John 3:5
What does John 3:5 mean?
A plain-English look at John 3:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 3:5 means
Jesus clarifies that the new birth is "of water and the Spirit," moving beyond Nicodemus's physical interpretation. While "water" can be understood in various ways, including cleansing, baptism, or even the natural birth process, the essential component is the "Spirit." This spiritual birth is not something achieved by human effort or ritual alone, but a work of God's Spirit, necessary for entry into the Kingdom. It signifies a profound, inner regeneration that enables spiritual sight and life.
John 3:5 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 · 2000Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said in answer, Truly, I say to you, If a man's birth is not from water and from the Spirit, it is not possible for him to go into the kingdom of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered, `Verily, verily, I say to thee, If any one may not be born of water, and the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the reign of God;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except any one be born of water and of Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom ofGod.
Context
Following Nicodemus's literal misunderstanding of being "born anew," Jesus re-emphasizes and clarifies the nature of this spiritual new birth. This verse specifically introduces the elements of "water and the Spirit," pushing beyond mere physical re-entry into the womb. This clarification sets the stage for Jesus's further explanation of the distinction between flesh and spirit, and the mysterious work of the Spirit in regeneration.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
- Galatians 6:15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
- Acts 2:38
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
- Ezekiel 36:25
And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
- 1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
Sermon ideas from John 3:5
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 3:5 teaches us about new birth
What John 3:5 teaches us about the spirit
What John 3:5 teaches us about god's love for the world
What John 3:5 teaches us about faith and life
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