John 3:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} There was {G2258} a man {G444} of {G1537} the Pharisees {G5330}, named {G3686}{G846} Nicodemus {G3530}, a ruler {G758} of the Jews {G2453}:

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a man among the P’rushim, named Nakdimon, who was a ruler of the Judeans.

Berean Standard Bible

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:1 introduces Nicodemus, a prominent figure in Jerusalem society, identified as both a Pharisee and a "ruler of the Jews." This concise verse sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound and well-known dialogues in the Gospel of John, immediately following Jesus' public actions and miracles in Jerusalem. Nicodemus's esteemed religious and political standing highlights the universal reach of Jesus' message, demonstrating that even those at the pinnacle of the Jewish establishment felt a compelling need to seek out the young Galilean teacher.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' initial public ministry in Jerusalem during the Passover feast, as detailed in [John 2](/john/2 "John 2 - Jesus in Jerusalem"). After clearing the Temple and performing "signs" that led many to believe in His name ([John 2:23](/john/2-23 "John 2:23 - Many believe in Jesus' name")), the narrative shifts from the general crowd to a specific individual. Nicodemus's introduction here serves as a pivotal transition, leading directly into Jesus' foundational teaching on spiritual rebirth, a dialogue that occupies the remainder of [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - The New Birth and God's Love"). The private, nocturnal setting of this encounter, detailed in [John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night"), contrasts sharply with Jesus' public displays of authority and power, emphasizing the deeply personal and transformative nature of the conversation that is about to unfold.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus's identification as a "Pharisee" and "ruler of the Jews" places him squarely within the religious and political elite of first-century Judaism. The Pharisees were a highly influential Jewish sect known for their zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions (Halakha). They emphasized ritual purity, tithing, and strict Sabbath observance, often distinguishing themselves from the common people. Being a "ruler of the Jews" most likely signifies his membership in the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council and court, which comprised 71 elders, priests, and scribes. This body held significant judicial and administrative authority under Roman rule, making Nicodemus a figure of considerable power, prestige, and theological influence. His position implies a deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy, making his seeking of Jesus particularly noteworthy.
* **Key Themes:** John 3:1 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **seeking and revelation**, as a prominent religious leader feels compelled to seek out Jesus, albeit under the cover of night ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night")). This contrasts with the open declaration of Jesus' identity to others, such as the Samaritan woman in [John 4](/john/4 "John 4 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **spiritual blindness versus spiritual insight**. Despite Nicodemus's intellectual and religious prominence, he initially struggles to grasp the spiritual truths Jesus reveals about being "born again" ([John 3:3-7](/john/3-3-7 "John 3:3-7 - You must be born again")). This sets up a profound contrast between human understanding and divine revelation, a recurring motif in John's Gospel, where Jesus continually challenges conventional wisdom and religious assumptions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** From Hebrew origin, meaning "a separatist" or "exclusively religious." This term describes a Jewish sect known for their strict interpretation of the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. Nicodemus's affiliation with this group signifies his adherence to traditional Jewish piety and his prominent standing within the religious establishment, often seen in contrast to Jesus' more radical teachings.
* **Nicodemus (Greek, _Nikódēmos'_):** From Greek roots meaning "victorious among his people." This proper name identifies the specific individual. The etymology, though not directly commented on by John, subtly hints at a potential inner conflict or journey for a man who, despite his esteemed position, is drawn to a new, potentially challenging, truth.
* **Ruler (Greek, _árchōn'_):** Present participle of a verb meaning "to be first (in rank or power)." This term denotes a "chief (ruler), magistrate, prince," and in this context, almost certainly refers to a member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish governing council. This detail underscores Nicodemus's authority, influence, and deep integration into the Jewish sociopolitical structure, making his secret visit to Jesus all the more significant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ There was a man of the Pharisees,"**: This opening clause immediately introduces a specific individual from a highly recognizable and influential religious group. The "man" (Greek: _anthropos_) indicates a human being, emphasizing his relatable humanity despite his elevated status. His identity as "of the Pharisees" establishes his religious credentials and the traditional framework from which he operates, setting up a potential tension with Jesus' revolutionary message.
* **"named Nicodemus,"**: This phrase provides the specific name of the individual, personalizing the narrative. The naming of Nicodemus is crucial as he is not merely a generic Pharisee but a named character who will reappear in the Gospel, demonstrating a developing relationship with Jesus and His followers.
* **"a ruler of the Jews:"**: This final clause further defines Nicodemus's high status, indicating his political and judicial authority within the Jewish community. As a "ruler of the Jews," he would have been part of the Sanhedrin, possessing significant influence and responsibility. This detail underscores the profound nature of his subsequent inquiry, as a man of such standing would not lightly seek out a controversial teacher like Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
John 3:1 employs several literary devices to effectively introduce Nicodemus and set the stage for the ensuing dialogue. The most prominent is **Character Introduction**, where the verse's sole purpose is to present a new, significant individual to the reader. This introduction is not merely factual but laden with implications, using **Apposition** to layer his identity: he is "a man," "of the Pharisees," "named Nicodemus," and "a ruler of the Jews." This stacking of descriptors immediately establishes his high social, religious, and political standing. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** at play; a man of such established authority and traditional piety seeking out Jesus, who often challenged such structures, creates immediate narrative tension and foreshadows the radical nature of the "new birth" teaching that will follow. This detailed introduction also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the importance of Nicodemus not just for this immediate conversation but for his later, developing role in the Gospel narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:1, by introducing Nicodemus, highlights the profound truth that spiritual need transcends social status, intellectual attainment, or religious adherence. Even a highly educated and respected religious leader, deeply entrenched in the established system, recognized a spiritual void or a compelling truth in Jesus that his current understanding could not fill. This verse underscores the universal call to salvation and the necessity of a divine encounter for all humanity, regardless of their background or achievements. It sets the stage for Jesus' teaching that salvation is not earned through adherence to law or tradition, but received through a spiritual transformation, a "new birth" that is accessible to all who believe, regardless of their prior standing or perceived righteousness.

* [John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night")
* [John 7:50-51](/john/7-50-51 "John 7:50-51 - Nicodemus defends Jesus")
* [John 19:39-40](/john/19-39-40 "John 19:39-40 - Nicodemus helps with Jesus' burial")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of Nicodemus in [John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Introduction of Nicodemus") offers a powerful invitation for personal reflection. His status as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews signifies a man who seemingly had it all: religious knowledge, social prestige, and political power. Yet, he sought Jesus out, albeit under the cover of night ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night")), suggesting a humility and a genuine spiritual hunger that transcended his public persona. This reminds us that true spiritual fulfillment cannot be found in external achievements, accolades, or positions, but in a personal encounter with Christ. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we, like Nicodemus, willing to set aside our preconceived notions, our pride, or our fear of what others might think, to genuinely seek the truth that Jesus offers? His story encourages us to recognize that the need for spiritual transformation is universal, touching every stratum of society, and that the journey of faith often begins with a quiet, personal quest for understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What might have motivated a man of Nicodemus's standing to seek out Jesus, especially under the cover of night?**
* **How does Nicodemus's background challenge our assumptions about who needs Jesus or who is open to spiritual truth?**
* **In what areas of my own life might I be relying on external status or knowledge rather than a genuine, humble pursuit of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Who was Nicodemus?**

Answer: Nicodemus was a prominent and influential Jewish leader introduced in [John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Introduction of Nicodemus"). He is identified as "a man of the Pharisees" and "a ruler of the Jews," indicating his membership in the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish council. He was a learned and respected individual, likely a teacher of Israel, who sought out Jesus privately to understand His teachings. His encounter with Jesus in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - The New Birth and God's Love") is famous for Jesus' discourse on being "born again." Nicodemus later shows a growing affinity for Jesus, defending Him before the Sanhedrin in [John 7:50-51](/john/7-50-51 "John 7:50-51 - Nicodemus defends Jesus") and assisting Joseph of Arimathea in Jesus' burial in [John 19:39-40](/john/19-39-40 "Nicodemus helps with Jesus' burial").

**What does it mean that Nicodemus was "a man of the Pharisees"?**

Answer: Being "a man of the Pharisees" means Nicodemus belonged to the Pharisaic sect, one of the most influential religious and political groups in first-century Judaism. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and their extensive oral traditions, which they considered equally authoritative. They emphasized ritual purity, tithing, and meticulous observance of the Sabbath. Their name, from a Hebrew root, means "separated ones," reflecting their dedication to distinguishing themselves from perceived impurity. Nicodemus's identity as a Pharisee highlights his deep immersion in traditional Jewish piety and his intellectual engagement with the Law.

**What does "a ruler of the Jews" signify about Nicodemus?**

Answer: The title "a ruler of the Jews" (Greek: _archōn tōn Ioudaiōn_) indicates that Nicodemus held a position of significant authority and influence within the Jewish community. This term most commonly refers to a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish governing council and court in Jerusalem. The Sanhedrin comprised 71 leading priests, elders, and scribes, and it exercised considerable judicial, religious, and administrative power under Roman rule. Therefore, Nicodemus was not just a religious scholar but also a powerful political figure, making his private visit to Jesus a remarkable and potentially risky act for someone of his standing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The introduction of Nicodemus in [John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Introduction of Nicodemus") subtly yet profoundly points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Here is a man at the pinnacle of human achievement and religious devotion, a "ruler of the Jews" and a "Pharisee," who nevertheless senses a spiritual inadequacy that only Jesus can address. His seeking of Jesus, even by night, foreshadows the universal truth that salvation is not a matter of human effort, religious pedigree, or social status, but a divine work initiated by Christ. Jesus' subsequent teaching to Nicodemus about being "born again" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - You must be born again")) reveals that the new covenant, fulfilled in Christ, transcends the old covenant's emphasis on legalistic adherence. It is a spiritual transformation, a rebirth "of water and the Spirit" ([John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of water and the Spirit")), made possible through the Son of Man being "lifted up" ([John 3:14](/john/3-14 "John 3:14 - The Son of Man lifted up")), a clear prophecy of His crucifixion. Thus, Nicodemus's initial encounter with Jesus, a man seeking light in the darkness, beautifully illustrates that Christ is the exclusive source of true spiritual life and the fulfillment of humanity's deepest need, offered freely to all who believe, as famously declared in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "For God so loved the world").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 19:39

And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound [weight].

John 7:47

Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?

John 7:50

Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

John 3:10

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

Luke 23:13

¶ And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,