They said this to test Him, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger.
KJV
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].
ASV
And this they said, trying him, that they might have whereof to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.