John 3:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀπεκρίθη
G611
answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#2
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
Ἰησοῦς
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#4
ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#5
ἀμὴν
G281
Verily
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
#6
λέγω
G3004
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#7
σοι
G4671
unto thee
to thee
#8
ἐὰν
G1437
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
#9
μή
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#10
τις
G5100
a man
some or any person or object
#11
γεννηθῇ
G1080
be born
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
#12
ἐξ
G1537
of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#13
ὕδατος
G5204
water
water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
#14
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#15
πνεύματος
G4151
of the Spirit
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
#16
οὐ
G3756
he cannot
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#17
δύναται
G1410
to be able or possible
#18
εἰσελθεῖν
G1525
enter
to enter (literally or figuratively)
#19
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#20
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
βασιλείαν
G932
the kingdom
properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)
#22
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
θεοῦ
G2316
of God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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