John 3:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτος
The same
G3778
οὗτος
The same
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 33
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐλήλυθας
came
G2064
ἐλήλυθας
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 33
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 33
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 33
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 33
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
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
11 of 33
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 33
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 33
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 33
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐλήλυθας
came
G2064
ἐλήλυθας
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
15 of 33
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
οὐδεὶς
no man
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no man
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
17 of 33
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
18 of 33
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖα
miracles
G4592
σημεῖα
miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
21 of 33
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ποιεῖς
do
G4160
ποιεῖς
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
23 of 33
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἃ
that
G3739
ἃ
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
24 of 33
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ποιεῖς
do
G4160
ποιεῖς
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
26 of 33
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
27 of 33
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
28 of 33
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ᾖ
be
G5600
ᾖ
be
Strong's:
G5600
Word #:
29 of 33
(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
30 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
31 of 33
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Acts 10:38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.John 5:36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:John 9:16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.Matthew 22:16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.John 12:37But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:John 1:38Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?John 7:31And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?Judges 6:27Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
Historical Context
Coming at night protected Nicodemus's reputation but also enabled extended private conversation. Rabbinic tradition valued nighttime Torah study. The 'we' may indicate others among the Pharisees shared his curiosity. His recognition of Jesus' divine mission based on signs represents genuine but incomplete faith.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of Jesus do people commonly acknowledge while stopping short of full faith?
- How does Nicodemus's 'we know' reveal that intellectual acknowledgment isn't the same as saving faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nicodemus comes 'by night'—whether from fear, secrecy, or practical scheduling, the symbolism is clear in John's light/darkness motif. He comes from darkness toward the Light. His address 'Rabbi' acknowledges Jesus as teacher despite having no formal training (John 7:15). His confession—'we know that thou art a teacher come from God'—recognizes divine attestation through miracles, yet this is insufficient understanding. Nicodemus knows Jesus is from God but doesn't yet know He IS God.