John 3

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

For John was not yet cast into prison.

Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

What does John 3:7 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 3:7, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again," comes from a dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish ruler.

In this conversation, Jesus introduces the concept of spiritual rebirth as a necessity for entering the Kingdom of God.

The literal meaning is straightforward: Jesus tells Nicodemus not to be surprised by the statement that one must experience a second birth.

The deeper meaning suggests a transformation that goes beyond physical birth into a spiritual awakening or renewal, wherein a person begins a new life characterized by spiritual realities and divine perspectives.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This passage is set in a time when Jesus is beginning his public ministry.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, possibly indicating caution due to his status as a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin.

At the time, Jewish understanding of the Kingdom of God was primarily nationalistic and messianic, expecting a political ruler who would restore Israel to prominence.

Jesus, however, reframes this understanding by emphasizing individual spiritual transformation as a requisite for participation in God's Kingdom.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, being "born again" involves repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, leading to a regenerated spirit and a life led by the Holy Spirit. Various denominations interpret the process differently:

Evangelicals may emphasize a personal conversion experience as being 'born again.'
Catholics might focus on the role of sacraments like baptism as part of the regeneration process.
Reformed theology would stress the sovereignty of God in the spiritual rebirth of individuals.

Practical Applications

The concept of being 'born again' can influence the daily lives of believers by:

Motivating a lifestyle that reflects the values and character of Jesus Christ.
Encouraging continuous personal and spiritual growth.
Putting an emphasis on the inward, spiritual aspect of religion rather than mere outward observances.

Cross-References

John 3:3 - "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
1 Peter 1:23 - "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "born again" is translated from "γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν" (gennēthēnai anōthen). "Γεννηθῆναι" is a variation of "γεννάω," meaning to beget or bring forth. "ἄνωθεν" has a dual meaning, which could be "again" or "from above," indicating both a repetition and a heavenly origin for this new birth.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various religious traditions, the idea of a spiritual rebirth is common:

In Hinduism, the concept of rebirth is related to reincarnation and karma.
Buddhism also speaks of rebirth, shaped by the individual's actions in previous lives.
In some mystery religions of the ancient world, initiates underwent rites that symbolized a kind of spiritual rebirth.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the concept of being 'born again' is a metaphorical or psychological one rather than a physical reality. Psychology might interpret this as a significant shift in identity or consciousness, potentially comparable to a paradigm shift or transformative life experience.

commentaries

Scholars and theologians offer diverse insights on this verse:

William Barclay notes that the idea of being born again would not be completely alien to Nicodemus, as proselytes converting to Judaism were sometimes described as newborn children.
F.F.

Bruce emphasizes the Johannine theme of new life through the Spirit.

Gail R.

O'Day suggests that being born from above is a central Johannine metaphor for the transformation that Jesus brings.

D.A.

Carson frames it as part of the broader Nicodemus narrative, which illustrates the supernatural understanding of Jesus in opposition to human misunderstanding.

John 3

John 3

What does John 3:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 3:7 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

commentaries

Want more context?