John 3:8

KJV

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

The wind {G4151} bloweth {G4154} where {G3699} it listeth {G2309}, and {G2532} thou hearest {G191} the sound {G5456} thereof {G846}, but {G235} canst {G1492} not {G3756} tell {G1492} whence {G4159} it cometh {G2064}, and {G2532} whither {G4226} it goeth {G5217}: so {G3779} is {G2076} every one {G3956} that is born {G1080} of {G1537} the Spirit {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going. That’s how it is with everyone who has been born from the Spirit.”

Berean Standard Bible

The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

American Standard Version

The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus continues His discourse with Nicodemus, employing the analogy of the wind to elucidate the mysterious, sovereign, and often imperceptible nature of spiritual rebirth. Just as the wind's origin and destination are unknown to human observation, yet its effects are undeniably manifest, so too is the work of the Holy Spirit in regenerating an individual: unseen in its inception, but profoundly evident in its transformative outcomes, operating according to God's unfathomable will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' profound nocturnal dialogue with Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, recorded in [John 3](/john/3 "John 3 - Nicodemus and the New Birth"). The preceding verses ([John 3:1-7](/john/3-1-7 "John 3:1-7 - You Must Be Born Again")) establish the foundational truth that one "must be born again" (or "born from above") to "see" and "enter" the kingdom of God. Nicodemus's initial bewilderment ("How can a man be born when he is old?") prompts Jesus to further clarify the spiritual nature of this rebirth, distinguishing it from physical birth. [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Wind's Mystery") serves as Jesus' primary illustration, moving from the physical impossibility Nicodemus envisions to a natural phenomenon that mirrors the Spirit's supernatural work, thereby addressing Nicodemus's confusion about the "how."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus, as a "ruler of the Jews" and a "teacher of Israel" ([John 3:10](/john/3-10 "John 3:10 - Nicodemus, a Teacher of Israel")), would have been deeply steeped in the Old Testament Scriptures and Jewish theological traditions. While the concept of divine Spirit (Hebrew: *ruach*) was familiar, particularly in prophecy and creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit of God Hovering")), the idea of a personal, radical spiritual rebirth for entry into the kingdom was revolutionary. Jewish thought often anticipated a future, national renewal by the Spirit, but not necessarily an individual, internal regeneration for every person. Jesus' analogy of the wind (Greek: *pneuma*, which also means "spirit") would have resonated with the Old Testament understanding of *ruach* as both wind and Spirit, emphasizing God's sovereign, uncontainable power, which was a familiar concept to Jewish thinkers.
* **Key Themes:** [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Spirit's Unseen Work") powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty and mystery of the Holy Spirit's work** in salvation. The Spirit acts independently of human will or control, initiating spiritual life where and when God chooses, much like the wind's unpredictable movement. Secondly, it highlights the **invisible yet evident nature of spiritual transformation.** While the process of being "born of the Spirit" is unseen and incomprehensible to human reason, its effects—a changed life, new desires, and the fruit of righteousness—are undeniably manifest, providing tangible proof of the Spirit's presence. This aligns with the Gospel's emphasis on belief leading to new life, as seen in passages like [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God, Not of Will"). Finally, the verse reinforces the absolute **necessity of spiritual rebirth** for entering God's kingdom, a central tenet of Jesus' teaching to Nicodemus. It's not about human effort or lineage, but a divine, supernatural act.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pneûma (Greek, _pneûma'_):** This is the pivotal word in [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - The Word 'Pneuma'"). It is translated as both "wind" and "Spirit," creating a profound wordplay that is central to Jesus' analogy. As "wind," it denotes a current of air, a breeze, something unseen but whose effects are felt and heard. As "Spirit," it refers to the Holy Spirit, the divine agent of regeneration. The dual meaning emphasizes that just as the wind is invisible yet powerful and its effects undeniable, so too is the Holy Spirit's work in bringing about new life.
* **thélō (Greek, _thélō'_):** Translated as "listeth" in the KJV, this word signifies to "will," "desire," or "choose." When applied to the wind, it conveys its freedom and autonomy, blowing according to its own inclination, not subject to human direction. In the context of the Spirit, it underscores the Holy Spirit's sovereign will and freedom in regeneration, operating according to God's divine purpose rather than human manipulation or expectation.
* **gennáō (Greek, _gennáō'_):** This verb, meaning "to procreate," "beget," or "be born," is fundamental to Jesus' teaching on spiritual rebirth. In [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "John 3:8 - Born of the Spirit"), "born of the Spirit" uses this word, emphasizing that spiritual life is not a self-generated process but a divine act of regeneration. It signifies a new origin, a new spiritual parentage, brought about by the Spirit, analogous to physical birth but on a spiritual plane.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The wind bloweth where it listeth":** This clause establishes the primary analogy. The wind (pneuma) is free, unconstrained, and unpredictable in its movement. It blows according to its own will (thélō), not subject to human control or prediction. This sets up the comparison to the Spirit's sovereign work.
* **"and thou hearest the sound thereof":** While the wind itself is invisible, its presence and activity are evident through its audible effects. One cannot see the wind, but one can hear the rustling of leaves, the howling through trees, or the whistling past obstructions. This highlights the perceptible evidence of an unseen force.
* **"but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth":** This part emphasizes the incomprehensibility of the wind's origin and destination. Human understanding cannot fully grasp or trace its path. This reinforces the mystery and transcendence of the force at work, whether it be the natural wind or the divine Spirit.
* **"so is every one that is born of the Spirit":** This is the direct application of the analogy. Just as the wind's work is unseen in its operation but evident in its effects, and its movement is sovereign and mysterious, so too is the spiritual birth wrought by the Holy Spirit. The process of regeneration is beyond human comprehension or control, yet its reality is profoundly demonstrated in the transformed life of the individual.

#### Literary Devices
John 3:8 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological depth. The most prominent is **Analogy/Simile**, where Jesus directly compares the work of the Holy Spirit to the natural phenomenon of wind ("so is every one that is born of the Spirit"). This allows for the explanation of a complex spiritual truth through a familiar, observable reality. Crucially, there is significant **Wordplay** on the Greek word *pneuma* (πνεῦμα), which means both "wind" and "spirit." Jesus masterfully uses this double meaning to illustrate the invisible yet powerful nature of the Spirit's work. The verse also contains an element of **Paradox**, as the Spirit's work is described as unseen in its initiation ("canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth") yet undeniably evident in its outcome ("thou hearest the sound thereof"). This paradox underscores the supernatural and mysterious character of spiritual regeneration, which defies purely rational explanation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This section profoundly articulates the Holy Spirit's sovereign and mysterious role in the new birth, a central tenet of Christian theology. It underscores that salvation is ultimately a divine work, not a human achievement or a product of human will, lineage, or religious ritual. The Spirit, like the wind, operates freely, initiating spiritual life by God's choice and power, beyond human comprehension or control. This divine initiative ensures that regeneration is a supernatural transformation, producing a new creation that bears the mark of God's hand. While the Spirit's work is unseen in its inception, its reality is confirmed by the tangible evidence of a changed life, which manifests as new desires, a pursuit of righteousness, and a growing conformity to the image of Christ.

* [John 1:13](/john/1-13 "Born of God")
* [1 Corinthians 2:11](/1_corinthians/2-11 "The Spirit Knows")
* [Romans 8:14](/romans/8-14 "Led by the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This section offers profound comfort and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual transformation is not a self-help project or a result of human striving, but a miraculous work of God's Spirit. This truth should foster deep humility and gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is entirely by grace. While we cannot command or fully comprehend the Spirit's mysterious operations, we are called to discern and yield to His presence by observing the "sound" or "fruit" of His work in our lives and in the lives of others. This prompts us to examine whether the evidence of a new nature, marked by love, joy, peace, and righteousness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")), is genuinely present. Furthermore, the verse encourages us to embrace the mystery inherent in God's ways, trusting in His wisdom and power even when His methods transcend our human understanding, fostering a faith that relies on divine sovereignty rather than intellectual mastery.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the analogy of the wind help you understand the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit's work in your life?**
* **What "sound" or evidence of the Spirit's work do you observe in your own life or in the lives of other believers?**
* **In what areas of your spiritual journey do you tend to rely on human effort rather than trusting in the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit?**
* **How can embracing the mystery of God's work deepen your faith and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that the wind "bloweth where it listeth"?**

Answer: The phrase "bloweth where it listeth" (from the Greek *thélō*) means that the wind blows "where it wills" or "where it desires." It emphasizes the wind's absolute freedom, independence, and unpredictability. It is not constrained by human will or observation; its movement is entirely self-determined. In the analogy, this highlights the Holy Spirit's sovereign freedom in regeneration. The Spirit is not controlled by human efforts, prayers, or rituals, but acts according to God's divine will, initiating new life in whomever and whenever He chooses ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "John 1:13 - Born Not of Human Will")).

**How can we know if someone is "born of the Spirit" if the process is invisible?**

Answer: While the *process* of being born of the Spirit is invisible and mysterious, the *effects* of this spiritual birth are discernible, much like the wind's presence is known by its sound and effects. Jesus states, "thou hearest the sound thereof." Similarly, the evidence of spiritual transformation includes a new nature, a desire for God and His Word, repentance from sin, love for fellow believers, and the manifestation of the "fruit of the Spirit" such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). These tangible changes in character and conduct serve as indicators that a person has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit.

**Does this verse imply that human choice plays no role in salvation?**

Answer: This verse emphasizes the *divine initiative* and *sovereignty* in spiritual rebirth, illustrating that it is not something humans can orchestrate or earn. However, it does not negate human responsibility or the call to faith. Throughout John's Gospel, Jesus repeatedly calls people to believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), [John 6:29](/john/6-29 "The Work of God is to Believe")). The mystery lies in the interplay between God's sovereign work in regeneration (the Spirit blowing where He wills) and the human response of faith. The Spirit enables belief, opening hearts and minds to respond to the gospel, making it possible for individuals to exercise faith in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This section finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ as the source and purpose of the Spirit's work. The new birth, wrought by the sovereign Spirit, is not an end in itself but the means by which individuals are brought into a living relationship with Christ and His kingdom. Jesus Himself is the one who "gives the Spirit without measure" ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - Jesus Gives the Spirit")), and it is through Him that the Spirit is poured out ([John 7:37-39](/john/7-37-39 "John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). The Spirit's work of regeneration is designed to conform believers to the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Christ's Image")) and to empower them to live lives that glorify Him ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "John 16:13-14 - The Spirit Glorifies Christ")). Thus, every person "born of the Spirit" is born into a new life in Christ, becoming a member of His body and an heir of His eternal kingdom, experiencing the very life that Jesus came to give in abundance ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundantly")).

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

Ecclesiastes 11:4

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

Ecclesiastes 11:5

As thou knowest not what [is] the way of the spirit, [nor] how the bones [do grow] in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Acts 2:2

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Ezekiel 37:9

Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.

1 John 2:29

If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

Mark 4:26

And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;