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 3:5
KJVJesus 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.
Read it in context
Nicodemus and the new birth
Start reading at John 3:1 (John 3:1 to John 3:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus explains the need to be born of water and Spirit, then speaks of His being lifted up and of belief, light, and judgment.
- 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 topic of this reading unit? Nicodemus and the new birth. Read John 3:1 through John 3:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus explains the need to be born of water and Spirit, then speaks of His being lifted up and of belief, light, and judgment. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The Gospel moves through Jesus' ministry, including named feasts, to His death, resurrection, and appearances. It does not state a composition date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Galilee, Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem, and places beyond Jordan. Conversations and reported journeys establish each local setting. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Nicodemus and the new birth (John 3:1 to John 3:21). Start reading at John 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? John identifies the Word made flesh and states the Gospel's purpose concerning belief in Jesus and life through His name. Belief should be read with the Gospel's own calls to continue in His word and keep His commandments. See John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Respond to Jesus with active trust and continued obedience. Do not isolate a promise about belief from the audience, dialogue, and surrounding teaching that define its meaning. interpretation
Cited: John 3:1, John 3:21, John 1:14, John 8:31, John 14:15, John 20:31
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
- born John 3:3 Isa 44:3-4 Ezek 36:25-27 Matt 3:11 Mark 16:16 Acts 2:38 Eph 5:26 Titus 3:4-7
- and of John 1:13 Rom 8:2 1 Cor 2:12 1 Cor 6:11 1 John 2:29 1 John 5:1,6-8
- cannot Matt 5:20 Matt 18:3 Matt 28:19 Luke 13:3,5,24 Acts 2:38 Acts 3:19 Rom 14:17 2 Cor 5:17-18
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.