John 7:51

51 "Our law does not judge a man without hearing him and knowing what he has done."

John 7:51 Meaning and Commentary

John 7:51

Doth our law judge any man
Or condemn any man; or can any man be lawfully condemned:

before it hear him:
what he has to say for himself; is this the usual process in our courts? or is this a legal one to condemn a man unheard?

and know what he doth?
what his crimes are. This he said, having a secret respect for Christ, though he had not courage enough openly to appear for him.

John 7:51 In-Context

49 But these people, who know nothing about the law, are under God's curse."

50 Nicodemus, who had gone to see Jesus before, was in that group. He said,

51 "Our law does not judge a man without hearing him and knowing what he has done."

52 They answered, "Are you from Galilee, too? Study the Scriptures, and you will learn that no prophet comes from Galilee."

53 And everyone left and went home.