Charles Ellicott Commentary John 8:9

"And they, when they heard it, went out one by one, beginning from the eldest, [even] unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst." — John 8:9 (ASV)

The readings of the texts here differ considerably, but without any essential difference of meaning. “Being convicted by their own conscience” is probably an addition made by some copyist to explain the meaning, which is quite clear without it.

Beginning at the eldest.—Literally, beginning at the elders; but our version gives the right sense, and prevents the possible mistake of understanding the word to mean the elders of the people. So the last should probably be taken not as the lowest in official rank, but as the last who went out.

And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.—The scribes and Pharisees had probably stood close to Him. The woman was at some little distance, naturally shrinking from their gaze; however, a crowd of people, including the disciples, was around her, for they were in the Temple, and before this interruption He was engaged in teaching the people (John 8:2). Her accusers had set her in the midst (John 8:2), where she now stands. The whole scene is pictured with the minute detail of an eyewitness, who remembers how the persons were grouped, how the accusers went out one after another, and then, how Jesus was left alone, separate from the crowd, although the others were still present.