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John 7:51

Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

John 7:51 · King James Version

Meaning

The verse 'Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?' is a powerful reminder of the importance of fairness and justice in any legal system. It emphasizes the principle of giving someone a fair hearing before passing judgement. This verse raises the question of whether it is just to judge someone without first hearing their side of the story and understanding the full context of their actions. It challenges us to consider the implications of rushing to judgement without taking the time to truly understand the situation at hand. This verse serves as a warning against making assumptions and highlights the importance of due process in ensuring justice for all individuals. It emphasizes the need for a fair and impartial legal system that upholds the rights of all individuals to be heard and understood before any judgement is made.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of John, Jesus challenges the Pharisees on their judgmental attitude towards Him. He questions whether their law, which they claim to uphold so strictly, allows for the judgment of a man without first giving him a fair hearing. This statement highlights the importance of fairness and justice in the eyes of God. It also serves as a reminder for all believers to approach situations with an open mind and to seek understanding before passing judgment. Through this theological interpretation, we can see how Jesus emphasized the need for compassion, empathy, and a commitment to truth in all aspects of our lives. This verse encourages us to reflect on our own biases and attitudes towards others, reminding us to treat everyone with the same level of respect and fairness that we would expect for ourselves.

John 7:51 in other translations

American Standard Version

Doth our law judge a man, except it first hear from himself and know what he doeth?

World English Bible

“Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him personally and knows what he does?”

Douay-Rheims

Doth our law judge any man, unless it first hear him and know what he doth?

Geneva Bible (1599)

Doth our Law iudge a man before it heare him, and knowe what he hath done?