John 3:1
What does John 3:1 mean?
A plain-English look at John 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 3:1 means
This verse introduces Nicodemus as a Pharisee and a "ruler of the Jews." His status indicates he was a man of influence, highly educated in Jewish law and tradition, and a member of the Sanhedrin. His religious and social standing is important, as it highlights that even those deeply steeped in the established religious system recognized something unique and divine about Jesus. His coming to Jesus signifies a searching spirit, yet his method—at night—hints at caution or perhaps a desire for private, in-depth instruction.
John 3:1 in context
John 3 — You Must Be Born Again
By night a Pharisee named Nicodemus comes to Jesus, half-confessing him as a teacher sent from God. Jesus cuts past the compliment: 'except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Religion will not do; reformation will not do; only a new birth by water and the Spirit. The chapter rises to the most-quoted verse in the Bible — 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' — and ends with John the Baptist's last public testimony: 'He must increase, but I must decrease.'
- New birth
- The Spirit
- God's love for the world
- Faith and life
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
KJV
King James Version · 1611There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now there was among the Pharisees a man named Nicodemus, who was one of the rulers of the Jews.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And there was a man of the Pharisees, Nicodemus his name, a ruler of the Jews,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But there was a man from among the Pharisees, his name Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;
Context
The chapter opens by introducing a significant figure, Nicodemus, setting the stage for a foundational dialogue about spiritual rebirth. This introduction immediately signals that Jesus's teaching attracts not only the common people but also the religious elite. This verse precedes Nicodemus's direct approach to Jesus and his initial inquiry, establishing his credentials and the setting for their conversation.
v.1This passage
v.2the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 7:47
The Pharisees therefore answered them, Are ye also led astray?
- John 3:10
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou the teacher of Israel, and understandest not these things?
- John 19:39
And there came also Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
- Luke 23:13
And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Sermon ideas from John 3:1
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 3:1 teaches us about new birth
What John 3:1 teaches us about the spirit
What John 3:1 teaches us about god's love for the world
What John 3:1 teaches us about faith and life
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