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John 3:2

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The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

The same {G3778} came {G2064} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424} by night {G3571}, and {G2532} said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Rabbi {G4461}, we know {G1492} that {G3754} thou art {G2064} a teacher {G1320} come {G2064} from {G575} God {G2316}: for {G1063} no man {G3762} can {G1410} do {G4160} these {G5023} miracles {G4592} that {G3739} thou {G4771} doest {G4160}, except {G3362} God {G2316} be {G5600} with {G3326} him {G846}.

This man came to Yeshua by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know it is from God that you have come as a teacher; for no one can do these miracles you perform unless God is with him.”

He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”

the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.

Commentary

This verse introduces Nicodemus, a prominent Jewish leader, coming to Jesus under the cover of night. His address to Jesus reveals a significant level of respect and recognition of Jesus's divine authority, based on the powerful miracles Jesus performed.

Context

Nicodemus is identified here as a "ruler of the Jews," meaning he was likely a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high council. He was also a Pharisee, known for strict adherence to the law. His decision to come by night could indicate caution or secrecy, perhaps due to his position or fear of repercussions from other Jewish leaders who were skeptical or hostile towards Jesus. He comes seeking a private audience with Jesus, motivated by the undeniable evidence of Jesus's miraculous works.

Key Themes

  • Recognition of Jesus's Authority: Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus as a "teacher come from God." This title, "Rabbi" (meaning teacher), shows respect, but his further statement indicates a belief that Jesus's origin and power are divine.
  • Miracles as Proof: The verse highlights the role of Jesus's miraculous works as compelling evidence. Nicodemus correctly infers that such power could only come from God being with Jesus. This aligns with how Jesus himself sometimes pointed to His works as testimony (John 14:11).
  • Seeking Understanding: Despite his high status and theological knowledge, Nicodemus recognizes that Jesus possesses a unique connection to God and seeks to understand more, leading into Jesus's famous teaching on being born again in the verses that follow.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Rabbi" (Greek: Rhabbi) is a transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning "my master" or "my teacher." It was a title of respect given to esteemed religious teachers. Nicodemus uses this respectfully, preceding his significant confession about Jesus's divine connection.

Reflection

Nicodemus's encounter teaches us that even those with significant religious background can recognize the hand of God at work in unexpected ways. His admission that "no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" is a powerful statement of faith, albeit perhaps an initial or incomplete one. It prompts us to consider how we recognize God's activity in the world and in the lives of others, and whether we are willing to seek out and learn from those whom God has uniquely gifted or sent. Nicodemus's journey with Jesus continues later in the Gospel (John 7:50-52, John 19:39-42), showing growth in his understanding and commitment.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • John 5:36 (13 votes)

    But I have greater witness than [that] of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

  • Acts 10:38 (12 votes)

    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • Acts 2:22 (11 votes)

    Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

  • Acts 4:16 (7 votes)

    Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].

  • Acts 4:17 (7 votes)

    But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

  • John 9:30 (7 votes)

    The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and [yet] he hath opened mine eyes.

  • John 9:33 (7 votes)

    If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.