John 3:4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
2 of 23
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,
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 23
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 #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Νικόδημος
Nicodemus
G3530
Νικόδημος
Nicodemus
Strong's:
G3530
Word #:
5 of 23
victorious among his people; nicodemus, an israelite
Πῶς
How
G4459
Πῶς
How
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
6 of 23
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
γεννηθῆναι
be born
G1080
γεννηθῆναι
be born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
9 of 23
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
μὴ
can
G3361
μὴ
can
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 23
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοιλίαν
womb
G2836
κοιλίαν
womb
Strong's:
G2836
Word #:
16 of 23
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μητρὸς
mother's
G3384
μητρὸς
mother's
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
18 of 23
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 23
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
δεύτερον
the second time
G1208
δεύτερον
the second time
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
20 of 23
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.1 Corinthians 1:18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.John 3:3Jesus 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 6:53Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Historical Context
Nicodemus was among Israel's most educated religious teachers. His inability to grasp Jesus' meaning shows that spiritual understanding requires more than intelligence or training. The question 'how can these things be?' (verse 9) reveals the limits of natural reason in apprehending spiritual truth.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do intelligent people often struggle with spiritual concepts that seem simple?
- How does Nicodemus's literalism warn against reducing spiritual realities to physical categories?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nicodemus's question—'How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?'—reveals confusion about Jesus' meaning. He takes 'born again' literally, which seems absurd. Yet his question opens the door for deeper explanation. Nicodemus represents intelligent people who struggle with spiritual categories. Physical rebirth is impossible; that's precisely Jesus' point—spiritual rebirth requires divine intervention, not human effort.