John 3:12
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πιστεύσετε
shall ye believe
G4100
πιστεύσετε
shall ye believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
8 of 15
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
9 of 15
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
10 of 15
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 5:11Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.John 3:8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.John 3:5Jesus 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.
Historical Context
This principle applies to all spiritual learning—foundational truths must be grasped before advancing to deeper mysteries. Hebrews 5:12-14 addresses similar progression. Nicodemus needed to accept Jesus' basic teaching about spiritual rebirth before grasping deeper Christological truths about incarnation and atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does rejection of basic spiritual truth prevent understanding of deeper mysteries?
- What 'earthly things' in Jesus' teaching do people struggle to accept today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus escalates the challenge: 'If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?' 'Earthly things' include new birth—spiritual realities illustrated through earthly analogies (wind, birth). If Nicodemus stumbles over illustrations, how will he comprehend direct heavenly revelation? Jesus' teaching progresses from accessible to profound; inability to grasp basics precludes understanding deeper truths.