John 3:8

Authorized King James Version

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματος

G4151

The wind

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

ὅπου

G3699

where

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

θέλει

G2309

it listeth

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

πνεῖ

G4154

bloweth

to breathe hard, i.e., breeze

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

φωνὴν

G5456

the sound

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

αὐτοῦ

G846

thereof

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

#10

ἀκούεις

G191

thou hearest

to hear (in various senses)

#11

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#12

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#13

οἶδας

G1492

canst

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

#14

πόθεν

G4159

whence

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

#15

ἔρχεται

G2064

it cometh

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

ποῦ

G4226

whither

as adverb of place; at (by implication, to) what locality

#18

ὑπάγει·

G5217

it goeth

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

#19

οὕτως

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

#20

ἐστὶν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#21

πᾶς

G3956

every one

all, any, every, the whole

#22

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

γεγεννημένος

G1080

that is born

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#24

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#25

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#26

πνεύματος

G4151

The wind

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

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to John. The concept of divine revelation reflects the essential nature of God revealed through Christ. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to theological biography emphasizing Jesus' divine identity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within John chapter 3 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the divine love theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?

Related Resources

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John 3:8

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

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