4 »Rabbi,« they said, »this woman has been found in the very act of committing adultery.

5 Now, in the Law, Moses has ordered us to stone such women to death. But what do you say?«

6 They asked this in order to put Him to the test, so that they might have some charge to bring against Him. But Jesus leant forward and began to write with His finger on the ground.

7 When however they persisted with their question, He raised His head and said to them, »Let the sinless man among you be the first to throw a stone at her.«

8 Then He leant forward again, and again began to write on the ground.

9 They listened to Him, and then, beginning with the eldest, took their departure, one by one, till all were gone. And Jesus was left behind alone–and the woman in the centre of the court.

10 Then, raising His head, Jesus said to her, »Where are they? Has no one condemned you?«

11 »No one, Sir,« she replied. »And I do not condemn you either,« said Jesus; »go, and from this time do not sin any more.«]