Be the first to attack a sinner. The implication in Jesus’ teaching was that the members of the congregation were only in a position to condemn a sinner if they were without sin themselves – in other words, ‘judge not lest you be judged’.
To cast the first stone
What's the meaning of the phrase 'To cast the first stone'?
What's the origin of the phrase 'To cast the first stone'?
This phrase derives from the Bible- John 8:7. The earliest biblical example of it in print in English comes in Miles Coverdale’s Bible, 1535:
Now whyle they contynued axynge him, he lift him self vp, and sayde vnto them: He that is amonge you without synne, let him cast the first stone at her.
The history of “To cast the first stone” in printed materials
Trend of to cast the first stone in printed material over time
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