She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

JOHN 8:11KJV
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John 8:11 (KJV)

What does John 8:11 mean?

John 8:11 records Jesus telling a woman caught in adultery that he does not condemn her and instructing her to leave her life of sin. This verse highlights both Jesus’ refusal to pass judgment and his call for the woman to change her behavior going forward.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the woman after her accusers have left. The woman answers Jesus’ question by saying that no one has condemned her, and Jesus responds with compassion, telling her, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” The verse shows Jesus’ mercy while also making clear that he expects a change in how she lives.

The Greek behind John 8:11

  • “Condemn” (κατακρίνω, katakrinō): This word means to judge someone as guilty or to pass sentence. Jesus’ use of this word emphasizes that he is not declaring her guilty or punishing her, even though others wanted to.
  • “Sin” (ἁμαρτάνω, hamartanō): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong. When Jesus says “sin no more,” he is urging her to turn away from the wrongdoing that brought her to this point.
  • “Go” (πορεύομαι, poreuomai): This word often means to depart or to continue on one’s way. Here, it carries the sense of leaving behind the situation and starting anew.

Why John 8:11 matters

  • John 8:11 clarifies that Jesus does not condone the woman’s actions, but he also does not condemn her, showing a balance between mercy and moral expectation.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus challenges the crowd’s eagerness to judge, reminding readers that everyone is in need of grace.
  • John 8:11 is often misunderstood as either excusing sin or being only about forgiveness; the verse actually holds both forgiveness and a call to change together.

Where else these words appear

“do” Greek G2632 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
  • Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

“more” Greek G3371 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • Acts 4:17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
  • Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

“sin” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
  • Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

“Neither” Greek G3761 · used in 125 verses

  • Matthew 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
  • Luke 11:33 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
  • Romans 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.