who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just saying our new life in God comes from Him; it's actively dismantling the idea that any human lineage or effort could achieve it. The triple denial of "blood," "will of the flesh," and "will of man" emphatically strips away all grounds for pride in ancestry, personal desires, or human power, leaving God as the sole, radical source of spiritual birth.
who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Light of the world, Jesus begins to draw people to himself, and the apostle John explains that receiving Jesus gives people the right to become children of God. This new identity isn't based on human lineage or desire, but on a radical spiritual transformation that originates entirely from God.
Ever felt like certain privileges or identities were just 'in the blood'? This verse challenges that idea head-on, especially for people who prided themselves on their lineage.
The verse makes it clear that becoming a child of God isn't about who your parents were or where you come from. The phrase 'not of blood' is a direct counter to the Jewish pride in their descent from Abraham. It's saying that physical heritage, no matter how distinguished, doesn't automatically make you part of God's family. The spiritual lineage is what truly matters, and that comes from a divine source, not human ancestry.
We often think we can 'will' ourselves into becoming better people or earning our way to God. This verse points to a different kind of power at play.
The verse breaks down human efforts into 'the will of the flesh' and 'the will of man.' These phrases cover both our natural desires and impulses ('flesh') and the deliberate choices or actions of people ('man'). Neither our own internal desires nor the efforts of others can bring about the new birth. It's not about biological generation, personal ambition, or even the good intentions of parents or leaders. The power to become God's child comes solely from God Himself.
If it's not from our parents, our desires, or even our own choices, where does new spiritual life come from?
The verse culminates with a powerful declaration: 'but of God.' This is the ultimate source and power behind becoming a child of God. The new birth, regeneration, or spiritual awakening is a divine act. God initiates it, God empowers it, and God brings it to fruition. It's a gift, a miracle, a direct work of His Spirit transforming us from the inside out. This isn't something we achieve; it's something God bestows when we receive Him.
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Understand the original words
gennaō · Greek Verb
A spiritual transformation or 'new birth' initiated solely by God, by which a person is brought into the family of God through faith.
This passage directly echoes John 1:13 by stating believers have been 'born again, not of a perishable seed but of an imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.' It reinforces the idea that spiritual birth is from God's word, not human lineage or desire.
Titus 3:5This verse explains that salvation comes 'not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.' This aligns perfectly with John 1:13's emphasis that new birth is a divine act, not a human achievement.
1 John 2:29John, the same author, writes 'If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does righteousness has been born of him.' This connects righteousness and being 'born of God,' highlighting the inherent spiritual nature that comes from divine origin, as contrasted with human will or bloodline.
Matthew 3:9In response to the Pharisees' and Sadducees' pride in their lineage, John the Baptist declares, 'And do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father,” for I tell you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.' This passage directly challenges the 'born of blood' idea found in John 1:13, emphasizing that God's fatherhood is not based on physical descent.
Romans 9:16Paul states, 'So then it depends not on the will of man or on the striving of flesh, but on God who has mercy.' This directly mirrors the 'will of the flesh' and 'will of man' exclusions in John 1:13, asserting that our standing with God is solely based on His sovereign mercy and action.
ellicottJohn 1:13: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
(13) Which were born. —The result of receiving Him remains to be explained. How could they become “sons of God?” The word which has been used ( John 1:12 ) excludes the idea of adoption, and asserts the natural relation of child to father. The nation claimed this through its descent from Abraham. But they are Abraham’s children who are of Abraham’s faith. There is a higher generation, w…
vincentJohn 1:13: "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
Which (ὃι)Referring to children of God.Were born (ἐγεννήθνσαν)Literally, were begotten. The phrase γεννηθήναι ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, to be born or begotten of God, occurs only here in the Gospel, and several times in the First Epistle. It is peculiar to John.There is a progress of thought in the three following clauses, describing the proper origin of a believer's new life. Children of Go…
This verse isn't just saying our new life in God comes from Him; it's actively dismantling the idea that any human lineage or effort could achieve it. The triple denial of "blood," "will of the flesh," and "will of man" emphatically strips away all grounds for pride in ancestry, personal desires, or human power, leaving God as the sole, radical source of spiritual birth.
After John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Light of the world, Jesus begins to draw people to himself, and the apostle John explains that receiving Jesus gives people the right to become children of God. This new identity isn't based on human lineage or desire, but on a radical spiritual transformation that originates entirely from God.
After John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Light of the world, Jesus begins to draw people to himself, and the apostle John explains that receiving Jesus gives people the right to become children of God. This new identity isn't based on human lineage or desire, but on a radical spiritual transformation that originates entirely from God.
"who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." — This verse isn't just saying our new life in God comes from Him; it's actively dismantling the idea that any human lineage or effort could achieve it. The triple denial of "blood," "will of the flesh…
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Last reviewed October 2026