John 8:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →They cite the law of Moses, which named adultery a capital offense, and demand a verdict: but what sayest thou?
What Does John 8:5 Mean?
The trap is set. The law did treat adultery as a capital crime (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22), and Rome reserved executions to itself. If Jesus says stone her, he contradicts his mercy toward sinners and risks Roman charges; if he says release her, they can accuse him of overthrowing Moses.
But what sayest thou? is meant as a snare, yet it is also the question every reader must answer wherever law and mercy meet: what does Jesus say? They pit Moses against the very one of whom Moses wrote (John 5:46). The Lord will neither loosen the law's seriousness about sin nor surrender the sinner to her accusers — wisdom from above is about to honor both justice and mercy at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About John 8:5
What does John 8:5 mean?
They cite the law of Moses, which named adultery a capital offense, and demand a verdict: but what sayest thou?