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.

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}.

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

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

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

John 3:3 is a foundational verse in Christian theology, where Jesus introduces the concept of being "born again" as essential for spiritual life and entrance into God's kingdom.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus at night. Nicodemus acknowledged Jesus' divine authority based on His miracles, but Jesus immediately shifts the discussion from outward signs to the necessity of inward, spiritual transformation. This dialogue occurs early in Jesus' ministry and sets the stage for understanding salvation not as mere religious adherence, but as a radical new beginning.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Rebirth: The central theme is the necessity of being "born again." This isn't a physical re-birth but a spiritual one, signifying a complete transformation of one's nature and relationship with God.
  • Entering the Kingdom of God: Jesus states unequivocally that without this spiritual rebirth, one cannot "see" or enter the kingdom of God. This highlights the exclusivity and divine requirement for salvation.
  • Necessity of Transformation: The verse emphasizes that human effort or religious background alone is insufficient. A divine work of recreation is required.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Verily, verily" translates the Greek Amēn, amēn, used frequently by Jesus in the Gospel of John to introduce a solemn, emphatic truth. It underscores the absolute certainty and importance of what follows.

The term "born again" comes from the Greek phrase gennēthē anōthen. The word anōthen has a double meaning: it can mean "again" or "from above." This linguistic nuance is key to the misunderstanding Nicodemus initially expresses (John 3:4) and is clarified by Jesus in subsequent verses, explaining that this birth is one "of the Spirit" (John 3:5-8), signifying its divine origin.

Reflection and Application

John 3:3 challenges the idea that religious upbringing, good works, or intellectual assent are enough for salvation. Jesus makes it clear that entering into a right relationship with God and experiencing His kingdom requires a supernatural work – a spiritual birth initiated by God's Spirit. This verse calls everyone to recognize the need for this radical transformation and to seek the new life that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a call to a personal, life-altering encounter with God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (70 votes)

    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 (63 votes)

    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 (63 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:23 (57 votes)

    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 (57 votes)

    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 (45 votes)

    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 (42 votes)

    ¶ 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.