And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

JOHN 8:3KJV
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John 8:3 (KJV)

What does John 8:3 mean?

John 8:3 describes how a group of scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught committing adultery and placed her in the middle of the gathering where Jesus was present. The verse sets the stage for a public confrontation, with the woman at the center of attention and judgment.

In this scene, religious leaders (the scribes and Pharisees) interrupt Jesus by bringing in a woman accused of a serious moral offense according to Jewish law. Their action is public and deliberate—they make her stand before everyone, signaling that they intend to challenge Jesus and make an example of her. This moment is the beginning of a well-known encounter where Jesus is tested on his response to the law and mercy.

The Greek behind John 8:3

  • γραμματεῖς (grammateis, "scribes"): This word refers to experts in the Jewish law, highlighting that those confronting Jesus are well-versed in religious rules and traditions.
  • φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi, "Pharisees"): The Pharisees were a prominent religious group known for their strict observance of the law, emphasizing that the accusers are respected authority figures.
  • κατείλημμένη (kateilēmmenē, "taken" or "caught"): This Greek word suggests the woman was caught in the very act, not just accused by rumor, making the situation urgent and undeniable.
  • μέσον (meson, "midst" or "middle"): By placing her in the middle, the leaders make her the focus of the crowd, increasing the pressure on both the woman and Jesus.

Why John 8:3 matters

  • John 8:3 shows that the scribes and Pharisees are not just seeking justice, but are setting up a public test for Jesus, using the woman’s situation to challenge his authority and teaching.
  • The verse highlights the vulnerability and exposure of the accused woman, underscoring the harshness of the leaders’ approach and setting up a contrast with how Jesus will respond.
  • This moment introduces a key theme in the passage: the tension between law, judgment, and mercy, which becomes central to the story that follows.

Where else these words appear

“adultery” Greek G3430 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
  • Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
  • Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

“taken” Greek G2638 · used in 14 verses

  • Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
  • Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

“midst” Greek G3319 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Luke 10:3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
  • Acts 23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.
  • Mark 15:1 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.