John 3:5
Jesus 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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 23
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 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
3 of 23
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
4 of 23
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
5 of 23
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 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
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γεννηθῇ
be born
G1080
γεννηθῇ
be born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
11 of 23
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 23
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
οὐ
he cannot
G3756
οὐ
he cannot
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
16 of 23
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 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 #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
G932
βασιλείαν
the kingdom
Strong's:
G932
Word #:
21 of 23
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.Ephesians 5:26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:1 Corinthians 6:11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.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 1:13Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.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.1 Corinthians 2:12Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
Historical Context
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, would know Ezekiel 36:25-27's prophecy of cleansing water and a new Spirit. Jesus connects Old Testament promises to present reality. Proselyte baptism was known in Judaism, but Jesus demands something deeper—spiritual transformation.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you identify a time when you were 'born of the Spirit' and received new spiritual life?
- How does understanding regeneration as God's work impact your assurance of salvation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Christ explains the necessity of being 'born of water and of the Spirit' for entering God's kingdom. 'Water' likely refers to natural birth (amniotic fluid) or baptism as outward sign; 'Spirit' is the essential element—divine regeneration. The copulative 'and' suggests two distinct births: natural and spiritual. Without spiritual rebirth, mere physical existence or religious ritual is insufficient. This verse establishes salvation as God's work, not human achievement.