Bible Commentaries

The Mount of Olives; an extended elevation of land, east of Jerusalem, where there were several retired villages. It was his customary place of refuge for the night, whenever circumstances rendered it unsafe for him to remain in the city.

Without sin; pure, in respect to the charge which they had brought against the woman.

Eldest; greatest, those of highest rank and dignity.--Alone; alone in the place where the accusers had stood. Other spectators probably remained around.

The account of the adulterous woman here concluded is wanting in many of the earliest and best copies of the New Testament; and it is difficult now to ascertain whether it was omitted in some transcripts, or added without authority in others. It contains the highest internal evidence of being genuine; for an incident more strikingly characteristic of the genius and spirit of our Savior's teaching is not on record.

Is not true; not to be relied upon.

In your law; referring, probably, to Deuteronomy 19:15.

The treasury; a public court within the enclosures of the temple.--For his hour was not yet come;--and in the mean time, the evil passions of his enemies were entirely under divine regulation and control.

If ye continue. Many, who had for a time believed on him, afterwards left him, and went away, as is stated John 6:66.

Seed; descendants.--Were never in bondage. Their pride and self-conceit blinded them to their political as well as to their moral condition; for their whole nation had long been under the iron yoke of the Romans. The very test and distinction of a Pharisee was an absurd and boundless self-complacency, which nothing could disturb.

Cannot hear; will not receive.

Shall never see death; that is, shall enjoy eternal life and happiness.

To see my day; to foresee it.

Hast thou seen Abraham? He had not said that he had seen Abraham, but that Abraham saw his day. They wilfully perverted his words.