John 8:7

they continued asking They will not take the hint, whatever His gesture meant.

without sin The Greek word occurs nowhere else in N.T., but it is quite classical: it may mean either -free from the possibility of sin, impeccable;" or -free from actual sin, sinless:" if the latter, it may mean either -free from sin in general, guiltless;" or -free from a particular sin, not guilty." The context shews that the last is the meaning here, -free from the sin of impurity:" comp. - sinno more," John 8:11, and -sinner," Luke 7:37; Luke 7:39. The practical maxim involved in Christ's words is that of Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 14:4. As to its application to them comp. Matthew 12:39; Mark 8:38. He is contending not against punishment being inflicted by human law, but against men taking the law into their own hands.

a stone Rather, the stone, according to the Received Text and some MSS.; i.e. the stone required for executing the sentence. Others take it of the firststone, which the witnesses were to throw (Deuteronomy 17:7). But Christ does not say -let him cast the first stone," but -let him be first of youto cast the stone."