Woman: Where Are Your Accusers? Series

NOTE: †-- Indicates that the form listed is a variant spelling or variant form of the Greek word found in Strong’s Greek Dictionary under that number (G2476). We find this note in the BLB.org Application for the word “standing,” while not found in most later Bible translations.

1) The word "standing," however, does appear in an earlier translation in (The Authorized Version of 1611) of the KJV of the bible as “estousa” with the Note: [f, "ousa," being w.] The w., meaning, Wordsworth, 1870. The Gr., word “ousa,” is a "participle" that is translated as "being” in John 8:9. In the three Interlinear and one Greek text, the word "standing" does not appear.

2) The one Interlinear where the word "standing" appears contains Wordsworth’s note in its footnotes, which translates the sentence to read: “and the woman in [the] midst being,” or “and the woman being in the midst,” John 8:9.

NOTE: The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, An Interlinear Literal Translation and (The Authorized Version of 1611), Page 267. See the reference and link at the end of the lesson.

3) I'm confused as to why the word “being” was removed and the word “standing" was inserted. In my judgment, it adds nothing to the importance of the verse. Observe,

b. The insertion of the word “standing” as opposed to “being” is not a matter of faith but one of accurately presenting the Greek text consistent with the best translations, with integrity, soundness in the faith, and a good conscience: in the sight of God and before all men, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.

c. Thus, inferring that “the woman was standing with Jesus" at the time the scribes and the Pharisees presented their case of her adultery has little to do with the matter of Jesus’ judgment of her guilt or innocence. In continuing, let’s consider two other words important in this matter. Observe,

d. The verb and preposition "stooped down" in Gr., are kypto or koop'-to and kato or kat'-o. This Jesus did twice in our text of discussion. Once before His sentence, and again after saying: “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her,” John 8:7. It seems this was enough to convict her accusers. Jeremiah wrote: “Is not my word like as a fire? Saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:29. Jesus' words broke these hearts of stone after hearing them: being pierced in their hearts and convicted of their sins. Amen, sister Ceilings and brother Walls!

e. Conclusion: We should allow the context of the text to help us understand the setting of the rulers’ discourse before the Lord and the woman. Something had happened that is not mentioned in the text that has the woman “standing” after her accusers left "one-by-one" from the temple. If there is some merit to "her standing," perhaps that could have occurred during one of the times Jesus had: “stooped down to write on the ground with His finger,” John 8:6; John 8:8. However, I’m not inclined to agree in either case to the merits of any change in the text of discussion.