The phrase "born of water and the Spirit" doesn't just refer to a single event like baptism; it points to two distinct but inseparable aspects of spiritual rebirth. "Water" likely alludes to the cleansing and commitment symbolized by baptism, while "the Spirit" emphasizes the internal, transformative work of God’s Spirit that makes that outward sign truly meaningful.
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and Jewish leader, has just approached Jesus privately, impressed by His miracles and seeking spiritual understanding. Jesus immediately cuts to the heart of the matter, explaining that true spiritual life requires a profound transformation, a "birth from above." Nicodemus, confused, questions how an old man can be born again physically, prompting Jesus to clarify that this new birth involves both water and the Spirit, not a literal rebirth.
Jesus tells Nicodemus something profound: entering God's kingdom isn't just a change of mind, but a whole new life. What does it take to be truly born again?
Jesus uses a powerful metaphor to explain what's needed to enter God's kingdom: being 'born of water and the Spirit.' This isn't about one event, but two essential aspects of a new life.
The Water: A Sign of Cleansing and New Identity
The Spirit: The Divine Power for Transformation
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Together, 'water and the Spirit' paint a picture of a complete transformation: an outward commitment symbolized by water, and an inward, life-changing work by the Holy Spirit. Both are essential for entering the Kingdom.
A respected religious leader, Nicodemus, comes to Jesus secretly. What does his nighttime visit reveal about the challenges of embracing new spiritual truths?
Nicodemus's approach to Jesus is telling. He comes 'by night,' suggesting hesitation, perhaps fear of reprisco, or a reluctance to be seen associating with Jesus.
A Leader's Struggle
The Need for Humility
Jesus' response highlights that entering God's kingdom requires more than intellectual assent or adherence to religious rules. It demands a profound humility, a willingness to admit one's spiritual inadequacy and to be reborn by God's power, even if it means setting aside deeply held beliefs and societal standing.
Understand the original words
hydōr · Greek Noun
Often interpreted as a reference to spiritual cleansing and purification (reminiscent of Ezekiel 36:25-27) or the physical act of birth. In this context, it emphasizes the necessity of being washed by the grace of God to enter His kingdom.
pneuma · Greek Noun
The third person of the Trinity, the divine agent of regeneration who empowers believers, dwells within them, and applies the work of salvation to their hearts. He is the life-giving force behind the new birth.
gennaō · Greek Verb
The process of bringing forth life; in a theological context, it refers to the beginning of existence or the origin of a person's nature. Being "born of" denotes the source or the generative power behind that life.
sarx · Greek Noun
In this context, it refers to the fallen, physical, and sinful human nature inherited from Adam, which is inherently incapable of pleasing God or entering His kingdom apart from divine intervention.
pneuma · Greek Noun
Refers to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who is the divine agent of regeneration, life-giving power, and the transformation of the human heart.
thaumazō · Greek Verb
A term of wonder, amazement, or perplexity; in biblical usage, it often denotes a reaction to the supernatural or divine truth that surpasses human comprehension.
anōthen · Greek Adverb
Also translated as "born from above," this signifies a radical, divine transformation and the impartation of new spiritual life by God, which is necessary for salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God.
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus occurs within a context where John the Baptist's ministry and the practice of proselyte baptism were well-known. Jesus uses these familiar concepts of water and spiritual cleansing to explain the necessity of a radical, inner transformation for entering God's kingdom.
c. 27 BC - 30 AD
Ministry of John the Baptist
John the Baptist, a prophetic figure, preached a message of repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River as a sign of cleansing and preparation for the coming Messiah. His ministry gained significant attention, even prompting an inquiry from the Jewish religious authorities.
c. 27-30 AD
John the Baptist's Baptism Questioned
The Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court, investigated John's authority and baptism, reflecting the religious and political climate of Judea under Roman rule. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler, would have been aware of this controversy.
c. 27-30 AD
Jesus' Early Ministry and Miracles
Jesus begins his public ministry, performing miracles that draw the attention of people like Nicodemus. His signs and teachings challenge the established religious norms.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Nicodemus Visits Jesus
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, secretly visits Jesus at night, acknowledging his divine authority based on his miracles. This conversation leads to Jesus' profound teaching on spiritual rebirth.
c. 30 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and resurrected, a pivotal event that gives new meaning to his teachings about spiritual life and the kingdom of God. His followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, would later baptize believers into his name.
This Old Testament passage foreshadows the spiritual renewal that Jesus speaks of, promising a future cleansing with water and the outpouring of God's Spirit to transform His people.
Titus 3:5This New Testament passage directly links salvation to the 'washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,' echoing Jesus' words to Nicodemus about being born of water and the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13This passage emphasizes that all believers are baptized by one Spirit into one body, highlighting the essential role of the Spirit in uniting believers to Christ and His church, which complements the 'born of the Spirit' aspect.
Acts 2:38Peter's sermon connects repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, showing a practical outworking of the new birth that Jesus described to Nicodemus.
ellicottJohn 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."
(5) Again the words “Verily, verily” (comp. Note on chap John 1:51 ), calling attention to the deeper truth which follows; and again the words of authority, “I say unto thee.” Of water and of the Spirit.—We are here on the borderland of a great controversy. The subject is closely connected with that of the discourse in Capernaum (John 6), and so…
barnesJohn 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."
Be born of water - By "water," here, is evidently signified "baptism." Thus the word is used in Ephesians 5:26 ; Titus 3:5 . Baptism was practiced by the Jews in receiving a Gentile as a proselyte. It was practiced by John among the Jews; and Jesus here says that it is an ordinance of his religion, and the sign and seal of the renewing influences…
The phrase "born of water and the Spirit" doesn't just refer to a single event like baptism; it points to two distinct but inseparable aspects of spiritual rebirth. "Water" likely alludes to the cleansing and commitment symbolized by baptism, while "the Spirit" emphasizes the internal, transformative work of God’s Spirit that makes that outward sign truly meaningful.
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and Jewish leader, has just approached Jesus privately, impressed by His miracles and seeking spiritual understanding. Jesus immediately cuts to the heart of the matter, explaining that true spiritual life requires a profound transformation, a "birth from above." Nicodemus, confused, questions how an old man can be born again physically, prompting Jesus to clarify that this new birth involves both water and the Spirit, not a literal rebirth.
Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and Jewish leader, has just approached Jesus privately, impressed by His miracles and seeking spiritual understanding. Jesus immediately cuts to the heart of the matter, explaining that true spiritual life requires a profound transformation, a "birth from above." Nicodemus, confused, questions how an old man can be born again physically, prompting Jesus to clarify that this new birth involves both water and the Spirit, not a literal rebirth.
"Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I sai…" — The phrase "born of water and the Spirit" doesn't just refer to a single event like baptism; it points to two distinct but inseparable aspects of spiritual rebirth. "Water" likely alludes to the clea…
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Last reviewed October 2026
