Translations
Modern
They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Now they were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds to accuse Him. But Jesus, having stooped down, was writing with His finger into the ground.
Latin
Hoc autem dicebant tentantes eum, ut possent accusare eum. Jesus autem inclinans se deorsum, digito scribebat in terra.
Original
Greek
English
They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
Notes
We cannot know what Jesus wrote in the dust. Some scholars suggest he wrote down the sins of those who were accusing the woman.
It is likely that someone added this story to John's Gospel later, since it is not in the earliest Greek manuscripts. However, it is likely a true story from the life of Jesus.
Theme notes and profiles
The Pharisees Encounters with Jesus Sin Enters the World The Spirit of the Law
Events
- Woman Caught in Adulteryc. AD 29
People
Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) John, Gospel of Peter, the Apostle Versions of the Bible (English)
Topics
Adultery: The Woman Brought to Jesus in the Temple Hypocrisy: The Pharisees Women: The Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery and Brought to Jesus in the Temple