John 3:10
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 16
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 16
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
of Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
12 of 16
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 22:29Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.Ezekiel 11:19And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Historical Context
Prophetic promises of new hearts, cleansing water, and the Spirit's indwelling should have prepared Israel for Jesus' teaching. The failure to recognize these connections shows how tradition can obscure Scripture's plain meaning. Jesus expects Old Testament believers to recognize new covenant realities when they appear.
Questions for Reflection
- How can religious tradition sometimes obscure rather than illuminate Scripture's meaning?
- What Old Testament passages point to new birth and the Spirit's transforming work?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response—'Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?'—contains gentle rebuke. 'Master' (didaskalos) with the article indicates Nicodemus's prominent teaching role. One so educated in Israel's Scriptures should understand regeneration from passages like Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Jeremiah 31:31-34. The Old Testament promised new hearts and indwelling Spirit. Nicodemus knew the texts but missed their meaning.