John 3:9
Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 9
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Νικόδημος
Nicodemus
G3530
Νικόδημος
Nicodemus
Strong's:
G3530
Word #:
2 of 9
victorious among his people; nicodemus, an israelite
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 9
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
Cross References
Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.John 6:52The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?John 6:60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?Luke 1:34Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Historical Context
Nicodemus likely knew Ezekiel 36:25-27 promising the Spirit's cleansing and indwelling. Yet he couldn't connect this to Jesus' teaching about new birth. Religious education without spiritual regeneration leaves one unable to grasp spiritual truth. Jesus' response (verse 10) emphasizes this irony—Israel's teacher doesn't understand Israel's hope.
Questions for Reflection
- Why doesn't religious education automatically produce spiritual understanding?
- What Old Testament passages should have prepared Nicodemus for Jesus' teaching on new birth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nicodemus asks, 'How can these things be?'—expressing bewilderment at Jesus' teaching. The question is genuine, not hostile. A leading teacher in Israel cannot comprehend basic spiritual realities. This exposes the gap between religious expertise and spiritual understanding. Knowledge of Scripture doesn't automatically produce comprehension of its spiritual meaning. Nicodemus needs what he's being taught—spiritual illumination.