Go and Sin No More: What Does John 8:11 Mean?

John 8:11, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” King James Version (KJV)

TranslationJohn 8:11
ESVThen the LORD God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”
NASBThen the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”
NIVThe LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
NLTThen the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Also, see the meaning of It Is Not Good for Man to Be Alone in the Bible.

Go and Sin No More: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

8:1-11 Christ neither found fault with the law, nor excused the prisoner’s guilt; nor did he countenance the pretended zeal of the Pharisees. Those are self-condemned who judge others, and yet do the same thing.

All who are any way called to blame the faults of others, are especially concerned to look to themselves, and keep themselves pure. In this matter Christ attended to the great work about which he came into the world, that was, to bring sinners to repentance; not to destroy, but to save.

He aimed to bring, not only the accused to repentance, by showing her his mercy, but the prosecutors also, by showing them their sins; they thought to insnare him, he sought to convince and convert them. He declined to meddle with the magistrate’s office.

Many crimes merit far more severe punishment than they meet with; but we should not leave our own work, to take that upon ourselves to which we are not called. When Christ sent her away, it was with this caution, Go, and sin no more.

Those who help to save the life of a criminal, should help to save the soul with the same caution. Those are truly happy, whom Christ does not condemn. Christ’s favour to us in the forgiveness of past sins should prevail with us, Go then, and sin no more.

Also, see the meaning of Slaves Obey Your Masters in the Bible.

John 8:11 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Woman, &c.—What inimitable tenderness and grace!

Conscious of her own guilt, and till now in the hands of men who had talked of stoning her, wondering at the skill with which her accusers had been dispersed, and the grace of the few words addressed to herself, she would be disposed to listen, with a reverence and teachableness before unknown, to our Lord’s admonition.

“And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.” He pronounces no pardon upon the woman (such as, “Thy sins are forgiven thee” [compare Lu 5:28; 7:48]—”Go in peace” [compare Mr 5:34; Lu 7:50; 8:48]), much less does He say that she had done nothing condemnable; He simply leaves the matter where it was.

He meddles not with the magistrate’s office, nor acts the Judge in any sense (Joh 12:47). But in saying, “Go and sin no more,” which had been before said to one who undoubtedly believed (Joh 5:14), more is probably implied than expressed.

If brought suddenly to conviction of sin, admiration of her Deliverer, and a willingness to be admonished and guided by Him, this call to begin a new life may have carried with it what would ensure and naturally bring about a permanent change. (This whole narrative is wanting in some of the earliest and most valuable manuscripts, and those which have it vary to some extent.

The internal evidence in its favor is almost overpowering. It is easy to account for its omission, though genuine; but if not so, it is next to impossible to account for its insertion).

Also, see the meaning of Let Your Yes Be Yes and No Be No in the Bible.

Daniel Isaiah Joseph

Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.

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