John 3:9

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

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

Nakdimon replied, “How can this happen?”

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.

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

Commentary

In John 3:9, Nicodemus, a prominent Jewish leader and Pharisee, voices his confusion to Jesus with the question, "How can these things be?" This verse marks a pivotal moment in their nocturnal conversation, revealing the challenge of understanding spiritual truths through a purely human, physical lens.

Context

This question from Nicodemus is a direct response to Jesus's profound teaching on the necessity of being "born again" or "born from above" (John 3:3, 7). Jesus had explained that spiritual birth, likened to the mysterious and unseen work of the wind (John 3:8), is essential for entering the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus, an esteemed teacher of Israel, was accustomed to religious law and outward observances. The concept of a radical, internal, spiritual transformation was entirely new and perplexing to him, leading to his bewildered inquiry.

Key Themes

  • Human Incomprehension of Divine Truths: Nicodemus's question underscores the natural human difficulty in grasping spiritual realities that operate outside of physical laws and human logic. His focus is on the "how," seeking a rational explanation for a supernatural process.
  • The Need for Spiritual Revelation: This exchange highlights that understanding God's kingdom requires more than intellectual prowess or religious adherence; it necessitates a divine revelation and the work of the Holy Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 states, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him."
  • The Mystery of God's Work: Just as Nicodemus couldn't fathom "how" one could be born again, many aspects of God's work remain mysterious to human understanding. Faith often involves trusting in what we cannot fully explain or see.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "How can these things be?" is pōs dynatai tauta genesthai? The word pōs (πῶς), meaning "how," expresses genuine bewilderment rather than outright disbelief or challenge. It indicates Nicodemus's struggle to reconcile Jesus's spiritual teaching with his established, physical understanding of birth and religious practice. He's not questioning Jesus's authority as much as his own ability to comprehend such a radical concept.

Practical Application

Nicodemus's honest question offers several lessons for believers today:

  • It is natural to have questions or struggle with spiritual concepts that transcend human logic. God's ways are often higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
  • Humility is crucial in seeking spiritual understanding. Nicodemus, despite his high status, came to Jesus seeking answers.
  • True spiritual understanding comes not from human intellect alone, but from the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to grasp the gift of salvation by grace through faith.
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Cross-References

  • Luke 1:34 (4 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 42:16 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • John 6:52 (4 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 4:18 (2 votes)

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

  • John 3:4 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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