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.

Jesus {G2424} answered {G611}, Verily {G281}, verily {G281}, I say {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Except {G3362} a man {G5100} be born {G1080} of {G1537} water {G5204} and {G2532} of the Spirit {G4151}, he cannot {G3756}{G1410} enter {G1525} into {G1519} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}.

Yeshua answered, “Yes, indeed, I tell you that unless a person is born from water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.

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

Commentary

In John 3:5, Jesus continues His pivotal conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Jewish leader, emphasizing the absolute necessity of spiritual rebirth for entry into God's eternal reign. This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christian salvation and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

Context

This verse is part of a nighttime dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus, recorded in John chapter 3. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, approaches Jesus acknowledging Him as a teacher sent from God. Jesus immediately pivots to the spiritual realm, declaring in John 3:3 that one must be 'born again' (or 'born from above') to even see the kingdom of God. Verse 5 deepens this explanation, clarifying what being "born again" entails: a dual birth "of water and of the Spirit."

Key Themes

  • The Necessity of New Birth: Jesus unequivocally states that without this spiritual transformation, entrance into the kingdom of God is impossible. This highlights that human effort, lineage, or religious observance alone are insufficient for salvation.
  • Dual Nature of Regeneration: The phrase "born of water and of the Spirit" points to a comprehensive spiritual renewal. While "water" has been interpreted in various ways (physical birth, water baptism, or symbolic of cleansing/repentance), "the Spirit" clearly refers to the supernatural work of God's Holy Spirit in regenerating a person. This indicates that salvation is not merely an outward ritual but an internal transformation, a new creation.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The "birth" is not something a person achieves but something God initiates and accomplishes through His Spirit, as further hinted at in John 3:8.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Verily, verily" translates the Greek Amen, amen, a powerful double affirmation used exclusively by Jesus in John's Gospel to underscore the profound truth and absolute certainty of His statements. It serves as a solemn declaration. The debate around "born of water and of the Spirit" primarily centers on the meaning of "water." Some scholars suggest it refers to natural, physical birth (being "born of water" from the mother's womb), while others interpret it as Christian baptism. Another significant view is that "water" symbolizes spiritual cleansing or purification, often associated with repentance or the Old Testament prophecies of a new covenant (e.g., Ezekiel 36:25-27). Regardless of the specific interpretation of "water," the phrase emphasizes that physical or ritualistic acts are insufficient without the vital, life-giving work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration.

Practical Application

John 3:5 underscores the universal human need for spiritual rebirth, a profound change that originates with God. It challenges any notion that entry into God's kingdom is based on ancestry, good works, or religious affiliation alone. For believers, it affirms the reality of the Holy Spirit's indwelling power and the transformative nature of genuine faith. It encourages individuals to seek this spiritual renewal, recognizing that it is a divine gift that brings one into a living relationship with God and grants access to His eternal kingdom. This verse continues to call people to a deep, personal encounter with Christ and the regenerating work of His Spirit.

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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

  • Ezekiel 36:25 (92 votes)

    ¶ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

  • Ezekiel 36:27 (92 votes)

    And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].

  • Acts 2:38 (52 votes)

    Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

  • Ephesians 5:26 (47 votes)

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

  • 1 Peter 3:21 (34 votes)

    ¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  • 1 Corinthians 6:11 (31 votes)

    And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

  • 1 John 5:6 (30 votes)

    ¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.