John 3:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Marvel {G2296} not {G3361} that {G3754} I said {G2036} unto thee {G4671}, Ye {G5209} must {G1163} be born {G1080} again {G509}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Stop being amazed at my telling you that you must be born again from above!

Berean Standard Bible

Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 3:7, a pivotal declaration from Jesus' nocturnal dialogue with Nicodemus, encapsulates the absolute necessity of spiritual rebirth for entry into God's kingdom. Following Nicodemus's literal misinterpretation of being "born again," Jesus gently but firmly reiterates this profound truth, emphasizing that this spiritual transformation is not merely advisable but an essential, divinely mandated prerequisite for all humanity, transcending human effort, lineage, or religious adherence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' extended conversation with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, recorded in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Jesus and Nicodemus"). The dialogue begins with Nicodemus acknowledging Jesus' divine origin due to His miraculous signs ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "John 3:2 - Nicodemus's Acknowledgment")). Jesus immediately shifts the focus from signs to spiritual reality, declaring in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Necessity of New Birth") that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus's bewildered response, questioning how an adult could re-enter his mother's womb ([John 3:4](/john/3-4 "John 3:4 - Nicodemus's Confusion")), sets the stage for Jesus' clarification in verse 7, which reinforces the divine imperative and spiritual nature of this new birth, further expounded in terms of being "born of water and of the Spirit" in [John 3:5-6](/john/3-5-6 "John 3:5-6 - Born of Water and Spirit").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus represents the pinnacle of Jewish religious and intellectual achievement in his day. As a Pharisee, he adhered strictly to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, believing that righteousness was attained through meticulous observance. As a "ruler of the Jews," he was likely a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative body. For such a man, steeped in a system of merit and lineage (being a physical descendant of Abraham), Jesus' assertion of a "new birth" would have been profoundly challenging and counter-intuitive. Jewish thought emphasized a covenant relationship based on birthright and adherence to the Law. The concept of a radical, spiritual regeneration, necessary even for a devout Jew, would have been revolutionary, highlighting the inadequacy of human effort and external religious practice for true spiritual life and entry into God's eschatological kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** John 3:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John and Christian theology. Foremost is the **Necessity of Spiritual Regeneration**, underscoring that human effort or religious pedigree is insufficient for salvation; a divine, supernatural work is required. This ties into the theme of **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**, as being "born again" is a work of God, not human will or achievement, emphasizing God's grace as the source of new life, as seen in [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Receiving Christ and Becoming Children of God"). The verse also highlights the **Transformative Nature of Salvation**, pointing to a radical inner renewal that reorients one's entire being towards God, a concept further developed in passages like [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Marvel (Greek, _thaumázō'_):** From G2296, meaning "to wonder; by implication, to admire." Jesus' use of "marvel not" (with G3361 _mḗ_ for qualified negation) serves as a gentle rebuke to Nicodemus's astonishment and literal-mindedness. It implies that while the concept of spiritual rebirth might seem extraordinary or even impossible from a human perspective, it is a fundamental and necessary truth from God's perspective, and therefore, should not be a cause for disbelief or surprise among those who understand divine realities.
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** From G1163, meaning "it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)." This word conveys absolute necessity and divine imperative. It's not a suggestion or an option, but a binding obligation or a divinely ordained requirement. The new birth is not a matter of human preference or choice but a non-negotiable condition for experiencing and entering the kingdom of God. This emphasizes the radical spiritual inability of humanity apart from God's intervention.
* **born (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From G1080, meaning "to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate." In this context, it is used figuratively to describe a spiritual procreation or regeneration. It signifies the impartation of a new kind of life, a spiritual life that originates from God, contrasting sharply with physical birth.
* **again (Greek, _ánōthen'_):** From G509, meaning "from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew." This is the crucial word that creates the double entendre in Jesus' dialogue. Nicodemus understood it as "again" (a second time, physically), leading to his literal question. Jesus, however, intends the primary meaning of "from above," indicating the divine origin and supernatural nature of this birth. It is a birth initiated by God, originating from heaven, not a human endeavor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Marvel not":** Jesus addresses Nicodemus's incredulity directly. The command "mḗ thaumázō" (do not marvel) indicates that Nicodemus's astonishment, while understandable from a human viewpoint, misses the divine perspective. Jesus is calling him to move beyond a literal, earthly understanding to grasp a spiritual, heavenly reality. It's a gentle correction, inviting a shift in perspective from human impossibility to divine possibility.
* **"that I said unto thee,":** This clause reaffirms Jesus' authority and the truthfulness of His preceding statement in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Necessity of New Birth"). Jesus is not retracting or softening His words; rather, He is reiterating them with emphasis. The personal address "unto thee" highlights that this truth applies even to a highly esteemed religious leader like Nicodemus, implying its universal applicability to all people.
* **"Ye must be born again.":** This is the core imperative. "Ye" (plural, _hymâs_) implies that this necessity extends beyond Nicodemus to all people, including all Jews and, by extension, all humanity. The word "must" (_deî_) conveys divine necessity—it is an absolute requirement, not an option. "Born again" (_gennáō ánōthen_) signifies a spiritual regeneration that originates "from above" (from God), a radical transformation of one's inner being, moving from spiritual death to spiritual life. This spiritual birth is the only pathway to "see" and "enter" the kingdom of God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in John 3:7, and indeed the entire Nicodemus dialogue, is **Metaphor**. The phrase "born again" (or "born from above") is a profound metaphor for spiritual regeneration, contrasting with physical birth to convey a radical, supernatural transformation. Jesus uses this vivid image to communicate a spiritual reality that is entirely new and distinct from one's natural state or religious upbringing. Related to this is **Double Entendre**, particularly with the Greek word _ánōthen_ ("again" or "from above"). Jesus intentionally uses a word with dual meanings, knowing Nicodemus will initially grasp the literal, earthly sense ("again"), allowing Jesus to then clarify the deeper, spiritual meaning ("from above"). This creates a teaching moment, revealing the limitations of human understanding and the divine origin of spiritual truth. Furthermore, the dialogue employs **Irony**, as Nicodemus, a "teacher of Israel" ([John 3:10](/john/3-10 "John 3:10 - Jesus to Nicodemus")), struggles to comprehend a fundamental spiritual truth, highlighting the spiritual blindness that can afflict even the religiously learned.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 3:7 stands as a foundational text for the doctrine of regeneration, emphasizing that salvation is not merely a decision or a change of behavior, but a radical, supernatural work of God. It underscores humanity's inherent spiritual inability and the absolute necessity of divine intervention for true spiritual life. This "new birth" is a sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, imparting a new nature and enabling one to enter into a saving relationship with God and His kingdom. It highlights that no amount of human effort, religious observance, or moral uprightness can substitute for this divine transformation.

* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")
* [1 Peter 1:23](/1_peter/1-23 "1 Peter 1:23 - Born Again Through the Word of God")
* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 3:7 serves as a timeless call to self-examination and spiritual humility. It challenges anyone who might rely on their heritage, good works, or religious affiliation for acceptance before God. The phrase "Ye must be born again" cuts through all human pretenses, declaring that a radical, God-initiated transformation is indispensable for a genuine relationship with Him and for experiencing His eternal kingdom. For those who have experienced this new birth, it is a profound reminder of God's grace and the radical change He has wrought in their lives, moving them from spiritual death to vibrant spiritual life. It should inspire a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to living out the implications of this new identity in Christ, recognizing that our spiritual vitality is entirely dependent on God's ongoing work within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Nicodemus, be prone to approach spiritual truths with a literal or earthly mindset, rather than seeking a divine perspective?**
* **What does the absolute necessity of being "born again" reveal about the human condition and God's sovereign grace?**
* **How does the concept of spiritual rebirth shape my understanding of salvation, and what practical implications does it have for my daily life and witness?**

### FAQ
**What does "born again" truly mean in the context of John 3:7?**

Answer: In John 3:7, "born again" (Greek: _gennáō ánōthen_) refers to a spiritual rebirth, a supernatural transformation of one's inner being initiated by God. The Greek word _ánōthen_ carries a double meaning: "again" (as Nicodemus initially understood it, implying a second physical birth) and, more profoundly, "from above" (meaning from God, or from heaven). Jesus uses this phrase to convey that entry into God's kingdom requires a radical spiritual regeneration that is entirely God's work, not a human effort or a mere moral reformation. It signifies moving from spiritual death to spiritual life, receiving a new nature and a new relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. This concept is further clarified in [John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit") as being "born of water and of the Spirit."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 3:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, for He is the one who makes this spiritual new birth possible. The necessity of being "born again" points directly to humanity's fallen state and inability to enter God's kingdom on its own terms, highlighting the need for a divine intervention that only Christ can provide. Through His atoning death and victorious resurrection, Jesus secured the means for humanity to receive new life; He became the source of this spiritual regeneration. As the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), He provided the cleansing and redemption necessary for a new beginning. Furthermore, it is through faith in Him that individuals are empowered to become "children of God" ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God")), a direct result of being "born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "John 1:13 - Born of God")). The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")), is the agent of this new birth, regenerating hearts and enabling believers to walk in newness of life, fulfilling the transformative promise inherent in Jesus' words to Nicodemus. This new life in Christ is a participation in His resurrection life, as believers are united with Him in His death and raised with Him to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")).

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 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.

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Romans 12:1

¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Revelation 21:27

And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: