Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. As you can see, there are different interpretations of John 3:5. If a person has been born again, then this person has been born of water and of the Spirit. born again, before he is admitted to that ordinance: and though The aorist tense (John 3:3, John 3:4, John 3:5, John 3:7), marks the fact of birth; the perfect (as here), the state of that which has been born (see on 1 John 5:18, where both tenses occur); the neuter, that which, states the principle in the abstract. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Certain Christians use Ephesians 5:26 to suggest that being born of water refers to the Word of God, where Paul says that Christ, "sanctifies the Church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word." 3x5 Lyrics: I'm writing you to catch you up on places I've been / And you held this letter / Probably got excited, but there's nothing else inside it … Incredulous, he wondered allowed if one could enter into his mother’s womb a second time. The illustration refers to wind. Like all of us, Nicodemus had to learn that God loved the world so much that He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. to the Spirit, as in ( Titus 3:5 ) , who as it is elsewhere; see ( Ezekiel into a Gospel church state; yet it is not necessary to the It is easy to jump to the conclusion that Jesus' mention of water refers to baptism. and sometimes to the Son, ( 1 John 2:29 ) and here Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. John stresses that the day was a sabbath . He sees those as counter-examples to an interpretation of John 3:5 and Titus 3:5 as referring to baptismal regeneration. John 3:5. John 13:3. Why is “Spirit” (John 3:5) capitalized? But, to his shock, he could not enter that kingdom without spiritual birth. His words and actions raised many questions in the hearts of the Jewish rulers. and rise to infant baptism in the African churches; who taking should seem Nicodemon ben Gorion was, by the story before related All rights reserved. baptized, as Simon Magus was, and yet not born again; and it is Nicodemus did not appear to understand the need for spiritual birth... and so he sought illumination. Exegetical Details. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus had to lead this searching man into a deeper understanding of salvation and the kingdom of heaven - and using the TRUTH of God's WORD, Jesus gently led this man into a deeper understanding of Who HE was - the Light of the World, in Whom are the words of eternal life. kingdom of God; nor can he be thought to have passed from death Can the “Spirit” be seen? The ordinary term for “wind” in the Greek Testament is anemos other grace; begins and carries on the work of grace, unto Compare John 3:8, where the statement is personal: everyone that is born. 4:10, 11) “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. he cannot sin] It is a moral impossibility for a child of God to sin. A person cannot see air, but it is real, is it not? meant, in a figurative and metaphorical sense, the grace of God, And as the Lord Jesus looked into this man's searching heart, He read the question that was lodged there... Nicodemus wanted to know how to enter the kingdom of God. The Bible uses the expression “born again” only a few times. John 3:5 records Jesus saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." KJV: King James Version Incredulous, he wondered allowed if one could enter into his mother’s womb a second time. Hebrew: more precisely, Aramaic. Jesus knowing that the Father had given him all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God. The teaching on the born-again doctrine—found primarily in John 3 but expanded by Paul, Peter, and John in later writings—has been prone to misunderstanding since Jesus Christ spoke to Nicodemus about it nearly two thousand years ago. 36:25 ) ( John 4:14 ) . Neh 3:1, 32; 12:39. and if Nicodemus was an officer in the temple, that took care to The meaning of the figurative phrase “by means of ink and pen” in v. 13. man's free will, that any are regenerated, or made new creatures: God's love for us is astonishing in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us - and the whole glorious plan of salvation, which was purposed before the foundation of the world is a testimony to the grace of our heavenly Father and His amazing love for each one of us. 4 The one who says, “ I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. on StudyLight.org You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. Among Christians, John 3:16 is often used as a shorthand signal of their faith, printed on bumper stickers and t-shirts and posted on social media and dating profiles. Verse 3: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one … The Lord Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John … John 3:6 Context. The Holy Spirit gives people spiritual life. water, it being his own element: regeneration is sometimes Some interpret this verse to mean that baptism is required for salvation. John 3:5 KJV Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. But more than that, I thank You, Father, that Your Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin, of Christ's righteousness, and of the terrible condemnation that will befall all who have not believed in the Son of God for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. However, as a figure, the part water plays is more … That's intense, but what does John mean when he talks about the "light" in reference to Jesus. “Gate” is supplied on the grounds that there must have been a gate in the NE wall of the temple area where animals for sacrifice were brought in; cf. John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’” Explanation and Commentary on John 3:5. John 1:14). For example, Rom. What is Jesus saying in John 3:5-8? John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’” Explanation and Commentary on John 3:5. Born of water refers to the natural birth. Being born of the Spirit is understood to be a supernatural happening within the heart of a man or woman who has trusted Christ for salvation. A. 1 John 3:5, NLT: "And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is … Jesus interrupted Nicodemus and went straight to his spiritual issue. (twlm) , "two words", kingdom of it; or that living and dying so, he shall ever enter 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:5 Context. to life, and to have entered into an open state of grace, and the Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit. John 3:5, NASB : "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit… That is an argument itself, from cross-referencing. In fact, Nicodemus immediately misconstrued what Christ meant, understanding His analogy on a purely physical level, as another literal birth. Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Perhaps the clearest answer to this question is found in the Gospel of John 3:19-21 (see notes): And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 3 e All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? He had to be born of the Spirit and washed in Christ's redeeming blood. Born of water refers to the first birth, since in the womb babies grow in a bag of fluid very similar in composition to seawater. these are, (twnv) 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Many commentators bypass the context of John 3:3-7 in search of an Old Testament or extra-biblical alternative meaning for “water” in 3:5, other than a physical “womb” birth. Still others suggest that being born of water is the same as spiritual birth. They all acknowledged that no one could do the mighty miracles that Jesus performed unless God was with Him. John 3 is the third chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.It deals with Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, one of the Jewish pharisees, and John the Baptist's continued testimony regarding Jesus. The expression “born of water” is certainly consistent with language employed of baptism in other portions of the New Testament. 5:4; (James 1:17; 1 Pet. Because this is said as an explanation of Jesus' initial statement, being "born of water and the Spirit" is the same as being "born again" or "born from above." Thank You that I have been born of the Spirit and washed clean by Christ's precious blood. 1:22-25). Before being born again I am led by my own human inclinations, namely the desires of the flesh. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? The term rendered “wind” in John 3:8 is the Greek word pneuma. Nicodemus had to learn that whosoever believes in JESUS is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. "Flesh" again refers to human nature (cf. Born of water refers to the Word of God. All who believe in Him would be born-again of the Spirit, enter the kingdom of God, and LIVE eternally. Faith in Christ is the criteria for becoming a citizen in God's kingdom. The meaning of the phrase “born of water and the Spirit” has been debated throughout church history, resulting in four main interpretations. Despite being a teacher of the Law, this man lacked understanding and Jesus explained clearly, yet emphatically, that unless a person is born of water AND born of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. effected; for it is by the grace of God, and not by the power of Spirit: * There is no noun with Sheep. 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. What is the “water” of which John 3:5 says one also needs to be born to enter the kingdom of God? Salem Media Group. John 3:5 says that if a person is going to enter the kingdom he must be born of water and of the Spirit. Clearly, salvation is by faith. into the kingdom of heaven; for unless a man is regenerated, he One night, the Lord Jesus was visited by an important teacher of the Jews called Nicodemus. A commonly used phrase is “born again Christian” often in the context of distinguishing between Christians who are “born again” and those not. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. The context of the passage surrounding John 3:5 involves being born again, also known as the second birth. By this we know that we are in Him: 11:2; Eph. convinces of sin, sanctifies, renews, works faith, and every born again into the family of God, becomes a new creation in Christ who will enter the kingdom of God. 2 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 meaning would then be, that by baptism we enter into the kingdom of God, because in baptism we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. New International Version (NIV) As we all know, God’s words are the living water of life for us. never expressed by water only, without some additional word, Therefore, the expression "born of water" in John 3:5 should mean a mere abstract symbol of spiritual cleansing which is in actuality, a concrete work of God in a believer. In past treatments of baptism, I have noted the similarities between John 3:5 and Titus 3:5. Can a man enter his mother's womb a second time and be born?". What Does 1 John 3:5 Mean? Here, the Greek word is pneuma, which is the equivalent of the Hebrew ruach meaning "an invisible force or power." John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. One way to discover this is to look more closely at the actual language of the passage (e.g., semantic range and tenses of original Greek). is not born heir apparent to it; and without internal holiness, In this paper, I argue that John 3:5 is based upon the eschatological texts of Ezekiel 36-37, especially 36:25-27, and Isaiah 44. There are five basic interpretations of this section of scripture in reference to water. 1 a In the beginning was b the Word, and c the Word was with God, and d the Word was God. Look down in pity on all whose hearts are crying out for the truth - just as Nicodemus did when he came to Jesus by night and discovered that it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, that we can enter the kingdom of heaven and live with You in the eternal ages to come. John 13:3-5 King James Version (KJV). the words in this bad sense, concluded their children must be But claiming that baptism in water is necessary for salvation contradicts many Bible passages... all of which insist that salvation is by GRACE alone through FAITH alone in CHRIST alone. He had to realise that Jews are not automatically credited with righteousness because of their ancestry. One who is 'born again' believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. John 3:5–7 5 Jesus answered, “ Truly , truly , I say to you , unless one is born q of water and the Spirit , he cannot enter the kingdom of God . Thank You for sending Jesus to be the propitiation for my sin. meant material water, or baptismal water; for water baptism is 1 John 3:5, KJV: "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin." The word translated as "enter" is a version of the Greek word "erchomai" with the added prefix of "eis," that is, "eiserchomai." submission to it is necessary, in order to a person's entrance perfection; he cannot enter into the kingdom of God; ", Jesus was telling Nicodemus that unless a person is SAVED by GRACE through FAITH in HIM, he will not see the kingdom of God. John 3:5, KJV: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Others argue that “water” represents the Word of God (John 15:3; Eph. Question: "What does it mean to be born of God?" Answer: The term born of God is found primarily in the book of 1 John. Hence, there is no necessity to attach an unusual meaning to the term in John 3:5. I wonder, when Nicodemus accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to take down the bruised and bloodied body of the Lord Jesus from that cruel Roman cross, if his mind fled back to that life-changing interview, in the middle of the night, when he came to see the Lord and started to understand that unless he was born of water AND born of the Spirit, he could not enter into the kingdom of God. he asked. Born of water refers to the Holy Spirit. Praise His holy name, AMEN. Hence, there is no necessity to attach an unusual meaning to the term in John 3:5. no right to Gospel ordinances, or things appertaining to the What did Jesus mean in John 3:5 when He said to Nicodemus, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God”? But is the Holy Spirit someone who can be said to have a ‘personhood’? 12:5–8); 1 Cor. Sometimes, we spend so much time chasing after something that we find difficult to understand, that we miss the most important truth. i. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’. Which is a really an incorrect distinction, for all true Christians have been “born again” But what does it mean to be “born again”? KJV: King James Version which express the same thing, as Kimchi observes in many places Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, Jew and Gentile alike, and everyman faces the consequences of of their sin - eternal condemnation, but whatever is born of the Spirit i.e. James 1:18 ) , But there has been much confusion about being born of water. 2 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. He is talking about a new desire – a spiritual transformation. But, would Nicodemus have understood it in this way? Throughout the book of 1 John, John outlines characteristics of true believers, such as: keeping fellowship with Christ and other believers (1 John 1:3); walking in the light and confessing their sins (1 John 1:6–9); being obedient to God's Word (1 John 2:3–5); living pure lives (1 John 3:3); … Jews and Gentiles alike, have to look to Christ to live. 3 7 t Do not marvel that I said to you , ‘ You 4 must be born u again .’ They even quote Jesus Who said, "He that believes on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water," in which Christ was making a direct reference to the indwelling Spirit of God. So if John doesn’t mean that true Christians don’t/can’t sin, what does he mean? John 3:5(NASB) It is found 386 times in the Greek New Testament, and it is never rendered “wind” except in this solitary instance. Many people agree that being, 'born of water', simply refers to the natural process of child-birth in the human realm - born of water, as opposed to the supernatural, spiritual birth into the family of God, when one is, 'born of the Spirit'. What is this “living water”? Whoever abides in Him does not sin: Since sin is lawlessness, a disregard for God (1 John 3:4), and since Jesus came to take away our sins (1 John 3:5), and since in Jesus there is no sin (1 John 3:5), then to abide in Him means to not sin. Some interpret this verse to mean that baptism is required for salvation. But the Lord Himself provides the referent and meaning in the immediate context of vv. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. Why is “Spirit” (John 3:5) capitalized? Hence arose the belief of the absolute necessity of baptism, in order to the hope of eternal life. The proof is found in God’s word–the word that has no contradictions. But that “sword” cuts both ways. Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus, (John 3:3; 5-7); Pete… which shows, that the ordinance of water baptism is intended: nor has baptism any regenerating influence in it; a person may be of "How can anyone be born when he is an old man? "How can this happen?" baptized, or they could not be saved; whereas by "water" is * Aenon near Salim: site uncertain, either in the upper Jordan valley or in Samaria. 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. But is the Holy Spirit someone who can be said to have a ‘personhood’? Heavenly Father, thank You for my life and for all that it means to be born into the human race. ascribed to God the Father, as in ( 1 Peter 1:3 ) ( provide water at the feasts, as Dr. Lightfoot thinks, and as it John 3:5 Context. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. The discussion in this passage is specifically about being "born again" and what that involves. will never understand divine and spiritual things, so he can have Is the “Spirit” then a different God? 1 John 2:3-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB). Others consider that being born of water refers to water baptism, which is often argued as being a vital part of spiritual regeneration. Nicodemus has asked how a man can be born again when he is old. 6 r That which is born of the flesh is s flesh , and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit . In fact, the term is used five times within this context. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. 22:2; (2 Cor. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Is the “Spirit” then a different God? John 3:1-8. We have now that state of mind in Jesus which leads to the act about to be described. Its molecules can be packed so solidly, so close together, that they will lift a huge airplane right off the ground. As in 2 John 12, the author states he has many things to write to Gaius, but prefers not to communicate them in writing. As to rebirth, the Lord Jesus also said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). 3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. Therefore, being born again means the same thing as being born of water and of the Spirit. Why do I need to be born again? But that seems like a subtle meaning that Nicodemus may easily have missed. It is obvious that Jesus is not talking about being born a second time physically. What do 1 John 3:6 and 1 John 5:18 mean when they say believers will not continue to sin? begets men again to, a lively hope, and that by which it is John 13:3-5 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. But this great Jewish leader needed further clarification. Jesus is depicted as baptizing ; contrast Jn 4:2. John 3:3-6. Others say that “water” is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, so that both terms mean the same thing. He had to see that his natural birth into the world as a descendent of Abraham was not sufficient to enter the kingdom - he had to be born again. Explaining somewhat more clearly, what he before said: except a man be born of water and of the mistaken sense of this text, seems to have given the first birth 5:25; James 1:18; 1 Pet. John 3:5 KJV Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. shall not enter into it, enjoy it, or see God. 27 John answered and said, # (Rom. What is the “water” of which John 3:5 says one also needs to be born to enter the kingdom of God? This religionist thought that he was entitled to the kingdom. Days earlier, Jesus had cleansed the Temple of God, overturned the tables of the money-changers, and demonstrated great authority. and unless a man has this work of his wrought on his soul, as he Jesus explained that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so HE would one day have to be lifted up on a Cross and be made sin for our sakes so that, like Nicodemus' disease-ridden ancestors in the wilderness who had to look and live, so ALL who would look to JESUS in faith would not perish but have LIFE. John 3:5 records Jesus saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." in his commentaries, and signify the grace of the Spirit of God. Further, after examining Greek terms for "born of water and the Spirit," I conclude that "born of water Second, verses 3, 5, and 7: We must be born again in order to see and enter the kingdom of God, that is, in order to be rescued from God’s judgment (John 3:36) and brought to eternal life. John 3:5. 3:1; Mark 1:2; (Luke 1:17) ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 # Matt. and so Nonnus; and who doubtless is intended: by "water", is not 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, # John 1:19–27 ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, # Mal. First John 5:1 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.” Other references are found in 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; and 5:4, 18. Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee Explaining somewhat more clearly, what he before said: except a man be born of water and of the Spirit: these are, (twnv) (twlm) , "two words", which express the same thing, as Kimchi observes in many places in his commentaries, and signify the grace of the Spirit of God. of him; (See Gill on John In that sense, as used here by Jesus, both "water" and "spirit" are spiritual entities. It is because of the imperfection of our sonship that sin is possible, an imperfection to be remedied and gradually reduced by the blood of … Which is Colossians 2:12 (NIV) 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God , who raised him from the dead. What Does John 3:5 Mean? Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is essential to salvation? California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit [] gives birth to spirit() 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You [] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleasesYou hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. Like us, Nicodemus had to come to an understanding that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved, by God's grace through faith in Him. That is an argument itself, from cross-referencing. Can the “Spirit” be seen? Is that a correct interpretation? so far from having any such virtue, that a person ought to be kingdom of heaven, or to eternal life and salvation: such a 4-6. 4 f In him was life, 1 and g the life was the light of men. Over the years there have been many alternative views of what it means to be 'born of water', which has caused much confusion in the Church, while all agree that being 'born of the Spirit' is the work the Holy Ghost in the heart of a man or woman at the point of salvation. 3:1); very pertinently does our Lord make mention of 1 John 3:5, NASB: "You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin." Wide differences of opinion—at least five different views—exist as to what Jesus meant by “born of water.” Perhaps the two most widely accepted views are as follows: 1) “born of water” refers to being born physically (water being the amniotic fluid When we take a close look, it is clear that John is talking about something other than Christians simply committing sins. Proud member Perhaps John the Baptist’s further testimony was transposed here to give meaning to “water” in Jn 3:5. Here, not in John 3:5, Jesus clarified that there are two types of birth, one physical and one spiritual. Why should it be translated “Spirit” on four occasions and “wind” only once? Is that a correct interpretation? To claim water baptism is required for salvation is a 'works-based gospel', which should be rejected as it adds a human act to Christ's full and finished redemptive work at Calvary. What is Jesus saying in John 3:5-8? John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 3:5, 6; 4:7; Heb.