John 3:3 in the King James Version (KJV) is a cornerstone verse in Christian theology, presenting a profound declaration by Jesus Christ. This verse, part of a nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish ruler, introduces the crucial concept of being “born again” for entry into the Kingdom of God. Let’s delve into the depths of this scripture to understand its significance and implications.
The setting of John 3 sets the stage for this pivotal teaching. Nicodemus, recognizing Jesus as a teacher sent from God due to the miracles he performed, seeks him out under the cover of night. This initial acknowledgment from a respected religious leader underscores the impact of Jesus’ ministry. Nicodemus approaches Jesus with respect, addressing him as “Rabbi,” signifying a teacher of great stature. He confesses his and others’ belief that Jesus is divinely sent, stating, “we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” This sets the stage for Jesus’s response, which immediately redirects the conversation to a matter of spiritual necessity rather than earthly recognition.
Jesus’s reply in John 3:3 is direct and unwavering: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The phrase “Verily, verily,” also translated as “Truly, truly” or “Amen, Amen,” emphasizes the solemn and crucial nature of what Jesus is about to say. It’s not merely advice or suggestion, but a fundamental truth. The core message revolves around the necessity of being “born again” to “see the kingdom of God.” The term “see” in this context implies not just a visual perception but also understanding, entering, and experiencing the Kingdom of God. It’s about comprehending and participating in God’s reign and presence.
Nicodemus, interpreting Jesus’s words literally, expresses confusion. His question in John 3:4, “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” highlights the earthly mindset contrasting with Jesus’s spiritual teaching. Nicodemus, a scholar of religious law, struggles to grasp the concept of a spiritual rebirth, confined by a physical understanding of birth. This misunderstanding is crucial because it allows Jesus to further elaborate on the nature of being “born again.”
Jesus clarifies his statement in John 3:5, expanding on the initial declaration: “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.” Here, Jesus elaborates on the “born again” concept by specifying “born of water and of the Spirit.” The “water” is often interpreted in two ways: either as referring to physical birth (water breaking during childbirth) or to baptism, symbolizing cleansing and repentance. The “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, indicating a spiritual transformation and regeneration. This verse emphasizes that entering the Kingdom of God requires not just physical birth but also a spiritual birth, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
Verses 6 through 8 further explain the distinction between the flesh and the Spirit. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” This verse draws a clear line between the natural human life and the spiritual life. Human birth results in flesh, inherently limited and mortal. Spiritual birth, through the Holy Spirit, results in spirit, which is eternal and connected to God. Jesus uses the analogy of the wind in verse 8 to illustrate the mysterious and sovereign nature of the Spirit’s work: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” Just as the wind’s origin and destination are unseen yet its effects are felt, the work of the Holy Spirit is often unseen but powerfully transformative.
The conversation continues, with Nicodemus still struggling to comprehend, asking in John 3:9, “How can these things be?” Jesus responds with a hint of gentle rebuke in John 3:10, “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” This suggests that the concept of spiritual rebirth, while profound, is not entirely foreign to Jewish scripture and understanding. Jesus then reiterates the certainty of his testimony in verses 11-13, emphasizing his divine origin and knowledge.
The passage then transitions into broader theological declarations, moving from the necessity of being born again to the means of salvation. John 3:14-15 draws a parallel to the Old Testament story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness for the healing of the Israelites. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This foreshadows Jesus’s crucifixion and its purpose: to offer salvation and eternal life to those who believe in him.
This culminates in the most famous verse of John 3, and perhaps the entire Bible, John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This verse encapsulates the motive behind God’s plan of salvation – his immense love for the world – and the means of receiving it – belief in Jesus Christ. It directly connects back to the concept of eternal life mentioned in verse 15, showing that being “born again” is intrinsically linked to receiving this everlasting life through faith in Jesus.
The verses following John 3:16 further elaborate on the purpose of Jesus’s coming – not to condemn but to save (John 3:17), the consequence of belief and unbelief (John 3:18), and the reason for condemnation – loving darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21). These verses provide further context to the necessity of spiritual rebirth introduced in John 3:3. Being “born again” is not merely a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God, but it is also a turning from darkness to light, from condemnation to salvation, driven by God’s love and received through faith in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, John 3:3 KJV is a foundational verse that introduces the essential doctrine of being “born again.” It’s a spiritual transformation necessary to see and enter the Kingdom of God. This rebirth, as clarified in subsequent verses, is “of water and of the Spirit,” signifying both cleansing and spiritual regeneration through the Holy Spirit. John 3:3 is not an isolated statement but the starting point of a profound teaching about salvation, God’s love, and the path to eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Understanding John 3:3 in its context within the entire chapter reveals its deep theological significance and its central place in Christian belief.
