Book of John - Chapter 8 - Verse 5

When the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, they sought to trap him by asking about the punishment for such a sin. In this verse, they reference the Old Testament law that prescribed stoning as the punishment for adultery. However, they were attempting to put Jesus in a difficult position by prompting him to either endorse the harsh punishment prescribed by Moses or go against the law. By asking "but what sayest thou?" the scribes and Pharisees were trying to see if Jesus would contradict the law of Moses. Jesus' response ultimately highlights the importance of mercy, forgiveness, and grace over strictly adhering to the letter of the law. Jesus' wisdom and compassion in handling this situation demonstrate his teachings of love and forgiveness, which are central themes in the New Testament. Thus, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of grace and the superiority of love and forgiveness over judgment and condemnation.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse 'Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?', it is essential to understand the context in which this question was posed to Jesus. The religious leaders were attempting to trap Jesus by presenting a woman caught in adultery, a crime punishable by stoning according to the Mosaic law. By questioning Jesus about whether or not to carry out this punishment, they sought to discredit him or entangle him in a legal dilemma. However, Jesus' response was both profound and merciful, challenging them to reflect on their own sinfulness before judgement. The word 'stoned' in this verse carries the weight of a harsh punishment for wrongdoing, but Jesus uses this opportunity to emphasize the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and redemption over legalism. This passage highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate interpreter of the law, bringing grace and truth to a situation of moral complexity.