They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
He bent down to show His contempt for them. What He wrote matters nothing; the act itself was His point, as if someone drew lines on a wall while another spoke, showing he would not deign to listen. When Satan and his agents pester us with endless cavils, we must pass them by with disdain, or we shall weave Penelope's web forever.
AI summary
By stooping and writing on the ground, He signaled His aversion to the whole matter. They wanted a judgment; He gave them silence. When they pressed Him further, He finally rose and spoke, turning their trap back upon themselves.
AI summary
He who is without sin must mean without notorious or scandalous sin, particularly adultery. In that age adultery ran so rampant among their own teachers that the Jews themselves had to stop the trial of suspected wives, for the husbands were guilty too. Christ's word exposes the hypocrisy at its root.
AI summary