John 3:9

KJV

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

KJV (with Strong's)

Nicodemus {G3530} answered {G611} and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, How {G4459} can {G1410} these things {G5023} be {G1096}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Nakdimon replied, “How can this happen?”

Berean Standard Bible

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

American Standard Version

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nicodemus's bewildered question, "How can these things be?", marks a crucial juncture in his nocturnal dialogue with Jesus. It encapsulates the profound struggle of human reason and natural understanding to grasp the spiritual realities of God's kingdom, particularly the radical concept of spiritual rebirth, which transcends conventional religious thought and physical limitations. His inquiry reveals not necessarily disbelief, but a genuine perplexity stemming from a worldview rooted in legalistic observance and earthly comprehension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus's profound and somewhat enigmatic teaching on the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" to see and enter the Kingdom of God, as stated in [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "Born Again") and [John 3:5](/john/3-5 "Born of Water and Spirit"). Jesus further elaborated on this spiritual birth, likening the Spirit's work to the unseen, unpredictable movement of the wind in [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "The Wind and the Spirit"). Nicodemus's question is a direct, honest response to this teaching, highlighting his inability to reconcile Jesus's spiritual metaphors with his literal, physical understanding of birth and religious practice. The dialogue continues with Jesus's subsequent explanation of His divine origin and purpose, culminating in the famous [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicodemus is identified as "a ruler of the Jews" ([John 3:1](/john/3-1 "Nicodemus Visits Jesus")) and later, "a teacher of Israel" ([John 3:10](/john/3-10 "Jesus Rebukes Nicodemus")). This signifies his high standing as a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and administrative council, and a respected Pharisee. Pharisees were meticulous in their adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions, believing that righteousness was achieved through rigorous obedience. For such a man, the concept of a "new birth" that was not physical, not ritualistic, and seemingly beyond human effort, was profoundly unsettling. His visit to Jesus "by night" ([John 3:2](/john/3-2 "Nicodemus Comes by Night")) suggests a cautious approach, perhaps to avoid public scrutiny or to engage in a more intimate, undisturbed theological discussion, typical of rabbinic discourse.
* **Key Themes:** Nicodemus's question contributes significantly to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **human incomprehension of divine truths** when approached solely through human wisdom or earthly categories. Nicodemus, despite his intellectual and religious stature, cannot grasp the spiritual reality Jesus presents, demonstrating that salvation is not a matter of human effort or understanding, but divine intervention. Secondly, it highlights the **necessity of spiritual rebirth** as the sole gateway to the Kingdom of God, a theme central to Jesus's early ministry. This spiritual transformation, not physical lineage or religious observance, is what truly matters. Thirdly, the exchange subtly introduces the **mystery of God's work** through the Holy Spirit, which operates beyond human control or full comprehension, mirroring the inscrutable nature of the wind as described in [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "The Wind and the Spirit"). This sets the stage for the broader Johannine emphasis on faith as trust in the unseen.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **How (Greek, _pōs'_):** G4459. This adverb is an interrogative particle of manner, expressing "in what way?" or "by what means?". In [John 3:9](/john/3-9 "Nicodemus's Question"), it conveys Nicodemus's genuine bewilderment and his search for a practical, logical explanation for Jesus's teaching on spiritual rebirth. It's not a challenge to Jesus's authority, but a cry of intellectual and spiritual confusion.
* **can (Greek, _dýnamai'_):** G1410. Derived from a root meaning "to be able or possible," this verb signifies capacity, ability, or possibility. Nicodemus is questioning the *possibility* of such a radical transformation, given his understanding of human biology and religious practice. His "how can" implies an assessment of impossibility from a human perspective.
* **these things (Greek, _taûta'_):** G5023. This demonstrative pronoun, in its neuter plural form, refers collectively to the spiritual realities Jesus has just described: being "born again" or "born from above" ([John 3:3](/john/3-3 "Born Again")), entering the Kingdom of God, and the mysterious, Spirit-led nature of this new birth ([John 3:8](/john/3-8 "The Wind and the Spirit")). Nicodemus lumps all these profound spiritual truths into a single, perplexing category.
* **be (Greek, _gínomai'_):** G1096. This verb means "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen." In this context, it refers to the actualization or occurrence of the "new birth." Nicodemus is asking how this spiritual phenomenon, which seems to defy natural laws and his theological framework, can possibly come to pass.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nicodemus answered and said unto him":** This phrase highlights Nicodemus's direct engagement with Jesus's teaching. As a "ruler of the Jews" and "teacher of Israel," his response is not dismissive but indicative of a mind grappling earnestly, albeit with difficulty, with profound spiritual truth. The use of "answered and said" emphasizes a formal, thoughtful reply to the preceding discourse.
* **"How can these things be?":** This is the core of Nicodemus's perplexity. The "How" (πῶς, _pōs_) reveals his focus on the mechanics and possibility of spiritual rebirth from a human standpoint. He is seeking a rational, tangible explanation for a supernatural, spiritual phenomenon. "These things" (ταῦτα, _taûta_) refers to all that Jesus has just taught about being "born again" by water and the Spirit, and the mysterious, unseen work of the Spirit. Nicodemus's question underscores the chasm between human logic and divine reality, and the profound challenge of understanding spiritual truths without spiritual illumination.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Interrogation**, as Nicodemus poses a direct question to Jesus. This question serves as a pivotal moment, revealing the profound **Contrast** between human, earthly understanding and divine, spiritual reality. Nicodemus, a learned teacher, represents the limitations of human wisdom in grasping supernatural truths. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the fact that a "teacher of Israel" is so utterly confused by fundamental spiritual concepts, highlighting the spiritual blindness that can accompany even the most diligent adherence to religious law without true spiritual regeneration. The question itself, "How can these things be?", functions as a **Rhetorical Device** to emphasize Nicodemus's bewilderment and to set the stage for Jesus's further, deeper revelation about the nature of the Kingdom and His own role within it.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nicodemus's question, "How can these things be?", resonates deeply with the biblical theme of humanity's inherent inability to comprehend or achieve salvation through natural means. It underscores the profound chasm between God's divine wisdom and human logic, demonstrating that spiritual truths are not accessible through intellectual prowess or religious adherence alone. The new birth, as Jesus describes it, is a supernatural work of God, not a human endeavor. This highlights the sovereignty of God in salvation and the absolute necessity of divine initiation and empowerment through the Holy Spirit for anyone to enter His kingdom. It reveals that the "how" of salvation is entirely God's work, not ours.

* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "The Natural Man")
* [Romans 8:7-8](/romans/8-7-8 "Mind Set on the Flesh")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Made Alive in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nicodemus's honest and bewildered question serves as a powerful mirror for our own spiritual journeys. It reminds us that even the most learned or devout among us can struggle to grasp the profound, often mysterious, truths of God's kingdom. Our human minds, accustomed to logic and tangible evidence, often resist concepts that transcend the natural realm. This verse invites us to cultivate humility, recognizing that true spiritual understanding is not earned through intellect but received through divine revelation and the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit. It encourages us to bring our questions and doubts to Jesus, just as Nicodemus did, trusting that He is the ultimate source of truth and the one who can make "these things" comprehensible and real in our lives. Our faith is not in our ability to fully explain God, but in God Himself, who works in ways beyond our complete comprehension.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things" in your spiritual walk do you find yourself asking, "How can these things be?"**
* **How does Nicodemus's humility in seeking Jesus by night challenge your own approach to seeking spiritual understanding?**
* **In what ways might our reliance on human logic or past religious frameworks hinder our reception of new spiritual truths from God?**
* **How can we better cultivate an openness to the mysterious and supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, even when we don't fully understand it?**

### FAQ

**Why was Nicodemus, a "teacher of Israel," so confused by Jesus's teaching on being "born again"?**

Answer: Nicodemus's confusion stemmed primarily from his worldview, which was deeply rooted in the Old Testament Law, rabbinic traditions, and the expectation of a physical, earthly kingdom. He understood "birth" literally and physically, making the concept of a second, spiritual birth seem nonsensical or impossible from his perspective. As a Pharisee, he also likely believed that righteousness and entry into God's kingdom were achieved through meticulous obedience to the Law and adherence to religious rituals. Jesus's teaching on a radical, internal, spiritual transformation, initiated by God's Spirit and not human effort, was entirely foreign to his established theological framework. He was thinking in terms of "how" one *does* something to be born again, whereas Jesus was speaking of "how" God *does* something *to* a person. His question highlights the profound difference between human understanding and divine revelation, as well as the limitations of a purely legalistic or intellectual approach to spiritual truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nicodemus's bewildered question, "How can these things be?", finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "how" of spiritual rebirth, which so perplexed the learned Pharisee, is not a method or a human endeavor, but a divine act made possible *through* Christ. Jesus Himself is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way")), the very means by which one can be "born from above." He is the one who came down from heaven ([John 3:13](/john/3-13 "No One Has Ascended to Heaven")), was lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness ([John 3:14](/john/3-14 "The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up")), and through His sacrificial death, provided the means for eternal life for all who believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). The mystery of the Spirit's work, likened to the wind in [John 3:8](/john/3-8 "The Wind and the Spirit"), is intimately connected to Christ's glorification, for the Spirit was not fully given until Jesus was glorified ([John 7:39](/john/7-39 "The Spirit Not Yet Given")). Thus, the "how" of new birth is rooted in Christ's finished work on the cross and His subsequent resurrection, enabling the Holy Spirit to indwell believers and effect this profound spiritual transformation, making the impossible "these things" a glorious reality for all who put their faith in Him.

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

Luke 1:34

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

Isaiah 42:16

And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

John 6:60

¶ Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard [this], said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

John 6:52

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?

Proverbs 4:18

But the path of the just [is] as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

John 3:4

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Mark 8:24

And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.