FocusWater, Spirit, and life
Connection to the wholeJesus explains the need to be born of water and Spirit, then speaks of His being lifted up and of belief, light, and judgment.
interpretation John 3:14
KJVAnd as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Read it in context
Jesus' Discourse with Nicodemus
Start reading at John 3:1 (John 3:1 to John 3:21).
The verse is part of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, which begins at the start of the chapter and concludes at John 3:21.
- 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
- 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
- 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
- 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
- 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.
- 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
- 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
- 3:8 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.
- 3:9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
- 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
- 3:11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
- 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
- 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
- 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
- 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
- 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
- 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
- 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
- 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
- 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author. The Gospel identifies its witness as the beloved disciple; identifying that disciple personally as John rests on early church testimony. Biblical references: John 21:20; John 21:24. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, visits Jesus at night. The passage begins as their conversation; interpreters differ about where Jesus' spoken words end and the evangelist's explanation begins. Passage: John 3:1–21. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Readers called to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and to have life through His name. No individual or congregation is named as the sole original recipient. Biblical references: John 20:30; John 20:31. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus compares His future 'lifting up' to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, explaining that this is necessary for those who believe in Him to have eternal life.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing through Jesus that the Son of man must be lifted up, just as the serpent was lifted up by Moses, so that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative, specifically a discourse or dialogue within the larger narrative.
When
- When was it written? c. A.D. 85 to 95.
- When does the event take place? c. A.D. 27 to 30.
Where
- Where did it happen? In Jerusalem. Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover feast, and Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came to Him there.
- Where was the author located? Ephesus (traditional).
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Discourse with Nicodemus (John 3:1 to John 3:21). Start reading at John 3:1. The verse is part of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, which begins at the start of the chapter and concludes at John 3:21.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse continues Jesus' explanation to Nicodemus about spiritual birth and the way to eternal life, connecting it to a historical event from the Old Testament to illustrate the necessity of His sacrifice. It leads directly into John 3:15-16, which further explains the purpose of the Son of man being lifted up. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as "the Son of man" who "must be lifted up," directly foreshadowing His crucifixion and subsequent exaltation. This act of being lifted up is presented as the means by which whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to look to Jesus, the Son of man who was lifted up, for salvation and eternal life, just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent in the wilderness for healing. interpretation
Cited: John 3:14, Numbers 21:7-9, John 3:1, John 2:23
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book identifies its author as the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote them.
John 21:24John 21:20
Early traditionEarly testimony, notably Irenaeus, names John the apostle.
What is debated
There is substantial early Christian tradition supporting John the son of Zebedee—James’s brother—as the authority behind the Gospel, but it is not the same kind of evidence as having a signed first-century manuscript saying “I, John son of Zebedee, wrote this.” The case is cumulative, built from internal evidence in the Gospel plus external testimony from early Christians. There are also real reasons scholars debate it.
Related passages
- as Num 21:7-9 2 Kgs 18:4
- even John 8:28 John 12:32-34 Ps 22:16 Matt 26:54 Luke 18:31-33 Luke 24:20,26-27,44-46 Acts 2:23 Acts 4:27-28
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
John 3
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
John and the bridegroom
John 3:22–30FocusThe witness takes his place
Connection to the wholeJohn answers concern about Jesus' growing following by affirming that his role is to rejoice in the bridegroom's arrival.
interpretation The one from above
John 3:31–36FocusReceiving or rejecting testimony
Connection to the wholeThe chapter closes by stressing the authority of the Son's testimony and the seriousness of receiving or rejecting Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
John
The Gospel states that its signs are written so readers may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and have life through His name. Read its claims about belief alongside its calls to receive His word, continue in it, and follow Him.
John 20:30 John 20:31 John 8:31
The Word made flesh
John 1:1–18FocusRevelation and life
Connection to the wholeThe opening identifies the Word and His coming in flesh, providing the frame for the testimony and encounters that follow.
interpretation FocusReceiving Jesus' revelation
Connection to the wholeEarly signs and conversations disclose Jesus' identity while distinguishing superficial response from receiving His testimony.
interpretation Works, teaching, and division
John 5:1–10:42FocusLife, light, and the shepherd
Connection to the wholeJesus' signs and explanations provoke belief and hostility, developing the question of who He is and how His voice is received.
interpretation The approach of the hour
John 11:1–12:50FocusLazarus, Jerusalem, and the coming death
Connection to the wholeThe raising of Lazarus intensifies the plot, and Jesus interprets His approaching death as His hour comes into view.
interpretation Jesus and His disciples
John 13:1–17:26FocusLove, abiding, and prayer
Connection to the wholeThe farewell teaching prepares the disciples for His departure, the Comforter, opposition, and continuing life and witness in Him.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and testimony
John 18:1–21:25FocusThe finished work and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeThe passion and resurrection accounts lead to the Gospel's stated purpose and Jesus' renewed charge to His followers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.