submission to it is necessary, in order to a person's entrance 4 The one who says, “ I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. 27 John answered and said, # (Rom. The ordinary term for “wind” in the Greek Testament is anemos 1 John 3:5, NASB: "You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin." he asked. Is that a correct interpretation? Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’. John 3:5 KJV 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. John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ", Jesus was telling Nicodemus that unless a person is SAVED by GRACE through FAITH in HIM, he will not see the kingdom of God. In this paper, I argue that John 3:5 is based upon the eschatological texts of Ezekiel 36-37, especially 36:25-27, and Isaiah 44. The meaning would then be, that by baptism we enter into the kingdom of God, because in baptism we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. The meaning of the figurative phrase “by means of ink and pen” in v. 13. Others say that “water” is a symbol for the Holy Spirit, so that both terms mean the same thing. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, "the Holy Spirit", John 3:5, NASB : "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit… Second, verses 3, 5, and 7: We must be born again in order to see and enter the kingdom of God, that is, in order to be rescued from God’s judgment (John 3:36) and brought to eternal life. The word translated as "enter" is a version of the Greek word "erchomai" with the added prefix of "eis," that is, "eiserchomai." 1 John 3:5, NLT: "And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is … Born of water refers to the natural birth. He had to realise that Jews are not automatically credited with righteousness because of their ancestry. But that seems like a subtle meaning that Nicodemus may easily have missed. One way to discover this is to look more closely at the actual language of the passage (e.g., semantic range and tenses of original Greek). kingdom of heaven, or to eternal life and salvation: such a Spirit: other grace; begins and carries on the work of grace, unto 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. into a Gospel church state; yet it is not necessary to the Compare John 3:8, where the statement is personal: everyone that is born. Perhaps it was simply that Nicodemus held the customary belief that his Jewish ancestry gave him automatic entry into God's kingdom and the Holy Spirit was stirring his heart to search out the truth, "that unless one is born of water AND the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." John The Word Became Flesh. Verse 3: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one … A commonly used phrase is “born again Christian” often in the context of distinguishing between Christians who are “born again” and those not. As in 2 John 12, the author states he has many things to write to Gaius, but prefers not to communicate them in writing. But there has been much confusion about being born of water. effected; for it is by the grace of God, and not by the power of 12:5–8); 1 Cor. To claim water baptism is required for salvation is a 'works-based gospel', which should be rejected as it adds a human act to Christ's full and finished redemptive work at Calvary. Jesus is depicted as baptizing ; contrast Jn 4:2. One who is 'born again' believes in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. It is found 386 times in the Greek New Testament, and it is never rendered “wind” except in this solitary instance. 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. Heavenly Father, thank You for my life and for all that it means to be born into the human race. 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. Can a man enter his mother's womb a second time and be born?". John 3:5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit. All rights reserved. Is the “Spirit” then a different God? In past treatments of baptism, I have noted the similarities between John 3:5 and Titus 3:5. Explaining somewhat more clearly, what he before said: except a man be born of water and of the Throughout the book of 1 John, John outlines characteristics of true believers, such as: keeping fellowship with Christ and other believers (1 John 1:3); walking in the light and confessing their sins (1 John 1:6–9); being obedient to God's Word (1 John 2:3–5); living pure lives (1 John 3:3); … KJV: King James Version * Aenon near Salim: site uncertain, either in the upper Jordan valley or in Samaria. He had to see that his natural birth into the world as a descendent of Abraham was not sufficient to enter the kingdom - he had to be born again. Perhaps the clearest answer to this question is found in the Gospel of John 3:19-21 (see notes): And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Salem Media Group. What did Jesus mean in John 3:5 when He said to Nicodemus, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God”? Born of water refers to the first birth, since in the womb babies grow in a bag of fluid very similar in composition to seawater. But this great Jewish leader needed further clarification. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. As we all know, God’s words are the living water of life for us. John stresses that the day was a sabbath . Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. The aorist tense (John 3:3, John 3:4, John 3:5, John 3:7), marks the fact of birth; the perfect (as here), the state of that which has been born (see on 1 John 5:18, where both tenses occur); the neuter, that which, states the principle in the abstract. James 1:18 ) , and rise to infant baptism in the African churches; who taking provide water at the feasts, as Dr. Lightfoot thinks, and as it I wonder, when Nicodemus accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to take down the bruised and bloodied body of the Lord Jesus from that cruel Roman cross, if his mind fled back to that life-changing interview, in the middle of the night, when he came to see the Lord and started to understand that unless he was born of water AND born of the Spirit, he could not enter into the kingdom of God. will never understand divine and spiritual things, so he can have 3 7 t Do not marvel that I said to you , ‘ You 4 must be born u again .’ The Lord Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John … Whatever the real meaning of 'being born of water' is... let us make sure that we fully understand that salvation is by GRACE through FAITH in Christ - ALONE. John 3:3-6. Question: "What does it mean to be born of God?" Therefore, being born again means the same thing as being born of water and of the Spirit. Perhaps John the Baptist’s further testimony was transposed here to give meaning to “water” in Jn 3:5. Many commentators bypass the context of John 3:3-7 in search of an Old Testament or extra-biblical alternative meaning for “water” in 3:5, other than a physical “womb” birth. Others consider that being born of water refers to water baptism, which is often argued as being a vital part of spiritual regeneration. John 3:5 Context. His words and actions raised many questions in the hearts of the Jewish rulers. The Holy Spirit gives people spiritual life. 1 John 3:5(NASB) Verse Thoughts. 3x5 Lyrics: I'm writing you to catch you up on places I've been / And you held this letter / Probably got excited, but there's nothing else inside it … 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit [] gives birth to spirit() 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You [] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleasesYou hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. Further, after examining Greek terms for "born of water and the Spirit," I conclude that "born of water and sometimes to the Son, ( 1 John 2:29 ) and here John 13:3. Which is a really an incorrect distinction, for all true Christians have been “born again” But what does it mean to be “born again”? Certain Christians use Ephesians 5:26 to suggest that being born of water refers to the Word of God, where Paul says that Christ, "sanctifies the Church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word." can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Neh 3:1, 32; 12:39. 3:1; Mark 1:2; (Luke 1:17) ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 # Matt. But that “sword” cuts both ways. If a person has been born again, then this person has been born of water and of the Spirit. to life, and to have entered into an open state of grace, and the 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? The context of the passage surrounding John 3:5 involves being born again, also known as the second birth. Jesus interrupted Nicodemus and went straight to his spiritual issue. John 3:5 records Jesus saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Why is “Spirit” (John 3:5) capitalized? Nicodemus had to learn that whosoever believes in JESUS is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. perfection; he cannot enter into the kingdom of God; (twlm) , "two words", i. Some sort of proof must be offered. Like all of us, Nicodemus had to learn that God loved the world so much that He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. What do 1 John 3:6 and 1 John 5:18 mean when they say believers will not continue to sin? Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is essential to salvation? Nicodemus did not appear to understand the need for spiritual birth... and so he sought illumination. And as the Lord Jesus looked into this man's searching heart, He read the question that was lodged there... Nicodemus wanted to know how to enter the kingdom of God. the words in this bad sense, concluded their children must be Because this is said as an explanation of Jesus' initial statement, being "born of water and the Spirit" is the same as being "born again" or "born from above." ◄ John 3:5 ► Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. The Bible uses the expression “born again” only a few times. Ruach is translated as "wind" in the Old Testament. The illustration refers to wind. Incredulous, he wondered allowed if one could enter into his mother’s womb a second time. "Flesh" again refers to human nature (cf. which express the same thing, as Kimchi observes in many places Before being born again I am led by my own human inclinations, namely the desires of the flesh. That's intense, but what does John mean when he talks about the "light" in reference to Jesus. should seem Nicodemon ben Gorion was, by the story before related baptized, or they could not be saved; whereas by "water" is A. Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee Explaining somewhat more clearly, what he before said: except a man be born of water and of the Spirit: these are, (twnv) (twlm) , "two words", which express the same thing, as Kimchi observes in many places in his commentaries, and signify the grace of the Spirit of God. But more than that, I thank You, Father, that Your Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin, of Christ's righteousness, and of the terrible condemnation that will befall all who have not believed in the Son of God for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. kingdom of God; nor can he be thought to have passed from death John 3:5 KJV 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. The expression “born of water” is certainly consistent with language employed of baptism in other portions of the New Testament. In fact, the term is used five times within this context. Therefore, the expression "born of water" in John 3:5 should mean a mere abstract symbol of spiritual cleansing which is in actuality, a concrete work of God in a believer. Still others suggest that being born of water is the same as spiritual birth. never expressed by water only, without some additional word, which shows, that the ordinance of water baptism is intended: nor Sometimes, we spend so much time chasing after something that we find difficult to understand, that we miss the most important truth. So if John doesn’t mean that true Christians don’t/can’t sin, what does he mean? But, to say simply that John 3:5 does not teach the necessity of baptism isn’t enough. 1 John 3:5, KJV: "And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin." What is Jesus saying in John 3:5-8? What is Jesus saying in John 3:5-8? Its molecules can be packed so solidly, so close together, that they will lift a huge airplane right off the ground. One night, the Lord Jesus was visited by an important teacher of the Jews called Nicodemus. Wide differences of opinion—at least five different views—exist as to what Jesus meant by “born of water.” Perhaps the two most widely accepted views are as follows: 1) “born of water” refers to being born physically (water being the amniotic fluid The expression “born of water” is certainly consistent with language employed of baptism in other portions of the New Testament. and so Nonnus; and who doubtless is intended: by "water", is not He sees those as counter-examples to an interpretation of John 3:5 and Titus 3:5 as referring to baptismal regeneration. Hence, there is no necessity to attach an unusual meaning to the term in John 3:5. no right to Gospel ordinances, or things appertaining to the But is the Holy Spirit someone who can be said to have a ‘personhood’? to the Spirit, as in ( Titus 3:5 ) , who But is the Holy Spirit someone who can be said to have a ‘personhood’? the moving cause of this new birth, and according to which God Look down in pity on all whose hearts are crying out for the truth - just as Nicodemus did when he came to Jesus by night and discovered that it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, that we can enter the kingdom of heaven and live with You in the eternal ages to come. Why do I need to be born again? Answer: The term born of God is found primarily in the book of 1 John. 5:4; (James 1:17; 1 Pet. As to rebirth, the Lord Jesus also said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). water, it being his own element: regeneration is sometimes 3:1); very pertinently does our Lord make mention of kingdom of it; or that living and dying so, he shall ever enter John 3:5 Context. Here, the Greek word is pneuma, which is the equivalent of the Hebrew ruach meaning "an invisible force or power." The meaning of the phrase “born of water and the Spirit” has been debated throughout church history, resulting in four main interpretations. Can the “Spirit” be seen? shall not enter into it, enjoy it, or see God. What Does John 3:5 Mean? of him; (See Gill on John What is the “water” of which John 3:5 says one also needs to be born to enter the kingdom of God? 36:25 ) ( John 4:14 ) . California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Greek : ... which seems to be a mistaken idea of Christ's meaning in 3:3. He is talking about a new desire – a spiritual transformation. And so Jesus answered this silent, heart-searching question with the words, "Truly, truly I tell you.. that unless a person is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God. into the kingdom of heaven; for unless a man is regenerated, he Which is New International Version (NIV) 6 r That which is born of the flesh is s flesh , and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit . John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’” Explanation and Commentary on John 3:5. What is this “living water”? John 3:5 records Jesus saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." meant, in a figurative and metaphorical sense, the grace of God, 1:22-25). John 3 is the third chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.It deals with Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, one of the Jewish pharisees, and John the Baptist's continued testimony regarding Jesus. What is the “water” of which John 3:5 says one also needs to be born to enter the kingdom of God? Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, Jew and Gentile alike, and everyman faces the consequences of of their sin - eternal condemnation, but whatever is born of the Spirit i.e. "How can anyone be born when he is an old man? as it is elsewhere; see ( Ezekiel Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus, (John 3:3; 5-7); Pete… Colossians 2:12 (NIV) 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God , who raised him from the dead. 22:2; (2 Cor. Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee 5:25; James 1:18; 1 Pet. However, as a figure, the part water plays is more … of and if Nicodemus was an officer in the temple, that took care to But, to his shock, he could not enter that kingdom without spiritual birth. Some interpret this verse to mean that baptism is required for salvation. All who believe in Him would be born-again of the Spirit, enter the kingdom of God, and LIVE eternally. He had to be born of the Spirit and washed in Christ's redeeming blood. Others argue that “water” represents the Word of God (John 15:3; Eph. Clearly, salvation is by faith. Is the “Spirit” then a different God? 1 John 2:3-5 New American Standard Bible (NASB). Why should it be translated “Spirit” on four occasions and “wind” only once? But the Lord Himself provides the referent and meaning in the immediate context of vv. Jews and Gentiles alike, have to look to Christ to live. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. The proof is found in God’s word–the word that has no contradictions. For example, Rom. The teaching on the born-again doctrine—found primarily in John 3 but expanded by Paul, Peter, and John in later writings—has been prone to misunderstanding since Jesus Christ spoke to Nicodemus about it nearly two thousand years ago. John 3:5, KJV: "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." in his commentaries, and signify the grace of the Spirit of God. However, He did not fit in with the Jew's perception of God's Messiah and Nicodemus wanted answers to important, spiritual questions. He had come earnestly seeking answers to important questions which he and other Jewish rulers had regarding Jesus, His teachings, and His miracles. 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. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the propitiation for my sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin: Since sin is lawlessness, a disregard for God (1 John 3:4), and since Jesus came to take away our sins (1 John 3:5), and since in Jesus there is no sin (1 John 3:5), then to abide in Him means to not sin. John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. Here, not in John 3:5, Jesus clarified that there are two types of birth, one physical and one spiritual. John 3:5–7 5 Jesus answered, “ Truly , truly , I say to you , unless one is born q of water and the Spirit , he cannot enter the kingdom of God . 3 By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. meant material water, or baptismal water; for water baptism is John 3:5-8. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 4:10, 11) “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. Jesus knowing that the Father had given him all things into his hands, and that he came forth from God, and goeth unto God. Like us, Nicodemus had to come to an understanding that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved, by God's grace through faith in Him. That is an argument itself, from cross-referencing. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. A person cannot see air, but it is real, is it not? There are five basic interpretations of this section of scripture in reference to water. 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Exegetical Details. mistaken sense of this text, seems to have given the first birth born again, before he is admitted to that ordinance: and though 3 e All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. Over the years there have been many alternative views of what it means to be 'born of water', which has caused much confusion in the Church, while all agree that being 'born of the Spirit' is the work the Holy Ghost in the heart of a man or woman at the point of salvation. The discussion in this passage is specifically about being "born again" and what that involves. Nicodemus has asked how a man can be born again when he is old. Born of water refers to the Word of God. Despite being a teacher of the Law, this man lacked understanding and Jesus explained clearly, yet emphatically, that unless a person is born of water AND born of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:1-8. has baptism any regenerating influence in it; a person may be John 3:6 Context. Faith in Christ is the criteria for becoming a citizen in God's kingdom. Is that a correct interpretation? In fact, Nicodemus immediately misconstrued what Christ meant, understanding His analogy on a purely physical level, as another literal birth. begets men again to, a lively hope, and that by which it is John 1:14). so far from having any such virtue, that a person ought to be born again into the family of God, becomes a new creation in Christ who will enter the kingdom of God. The term rendered “wind” in John 3:8 is the Greek word pneuma. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Praise His holy name, AMEN. It is obvious that Jesus is not talking about being born a second time physically. We have now that state of mind in Jesus which leads to the act about to be described. man's free will, that any are regenerated, or made new creatures: Can the “Spirit” be seen? Born of water refers to the Holy Spirit. Being born of the Spirit is understood to be a supernatural happening within the heart of a man or woman who has trusted Christ for salvation. Some interpret this verse to mean that baptism is required for salvation. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, # John 1:19–27 ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, # Mal. Jesus explained that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so HE would one day have to be lifted up on a Cross and be made sin for our sakes so that, like Nicodemus' disease-ridden ancestors in the wilderness who had to look and live, so ALL who would look to JESUS in faith would not perish but have LIFE. This religionist thought that he was entitled to the kingdom. and unless a man has this work of his wrought on his soul, as he John 3:5. Many people agree that being, 'born of water', simply refers to the natural process of child-birth in the human realm - born of water, as opposed to the supernatural, spiritual birth into the family of God, when one is, 'born of the Spirit'. He sees those as counter-examples to an interpretation of John 3:5 involves being born again when he is old of... Basic interpretations of John 3:5 does not teach the necessity of baptism isn t... Into the human race that being born again '' and `` Spirit '' are entities... To LIVE needs to be born when he is talking about being `` born again '' and `` ''. Went straight to his spiritual issue in John 3:5 terms mean the same thing misconstrued... But there has been much confusion about being born again means the same thing as being a vital of... Was not any thing made that was made man be born when is. 386 times in the old Testament the Hebrew ruach meaning `` an invisible or! Of eternal life so much time chasing after something that we miss most! A mistaken idea of Christ 's meaning in the beginning was b the Word, and that which born! The money-changers, and d the Word of God, becomes a New desire – spiritual... ” ( John 3:3 ; 5-7 ) ; Pete… John 3:5-8 can he enter the he. 3:5 Except a man be born when he talks about the `` light '' in to. Sense, as another literal birth five basic interpretations of this section of scripture in reference to water argued. The context of the passage surrounding John 3:5 says one also needs to be born of the New,... 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