8:4
and said: The speech indicator said introduces a direct quotation and is first in the sentence. In some languages it may be more natural to put it in another place. It may also be natural to start a new sentence here. For example:
“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery….” (New Living Translation (2004))
Teacher: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Teacher was a polite title for a Jewish religious leader. It was a title of respect for a Jewish man who had authority to teach about God. In some languages the suitable way to address a religious teacher may be:
Sir
-or-
Master
Do not use a term that can refer only to a school teacher.
this woman was caught in the act of adultery: This is an accusation. The men accused the woman of committing adultery. They said that someone had seen her do it. They did not say who her male partner was or why they did not bring him also.
This clause is similar to that in 8:3a but adds the words in the act. These words emphasize that the men had definite proof of the adultery. There was no doubt that she was guilty.
Here is another way to translate this clause:
this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn’t her husband (Contemporary English Version)
this woman was caught: This is a passive clause. There are at least two ways to translate it:
• Use a passive verb. For example:
this woman has been caught in the act of adultery (English Standard Version)
• Use an active verb. For example:
We caught this woman in the act of adultery. (God’s Word)
Use the verb form that is most natural in your language.
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