John 3:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Except {G3362} a man {G5100} be born {G1080} again {G509}, he cannot {G1410}{G3756} see {G1492} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

“Yes, indeed,” Yeshua answered him, “I tell you that unless a person is born again from above, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:3 records Jesus' profound declaration to Nicodemus, asserting that spiritual rebirth is an absolute prerequisite for anyone to comprehend or enter the divine reign of God. This foundational statement underscores that human effort or religious pedigree is insufficient for salvation, emphasizing instead the necessity of a supernatural, transformative work of the Holy Spirit to grant new life and spiritual perception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of a pivotal nocturnal dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, as introduced in [John 3:1](/john/3-1 "John 3:1 - Nicodemus's Visit to Jesus"). Nicodemus approaches Jesus acknowledging His divine authority based on the miracles He performed, indicating a curiosity or perhaps a genuine seeking. However, Jesus immediately bypasses Nicodemus's intellectual assent to miracles and cuts to the heart of spiritual reality, shifting the conversation from external proofs to the internal necessity of spiritual transformation. The subsequent verses in [John 3:4-8](/john/3-4-8 "John 3:4-8 - Jesus Explains Spiritual Birth") elaborate on this "new birth," clarifying its spiritual nature in contrast to Nicodemus's initial literal interpretation. This dialogue serves as a theological cornerstone, introducing themes of spiritual regeneration, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the nature of God's kingdom, which are further developed throughout the Gospel of John.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus, as a "ruler of the Jews" and a Pharisee, represented the religious elite of first-century Judaism. Pharisees were known for their meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, believing that righteousness was achieved through strict observance. For someone like Nicodemus, who likely believed his religious devotion and knowledge of the Torah guaranteed his standing with God, Jesus' statement about needing to be "born again" would have been profoundly challenging and counter-intuitive. Jewish thought at the time did not typically conceive of a radical, individual spiritual rebirth for those already within the covenant community; rather, conversion was typically applied to Gentiles entering Judaism. The concept of the "kingdom of God" (or "kingdom of heaven" in Matthew) was a central expectation in Jewish eschatology, often understood in nationalistic and political terms—a future earthly reign of God through a Messiah who would liberate Israel. Jesus' redefinition of entry into this kingdom as a spiritual, rather than merely ethnic or meritorious, experience would have been revolutionary and perplexing to His audience.

* **Key Themes:** John 3:3 contributes significantly to several major themes in the Gospel of John and broader Christian theology. The most prominent is the theme of **Spiritual Rebirth** or regeneration, emphasizing that salvation is not an inherited right or achieved through human effort, but is a supernatural work initiated by God. This concept stands in stark contrast to the prevailing Jewish understanding of righteousness through law-keeping and lineage. Closely related is the theme of **Entering the Kingdom of God**, which Jesus defines not as a political or earthly dominion, but as a spiritual reality accessible only through this divine transformation. This highlights the **Sovereignty of God** in salvation, as the new birth is "from above" and "of the Spirit" ([John 3:5-8](/john/3-5-8 "John 3:5-8 - Born of Water and Spirit")). The dialogue also introduces the theme of **Spiritual Perception**, as one "cannot see" the kingdom without this new birth, implying a spiritual blindness that only divine intervention can remedy. This sets the stage for understanding salvation as a radical reorientation of one's entire being, enabling true spiritual understanding and communion with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This verb means "to procreate," "to beget," or "to bring forth." While it primarily refers to physical birth (as Nicodemus initially understands it in [John 3:4](/john/3-4 "John 3:4 - Nicodemus's Confusion")), Jesus uses it figuratively here to denote a spiritual regeneration. It implies a new origin, a new life that is not merely an improvement of the old, but a completely new creation, initiated by God.
* **again (Greek, _ánōthen'_):** This adverb carries a crucial double meaning. It can mean "again" (a second time), which is how Nicodemus interprets it, leading to his confusion about re-entering his mother's womb. However, it also means "from above" or "from the beginning." In the context of Jesus' subsequent explanation about being "born of the Spirit" ([John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit")), the meaning "from above" becomes paramount, emphasizing the divine, supernatural origin of this new birth, rather than merely a repetition of a human process.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb means "to see" (literally or figuratively) and, by implication in the perfect tense, "to know" or "to perceive." In this context, "see" is more than mere visual observation; it signifies spiritual comprehension, understanding, and experiential participation. To "see the kingdom of God" means to genuinely perceive its nature, to grasp its spiritual reality, and to be able to enter into and experience its blessings and reign. Without the new birth, one lacks the spiritual capacity to discern or participate in God's kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus answered and said unto him":** This phrase indicates Jesus' immediate and direct response to Nicodemus's opening statement (implied from [John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus's Acknowledgment of Jesus")). Jesus does not engage in a superficial conversation about miracles but immediately addresses the core spiritual need. The use of "answered" (Greek, _apokrínomai_) can sometimes mean "to begin to speak" in a context where a response is expected, even if not a direct answer to a question.
* **"Verily, verily, I say unto thee":** This emphatic double "Amen, Amen" (Greek, _Amēn, amēn_) is characteristic of Jesus' teaching in John's Gospel, used to introduce a solemn, weighty, and absolutely certain truth. It underscores the profound importance and undeniable reality of the statement that follows, demanding Nicodemus's full attention and belief.
* **"Except a man be born again":** This is the central condition and the core of Jesus' message. The word "except" (Greek, _eàn mḗ_) establishes an absolute necessity—there is no other way. "A man" (Greek, _tìs_) is inclusive, referring to anyone, regardless of their background, status, or religious affiliation. The phrase "be born again" (Greek, _gennáō ánōthen_) signifies a radical, supernatural transformation of one's spiritual nature, a new beginning initiated by God, not by human will or effort.
* **"he cannot see the kingdom of God":** This clause states the undeniable consequence of lacking the new birth. "Cannot" (Greek, _ou dýnamai_) signifies an absolute impossibility, not merely a difficulty. To "see the kingdom of God" implies not just intellectual understanding, but spiritual perception, experiential participation, and entrance into God's sovereign reign and spiritual blessings. Without the new birth, one is spiritually blind and incapable of truly apprehending or entering this divine reality.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this concise statement. The most prominent is **Emphasis**, conveyed through the double "Verily, verily" (Greek, _Amēn, amēn_). This solemn affirmation, unique to Jesus' teaching in John's Gospel, acts as a divine seal of truth, signaling the profound importance and absolute certainty of the declaration that follows. Furthermore, Jesus uses a powerful **Metaphor** with the phrase "born again." This imagery draws on the universal experience of physical birth to describe a spiritual reality, communicating a radical, fundamental new beginning. The metaphor highlights that just as physical birth is necessary to enter the physical world, a spiritual birth is essential to enter the spiritual realm of God's kingdom. This metaphor also sets up the **Dramatic Irony** of Nicodemus's initial misunderstanding, as he interprets the spiritual metaphor literally, prompting Jesus to further clarify the spiritual nature of this birth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:3 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, asserting the absolute necessity of spiritual regeneration for salvation and entrance into God's kingdom. It dismantles any notion that human merit, religious lineage, or adherence to external rites can secure one's place with God. Instead, Jesus declares that a divine, supernatural work is required—a new birth initiated by God's Spirit that transforms the very nature of a person, enabling them to perceive and participate in God's sovereign rule. This truth highlights God's grace as the sole source of salvation and underscores the radical transformation inherent in becoming a true follower of Christ.

* [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:3 serves as a profound personal challenge and an invitation. It compels us to examine the foundation of our spiritual hope. Are we relying on religious upbringing, good deeds, intellectual assent to Christian doctrines, or even our moral standing? Jesus' words unequivocally declare these insufficient. True spiritual life and access to God's kingdom depend on a divine act of new birth, a radical transformation of our inner being by the Holy Spirit. This means surrendering our self-sufficiency and acknowledging our need for God to do in us what we cannot do for ourselves—to grant us new life and spiritual eyes to truly see and embrace His kingdom. It calls for a humble recognition of our spiritual deadness apart from Christ and a fervent seeking of this supernatural regeneration, leading to a life lived in conscious awareness and submission to God's reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Jesus' emphasis on being "born again" reveal about the human condition and our inherent spiritual need?**
* **How does the concept of "seeing the kingdom of God" differ from merely knowing about God or believing in His existence?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on my own efforts or religious background rather than on God's transformative work for my spiritual standing?**
* **What practical implications does the necessity of spiritual rebirth have for evangelism and discipleship in the church today?**

### FAQ
**What does "born again" truly mean, and how does it happen?**

Answer: The phrase "born again" (Greek, _ánōthen_, meaning "from above" or "anew") refers to a spiritual regeneration, a supernatural work of God's Holy Spirit that imparts new life to a person who was spiritually dead. It's not a physical re-birth, nor is it merely a decision to change one's behavior or join a church. As Jesus explains in [John 3:5-8](/john/3-5-8 "John 3:5-8 - Born of Water and Spirit"), this birth is "of water and the Spirit," signifying a cleansing and a divine impartation of life. It happens when an individual, recognizing their sin and inability to save themselves, places their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. At that moment, the Holy Spirit indwells them, transforming their nature, giving them a new heart, new desires, and the ability to understand and obey God. This spiritual birth is a one-time event that initiates a lifelong process of growth and sanctification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 3:3, with its declaration of the necessity of being "born again" to "see the kingdom of God," finds its ultimate fulfillment and pathway in Jesus Christ Himself. The new birth is not an abstract spiritual experience but a direct result of one's relationship with the Son of God. It is through Christ's atoning work on the cross that the forgiveness of sins is secured, making reconciliation with God possible and paving the way for the Spirit to indwell believers. Jesus is the very "life" that is imparted in this new birth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and it is by believing in His name that one receives the "right to become children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")). The "kingdom of God" that one cannot see without being born again is inaugurated and embodied by Christ; He is the King, and His reign is spiritual, not merely earthly ([Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "Luke 17:21 - The Kingdom of God Within You")). Therefore, to be born again is to be spiritually united with Christ, to participate in His death and resurrection life, and to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The new birth is thus fundamentally Christ-centered, making Him the indispensable means and the very essence of this transformative experience.

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

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.

John 3:5

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.

John 3:6

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

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.

1 Peter 1:25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.