Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - John 7:51 - 7:51
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Doth our law judge a man? (mē ho nomos hēmōn krinei ton anthrōpon). Negative answer expected and “the man,” not “a man.” These exponents of the law (Joh 7:49) were really violating the law of criminal procedure (Exo 23:1; Deu 1:16). Probably Nicodemus knew that his protest was useless, but he could at least show his colours and score the point of justice in Christ’s behalf.
Except it first hear from himself (ean mē akousēi prōton par' autou). Third-class negative condition with ean mē and first aorist active subjunctive of akouō. That is common justice in all law, to hear a man’s side of the case (“from him,” par' autou).
And know what he doeth (kai gnōi ti poiei). Continuation of the same condition with second aorist active subjunctive of ginōskō with indirect question and present active indicative (ti poiei). There was no legal answer to the point of Nicodemus.