“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7, ESV)
This powerful line from Jesus teaches us about mercy, judgment, and forgiveness. It’s a reminder that we all sin — and that we should be slow to condemn others.
The Story Behind the Verse
In John 8:1-11, the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. According to the Law of Moses, she was supposed to be stoned. But they were testing Jesus, hoping He would say something they could use against Him.
Instead, Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground. Then He stood up and said:
“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
One by one, the accusers walked away.
In the end, Jesus said to the woman:
“Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
We all make mistakes. We all fall short. But it’s easy to judge others — especially when we think their sin is worse than ours.
Jesus flips that thinking. He reminds us that before we point fingers, we need to look at our own hearts.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Why Christians Should Be Slow to Judge
Judgment without mercy is not Christ-like. The Bible calls us to speak truth — but always in love.
“Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” (John 7:24)
That means we don’t ignore sin. But we also don’t attack people. We help them. We pray for them. And we remember we were once lost too.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
How to Apply This in Everyday Life
Here are three simple ways to live out this verse:
- Check your heart first. Before criticizing someone else, ask God to show you your own blind spots.
- Respond with grace. If someone is struggling, don’t shame them. Encourage them.
- Remember your own need for forgiveness. We’ve all needed grace — and still do.
Jesus didn’t approve of the woman’s sin. But He also didn’t join the angry crowd. He forgave her — and told her to leave her life of sin.
That’s what He does for us too.
So next time you feel like judging someone, remember this:
“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
Instead of throwing stones, let’s extend mercy, just like Jesus did.
FAQs – Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone
This phrase means that no one is truly without sin, so we shouldn’t be quick to judge or condemn others. Jesus used it to teach mercy and self-reflection (John 8:7).
It’s found in John 8:7. The full story appears in John 8:1–11, where Jesus addresses a woman caught in adultery.
The Bible doesn’t say exactly what Jesus wrote. Some believe He wrote the sins of the accusers or Scripture from the Old Testament. It remains a mystery, sparking many interpretations.
No. Jesus didn’t excuse her sin. He showed mercy and told her, “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). His response balances truth and grace.
With compassion, prayer, and love. We are called to help, not to shame. “Speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and remember that we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).