.’
22This made the Jews ask, ‘Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, “Where I go, you cannot come”?’
23But he continued, ‘You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.’
25‘Who are you?’ they asked.
‘Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,’ Jesus replied. 26‘I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.’
27They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up#8:28 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted. the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.’ 30Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
Dispute over whose children Jesus’ opponents are
31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’
33They answered him, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’
34Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it for ever. 36So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37I know you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.#8:38 Or presence. Therefore do what you have heard from the Father.’
39‘Abraham is our father,’ they answered.
‘If you were Abraham’s children,’ said Jesus, ‘then you would#8:39 Some early manuscripts ‘If you are Abraham’s children,’ said Jesus, ‘then do what Abraham did. 40As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41You are doing the works of your own father.’
‘We are not illegitimate children,’ they protested. ‘The only Father we have is God himself.’
42Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.’
Jesus’ claims about himself
48The Jews answered him, ‘Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?’
49 ‘I am not possessed by a demon,’ said Jesus, ‘but I honour my Father and you dishonour me. 50I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.’
52At this they exclaimed, ‘Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 53Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?’
54Jesus replied, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.’
57‘You are not yet fifty years old,’ they said to him, ‘and you have seen Abraham!’
58 ‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
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John 8: NIVUK
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The Holy Bible, New International Version® (Anglicised), NIV®
Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
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John 8
8
An Adulteress Forgiven
1Jesus walked up the Mount of Olives # 8:1 Named for the many olive trees on its slopes, the Mount of Olives was a high slope just east of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley. near the city where he spent the night. 2Then at dawn Jesus appeared in the temple courts again, and soon all the people gathered around to listen to his words, so he sat down and taught them. 3Then in the middle of his teaching, the religious scholars # 8:3 Or “scribes.” The scribes were not merely professional copyists, they were the scholarly experts who were to be consulted over the details of the written law of Moses. and the Pharisees broke through the crowd and brought a woman who had been caught in the act of committing adultery and made her stand in the middle of everyone.
4Then they said to Jesus, “Teacher, we caught this woman in the very act of adultery. 5Doesn’t Moses’ law command us to stone to death a woman like this? # 8:5 See Lev. 20:10 and Deut. 22:22–24, where it is clear that both the man and woman were to be stoned to death. Tell us, what do you say we should do with her?” 6They were only testing Jesus because they hoped to trap him with his own words and accuse him of breaking the laws of Moses.
But Jesus didn’t answer them. Instead he simply bent down and wrote in the dust with his finger. # 8:6 This is not the first time God wrote with his finger. See Ex. 31:18. 7Angry, they kept insisting # 8:7 As translated from the Aramaic. that he answer their question, so Jesus stood up and looked at them and said, “Let’s have the man who has never had a sinful desire # 8:7 The Greek word anamartetos means more than simply “sin,” but is best translated “a sinful desire.” throw the first stone at her.” 8And then he bent over again and wrote some more words in the dust. # 8:8 See Jer. 17:13. Jesus wrote in the dust to fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy that those who forsake God (spiritual adultery) will be written in the dust. All of the accusers were guilty of having forsaken God, the fountain of living water, and yet were so anxious to stone this woman to death. The same finger that wrote the Ten Commandments in stone also wrote the names of each of the accusers, or perhaps he wrote Jer. 17:13 in the dirt in front of their eyes, pointing to their hypocrisy.
9Upon hearing that, her accusers slowly left the crowd one at a time, beginning with the oldest to the youngest, # 8:9 The Aramaic can be translated “starting with the priests.” with a convicted conscience. 10Until finally, Jesus was left alone with the woman still standing there in front of him. So he stood back up and said to her, “Dear woman, where are your accusers? Is there no one here to condemn you?”
11Looking around, she replied, “I see no one, Lord.” # 8:11 The Aramaic contains a powerful testimony from this woman. Apparently the woman had the revelation of who Jesus really was, for she addressed Jesus with the divine name in the Aramaic, MarYah, Lord Yahweh! See also 1 Cor. 12:3. The Greek texts use the word kurios for “Lord,” which can also mean “sir” or “landowner.”
Jesus said, “Then I certainly # 8:11 The Greek has the emphatic use of the personal pronoun. don’t condemn you either. # 8:11 The Aramaic is “Neither do I put you down” (or “oppress you”). The Torah required two witnesses. There were none left! Go, and from now on, be free from a life of sin.” # 8:11 Or “no longer be sinning.” It should be noted that this entire episode (referred to commonly as the “Pericope Adulterae”) is missing in the majority of the most reliable Greek manuscripts. There are some manuscripts that have this story at the end of the book of John and at least two that include it in the Gospel of Luke. Many scholars surmise that this episode in the ministry of Jesus was added after the Gospel of John had been completed. However, it is the conclusion of this translation that the above text is indeed an inspired account of the ministry of Jesus and may have been deleted by many translators and copyists who doubted that Jesus could tell an adulterer that he would not condemn her. Augustine, one of the early church fathers, mentioned this story and stated that many translators had removed it because they interpreted it as Jesus giving license to immorality. God’s grace always seems to startle the religious (Augustine, De Conjug. Adult., II:6.)
Jesus, the Light of the World
12Then Jesus said, “I am # 8:12 Again we see Jesus using the words “I Am,” which is the name of God. light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never # 8:12 The Greek word is a double negative, emphatically saying, “never, no never!” walk # 8:12 The Aramaic is “they will never be driven (pushed) by the darkness.” in darkness.”
13The Pharisees were immediately offended and said, “You’re just boasting about yourself! Since we only have your word on this, it makes your testimony invalid!”
14Jesus responded, “Just because I am the one making these claims doesn’t mean they’re invalid. For I absolutely know who I am, where I’ve come from, and where I’m going. But you Pharisees have no idea about what I’m saying. 15For you’ve set yourselves up as judges of others based on outward appearances, but I certainly never judge others in that way. 16For I discern the truth. And I am not alone in my judgments, for my Father and I have the same understanding in all things, and he has sent me to you.
17“Isn’t it written in the law of Moses that the testimony of two men is trustworthy? # 8:17 See Deut. 17:6. 18Then what I say about who I am is true, for I am not alone in my testimony—my Father is the other witness, and we testify together of the truth.”
19Then they asked, “Just who is this ‘Father’ of yours? Where is he?”
Jesus answered, “You wouldn’t ask that question if you knew who I am, or my Father. For if you knew me, you would recognize my Father too.” 20(Jesus taught all these things while standing in the treasure room of the temple. # 8:20 Jesus unlocks that “treasure room” to us, his temple. When we receive him as our life-giving light, we see the treasures that have been given to us by grace. And no one dared to arrest him, for it wasn’t yet his time to surrender to men.)
“I Am Not from This World”
21One day Jesus said again, “I am about to leave you. You will want to find me, but you will still die in your sins. # 8:21 Jesus gave a stern warning of dying before you have turned away from sin and put your faith in the Savior. You won’t be able to come where I am going.”
22This so confused the Jewish leaders that they began to say, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What’s he talking about—‘You won’t be able to come where I am going’?”
23Jesus spoke up and said, “You are all from the earth; I am from above. I am not from this world like you are. 24That’s why I’ve told you that you will all die in your sins if you fail to believe that I AM who I AM.” # 8:24 Believing the truth that Jesus Christ is the “I AM,” God who became a man, is an essential part of our faith as followers of Christ.
25So they asked him plainly, “Who are you?”
“I am the One I’ve always claimed to be.” Jesus replied. 26“And I still have many more things to pronounce in judgment about you. For I will testify to the world of the truths that I have heard from my Father, and the Father who sent me is trustworthy.” 27(Even after all of this, they still didn’t realize that he was speaking about his heavenly Father.)
28“You will know me as ‘I AM’ after you have lifted me up from the earth # 8:28 There is a dual meaning in these words. To honor Jesus and exalt him reveals his true identity to our hearts. The word for “lifted up” can also mean “to exalt” and therefore “to honor.” However, Jesus was “lifted up” on a cross, suspended between heaven and earth, and died for the sins of all mankind. Both of these implications are found in these words of Jesus. as the Son of Man. Then you will realize that I do nothing on my own initiative, but I only speak the truth that the Father has revealed to me. 29I am his messenger and he is always with me, for I only do that which delights his heart.” # 8:29 The Aramaic is “I only do what adorns [beautifies] him.” 30These words caused many respected Jews to believe in him.
The Son Gives Freedom
31Jesus said to those Jews who believed in him, “When you continue to embrace all that I teach, you prove that you are my true followers. 32For if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.” # 8:32 The truth Jesus gives us releases us from the bondage of our past, the bondage of our sins, and the bondage of religion. Jesus was speaking these words to those who were not fully free from man’s traditions. Truth must be embraced and worked out through the divine process of spiritual maturity. The Greek word for “truth” is reality. To embrace the reality of Christ brings more freedom into your life. See the book of Galatians for a clear explanation of the freedom Jesus referred to here.
33Surprised by this, they said, “But we’re the descendants of Abraham and we’re already free. We’ve never been in bondage # 8:33 The Greek is translated “slavery.” However, the Aramaic word used here (abdota) refers not to slavery but to paying off debts (indentured servants). The Jews were not forgetting their slavery in Egypt, but rather saying that they were not in bondage to serve anyone as free sons of Abraham. Jesus reminded them that ancestral lineage does not guarantee spiritual freedom. to anyone. How could you say that we will be released into more freedom?” # 8:33 The Aramaic is translated “released as children of freedom.”
34“I speak eternal truth,” Jesus said. “When you sin you are not free. You’ve become a slave in bondage to your sin. 35And slaves have no permanent standing in a family, like a son does, for a son is a part of the family forever. 36So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free! 37Even though you are descendants of Abraham, you desire to kill me because the message I bring has not found a home in your hearts. 38Yet the truths I speak I’ve seen and received in my Father’s presence. But you are doing what you’ve learned from your father!” # 8:38 Some Greek manuscripts have “Since I’m saying what I’ve seen while with my Father, put my Father’s words into practice.”
39“What do you mean?” they replied. “Abraham is our father!”
Jesus said, “If you are really Abraham’s sons, then you would follow in the steps of Abraham. 40I’ve only told you the truth that I’ve heard in my Father’s presence, but now you are wanting me dead—is that how Abraham acted? 41No, you people are doing what your father has taught you!”
Indignant, they responded, “What are you talking about? We only have one Father, God himself! We’re not illegitimate!”
42Jesus said, “Then if God were really your father, you would love me, for I’ve come from his presence. I didn’t come here on my own, but God sent me to you. 43Why don’t you understand what I say? # 8:43 The Aramaic is “Why don’t you receive my manifestation?” You don’t understand because your hearts are closed to my message!
44“You are the offspring of your father, the devil, # 8:44 The word for “devil” in Greek means “slanderer-accuser.” The Aramaic word is akelqarsa, or “adversary.” It is taken from a root word that means “to ridicule” or “to gnaw.” See v. 48 where the Jewish leaders ridiculed Jesus’ words. and you serve your father very well, passionately carrying out his desires. He’s been a murderer right from the start! He never stood with the truth, for he’s full of nothing but lies—lying is his native tongue. # 8:44 Or “when he lies he’s only doing what is natural to him.” He is a master of deception and the father of lies! 45But I am the true Prince who speaks nothing but the truth, yet you refuse to believe and you want nothing to do with me. 46Can you name one sin that I’ve committed? Then if I am telling you only the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47If you really knew God, you would listen, receive, and respond with faith to his words. But since you don’t listen and respond to what he says, it proves you don’t belong to him and you have no room for him in your hearts.”
48“See! We were right all along!” some of the Jewish leaders shouted. “You’re nothing but a demon-possessed Samaritan!” # 8:48 They are obviously scorning Jesus by calling him “a demon-possessed Samaritan.” The Jews despised their northern cousins, the Samaritans, for their ancestors had come from Assyria and occupied Israel’s lands. The three major groups in Israel at that time were Judeans (Jews), Galileans, and Samaritans. The Jerusalem Jews saw themselves as superior and more faithful to the God of the Hebrews than their northern neighbors. Jesus was a Galilean, having come from Nazareth. But Nazareth was part of the northern region looked down upon by the Jews. The Aramaic can be translated “You’re a crazy Samaritan.”
49Jesus replied, “It is not a demon that would cause me to honor my Father. I live my life for his honor, even though you insult me for it. # 8:49 The Aramaic is “you curse me.” 50I never have a need to seek my own glory, for the Father will do that for me, and he will judge those who do not. 51I speak to you this eternal truth: whoever cherishes my words and keeps them will never experience death.”
52This prompted the Jewish leaders to say, “Now we know for sure that you’re demon possessed! You just said that those who keep watch over your words will never experience death, but Abraham and all the prophets have died! 53Do you think you’re greater than our father Abraham and all the prophets? You are so delusional about yourself that you make yourself greater than you are!”
54Jesus answered them, “If I were to tell you how great I am, it would mean nothing. But my Father is the One who will prove it and will glorify me. Isn’t he the One you claim is your God? 55But in reality, you’ve never embraced him as your own. I know him, and I would be a liar, like yourselves, if I told you anything less than that. I have fully embraced him, and I treasure his every word. 56And not only that, Abraham, your ancestor, was overjoyed when he received the revelation of my coming to earth. Yes, he foresaw me coming and was filled with delight!” # 8:56 This refers to the prophetic insight God gave to Abraham about the coming Messiah. Many Hebrew scholars believe this was given to Abraham on the day of “binding.” That is, the day he tied his son, Isaac, to the altar to offer him as a sacrifice. It was then that God showed him a ram that was caught in a thicket nearby to be the substitute for Isaac. See Gal. 3:16; Heb. 11:13, 17–19.
57But many of the Jewish leaders doubted him and said, “What are you talking about? You’re not even fifty years old yet. You talk like you’ve seen Abraham!”
58Jesus said to them, “I give you this eternal truth: I have existed long before Abraham was born, for I AM!” # 8:58 Proper English grammar would be, “Before Abraham was born, I Was.” However, Jesus indentified himself with the “I AM that I AM” of Ex. 3:14, when Yahweh appeared to Moses in the flames of the sacred shrub.
59When they heard this, they picked up rocks to stone him, but Jesus concealed himself as he passed through the crowd # 8:59 Some reliable Greek texts present Jesus’ exit in a less than supernatural way. But the Aramaic and many other Greek manuscripts make it clear that it was a supernatural exit from the Jewish leaders who wanted to kill him. See also Luke 4:30 for another incident of Jesus walking through a hostile crowd. Chapter 8 begins with the self-righteous wanting to stone the adulterous woman and ends with them wanting to stone the sinless Messiah. and went away from there.
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