from νῖκος and δῆμος; victorious among his people; Nicodemus, an Israelite:--Nicodemus.
Transliteration:Nikódēmos
Pronunciation:nik-od'-ay-mos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3530}}` (Nikódēmos) is a proper noun, directly transliterated into English as Nicodemus. Its etymology provides insight into its meaning: it is derived from two Greek components, νῖκος (nikos, meaning "victory") and δῆμος (dēmos, meaning "people" or "the common people"). Therefore, the name literally means "victorious among his people" or "victory of the people." As a proper noun, its semantic range is confined to the specific individual it identifies, rather than a concept or action. However, the inherent meaning of the name may offer a subtle layer of ironic or prophetic significance when considered in light of Nicodemus's personal journey and eventual identification with the seemingly defeated Christ.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nicodemus is mentioned exclusively in the Gospel of John, appearing in three distinct passages that trace a remarkable progression in his relationship with Jesus:
1. **[[John 3:1-21]]**: This is the most extensive and foundational account. Nicodemus, identified as a Pharisee and "a ruler of the Jews" (implying membership in the Sanhedrin), comes to Jesus by night. His cautious approach suggests a combination of genuine inquiry, intellectual curiosity, and perhaps fear of his peers. He acknowledges Jesus as "a teacher come from God." Jesus' response immediately challenges Nicodemus's understanding of salvation, introducing the radical concept of being "born again" or "born from above" by water and the Spirit. This encounter highlights the spiritual blindness of even the most learned religious leaders and the absolute necessity of divine regeneration for entry into the Kingdom of God.
2. **[[John 7:50-52]]**: Here, Nicodemus reappears during a heated debate among the Jewish leaders concerning Jesus' arrest. When some Pharisees demand that Jesus be seized, Nicodemus interjects, appealing to Jewish law: "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" This intervention, while not an open declaration of discipleship, demonstrates a growing sense of justice and a willingness to subtly defend Jesus against the prevailing animosity of his colleagues. It reveals a man wrestling with his convictions and the implications of Jesus' claims.
3. **[[John 19:39-42]]**: Nicodemus's final appearance is at the crucifixion, where he assists Joseph of Arimathea (`{{G2503}}`) in burying Jesus' body. This act is profoundly significant. He brings "a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds" – an enormous and costly quantity, indicating both his wealth and the great honor he bestowed upon the deceased. This public and costly act, performed after Jesus' death when His cause seemed utterly lost, marks a complete transformation from the cautious night visitor to a courageous, open identifier with Christ. It is an act of profound devotion and a clear testament to his faith, even in the face of immense personal risk and social ostracism.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name Nicodemus is intrinsically linked to its Greek roots:
* νῖκος (nikos): This root is found in other New Testament words related to "victory" or "conquest," such as `{{G3528}}` (nikaō, "to conquer, overcome"), famously used in the book of Revelation (e.g., [[Revelation 2:7]]).
* δῆμος (dēmos): This root refers to "people" or "the populace," from which words like "democracy" are derived.
Thematically, Nicodemus's story connects to several crucial biblical concepts:
* **New Birth/Regeneration**: The cornerstone of his first encounter with Jesus ([[John 3]]). This concept is vital for understanding salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit (`{{G4151}}`).
* **Pharisaic Judaism**: Nicodemus represents a unique perspective within the Jewish leadership, contrasting with the general antagonism of the Pharisees toward Jesus. His journey shows that not all were hardened in unbelief.
* **Discipleship and Courage**: His progression from secret inquirer to public mourner illustrates the gradual, yet ultimately profound, growth in faith and courage that is characteristic of true discipleship. This can be compared to other "secret disciples" like Joseph of Arimathea.
* **Divine Revelation**: Jesus' teachings to Nicodemus include some of the most profound theological statements in the New Testament, such as [[John 3:16]], which encapsulates the essence of God's redemptive love.
### Theological Significance
Nicodemus's narrative carries profound theological weight:
1. **The Universal Need for Regeneration**: His status as a "teacher of Israel" and a highly respected leader underscores that intellectual understanding, religious adherence, or moral rectitude are insufficient for entering God's kingdom. All, regardless of their background, must undergo a spiritual rebirth, a work of the Holy Spirit. This highlights the radical nature of salvation by grace through faith.
2. **The Nature of True Discipleship**: Nicodemus's journey from a cautious seeker to a bold, public associate of the crucified Christ exemplifies the transformative power of the Gospel. His story demonstrates that faith can grow, courage can be cultivated, and commitment can deepen over time, leading to costly acts of devotion.
3. **God's Love and Provision**: The conversation in [[John 3]] includes the declaration of God's boundless love for the world ([[John 3:16]]) and His provision of salvation through His Son. Nicodemus, as the recipient of this profound teaching, represents humanity's need for this divine intervention.
4. **A Bridge Between Worlds**: As a Pharisee who engaged with Jesus, Nicodemus serves as a unique figure, bridging the world of traditional Jewish leadership and the nascent community of Jesus' followers. His presence among the Jewish elite demonstrates that God's call extended even to those entrenched in the established religious system.
### Summary
Nicodemus (`{{G3530}}`), whose name means "victorious among his people," was a prominent Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. His encounters with Jesus, recorded exclusively in the Gospel of John, reveal a remarkable spiritual journey. Initially a cautious inquirer who sought Jesus by night to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom, he grappled with the concept of spiritual rebirth. Over time, his convictions grew, leading him to subtly defend Jesus among his peers. Ultimately, he demonstrated profound courage and devotion by openly assisting in Jesus' burial, an act that publicly identified him with the crucified Messiah. Nicodemus's story powerfully illustrates the universal necessity of spiritual regeneration, the progressive nature of faith, and the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ. He stands as a testament to the fact that even the most learned and respected can be humbled and transformed by divine truth.
TRV