John 3:6
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγεννημένον
That which is born
G1080
γεγεννημένον
That which is born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
2 of 15
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
3 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρξ
flesh
G4561
σάρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
5 of 15
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
σάρξ
flesh
G4561
σάρξ
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 15
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγεννημένον
That which is born
G1080
γεγεννημένον
That which is born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
10 of 15
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 15
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεῦμά
spirit
G4151
πνεῦμά
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.1 Corinthians 6:17But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.Genesis 6:12And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.Job 25:4How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?Job 14:4Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.1 John 3:9Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Romans 7:18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.Romans 8:13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Historical Context
The flesh/Spirit distinction appears throughout New Testament theology (Romans 8:5-8, Galatians 5:16-17). Jesus establishes categories that Paul and other apostles would develop. The impossibility of flesh producing spirit eliminates all human effort as the source of salvation—only divine intervention through the Spirit brings spiritual life.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the flesh/Spirit distinction challenge attempts to earn salvation through human effort?
- What is the relationship between our natural birth and our need for spiritual rebirth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus draws a fundamental distinction: 'That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.' Two realms, two sources, two natures. Fleshly birth produces fleshly existence—unable to perceive or enter God's kingdom. Spiritual birth requires the Spirit's work, producing spiritual life. This explains why new birth is necessary: physical existence, no matter how refined or religious, cannot produce spiritual life. Different origins yield different natures.