Jesus is emphasizing that merely participating in outward religious rituals, like baptism (symbolized by "water"), isn't enough. True entrance into God's kingdom requires a deep, internal transformation – a "birth of the Spirit" – that goes beyond any physical act.
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.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee, has just visited Jesus at night, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority based on his miraculous signs. Jesus immediately redirects the conversation, stating that seeing or entering the Kingdom of God requires a fundamental transformation—a "birth from above." This verse is Jesus' further explanation to Nicodemus, who is struggling to grasp this spiritual concept, detailing the elements necessary for this new life.
Jesus tells Nicodemus that being 'born of water and the Spirit' is essential to enter God's kingdom. But what does this combination truly mean?
Jesus is making a profound statement about spiritual transformation.
Nicodemus, a religious leader, is baffled by Jesus' teaching on being 'born again.' Why is this 'new birth' so radical and necessary?
Jesus' teaching to Nicodemus is a foundational concept for understanding our relationship with God.
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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.
pneuma · Greek Noun
In this context, the Greek word (pneuma) refers to the movement of the Holy Spirit, illustrating the sovereign, mysterious, and free nature of God's regenerating work, which is observed by its effects rather than predicted or controlled by humans.
thelō · Greek Verb
Refers to the sovereign right and active decision-making of the Holy Spirit in applying the grace of regeneration to whom He wills, emphasizing the independence of God's saving activity from human effort.
Nicodemus, a respected Jewish leader, visited Jesus under the cover of darkness. He recognized Jesus' divine authority, likely aware of John the Baptist's ministry and Jewish purification rites. Jesus' response points to a radical new reality – that entry into God's kingdom requires more than outward ritual or adherence to the Law; it demands a profound, inward transformation through the Spirit, symbolized and initiated by water.
c. 20 BC - 15 BC
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the Judean wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. His ministry gains widespread attention.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins His public ministry, teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee. His popularity grows, attracting followers and attention from religious authorities.
c. AD 28— this verse
Nicodemus Seeks Jesus at Night
Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, secretly visits Jesus at night, acknowledging His divine authority but struggling to grasp the nature of His kingdom.
c. AD 28
Jesus Explains the New Birth
In response to Nicodemus's confusion, Jesus explains that entering the Kingdom of God requires a spiritual rebirth – a birth of water and the Spirit.
This Old Testament passage prophesies God sprinkling clean water and giving a new heart and a new Spirit, directly paralleling Jesus' teaching about being born of water and the Spirit.
Titus 3:5This New Testament passage speaks of salvation through the 'washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,' echoing the language and concept of being born again through water and the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13This verse explains that 'by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,' highlighting the Spirit's role in uniting believers, which is a key aspect of entering God's kingdom.
Matthew 3:11John the Baptist contrasts his baptism of water with Jesus' baptism 'with the Holy Spirit and fire,' setting the stage for Jesus' explanation to Nicodemus about the spiritual nature of God's kingdom.
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…
Jesus is emphasizing that merely participating in outward religious rituals, like baptism (symbolized by "water"), isn't enough. True entrance into God's kingdom requires a deep, internal transformation – a "birth of the Spirit" – that goes beyond any physical act.
Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee, has just visited Jesus at night, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority based on his miraculous signs. Jesus immediately redirects the conversation, stating that seeing or entering the Kingdom of God requires a fundamental transformation—a "birth from above." This verse is Jesus' further explanation to Nicodemus, who is struggling to grasp this spiritual concept, detailing the elements necessary for this new life.
Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee, has just visited Jesus at night, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority based on his miraculous signs. Jesus immediately redirects the conversation, stating that seeing or entering the Kingdom of God requires a fundamental transformation—a "birth from above." This verse is Jesus' further explanation to Nicodemus, who is struggling to grasp this spiritual concept, detailing the elements necessary for this new life.
"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…" — Jesus is emphasizing that merely participating in outward religious rituals, like baptism (symbolized by "water"), isn't enough. True entrance into God's kingdom requires a deep, internal transformat…
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Last reviewed October 2026
