John 1:13
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Original Language Analysis
οἳ
Which
G3739
οἳ
Which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
αἱμάτων
blood
G129
αἱμάτων
blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
4 of 16
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
θελήματος
the will
G2307
θελήματος
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
7 of 16
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
G4561
σαρκὸς
of the flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
8 of 16
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
θελήματος
the will
G2307
θελήματος
the will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
11 of 16
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
14 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.1 John 3:9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.1 Peter 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,1 John 5:4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;1 John 4:7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.1 Corinthians 3:6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.1 John 5:1Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Historical Context
This verse directly challenged Jewish confidence in Abrahamic descent. Being born Jewish didn't guarantee God's family membership. Nicodemus, a teacher of Israel, would struggle with this concept (John 3). The early church confronted similar issues regarding circumcision and Torah observance. This verse establishes that entrance into God's family requires supernatural birth, not natural descent or religious ritual.
Questions for Reflection
- How does divine birth 'of God' challenge notions of earning salvation through religious heritage or effort?
- What does this teach about the relationship between human decision and divine regeneration in salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse explains the origin of spiritual birth, using three negatives: 'not of blood' (biological inheritance), 'nor of the will of the flesh' (human effort), 'nor of the will of man' (another person's decision). Divine birth originates solely 'of God' (ek theou). The Greek 'haima' (bloods, plural) may reference both parents—no human lineage produces spiritual children. Salvation is monergistic—entirely God's work. Regeneration precedes and enables faith, not vice versa. This demolishes all human pride in salvation.