John 3 Kjv holds a pivotal place in Christian scripture, offering profound insights into the core tenets of faith, salvation, and the boundless love of God. This chapter, part of the Gospel of John in the King James Version (KJV), recounts a transformative encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish ruler, and delves into essential doctrines that continue to resonate with believers today. Let’s explore the depths of John 3 KJV to understand its enduring message.
The Encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-21 KJV)
The chapter opens by introducing Nicodemus, a respected figure within the Jewish community, who seeks out Jesus under the cover of night. This initial interaction sets the stage for a deeply theological conversation.
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, 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.
Nicodemus acknowledges Jesus’ divine authority based on the miracles he has performed, recognizing him as “a teacher come from God.” However, Jesus immediately directs the conversation towards a more fundamental spiritual truth: the necessity of being “born again.”
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
This concept of being “born again” or “born from above” (as it can also be translated) is central to Christian theology. Nicodemus, grounded in his earthly understanding, struggles to grasp this spiritual rebirth.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
Jesus clarifies that this new birth is not a physical one but a spiritual transformation, brought about by “water and of the Spirit.”
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.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 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.
The analogy of the wind illustrates the mysterious and powerful nature of the Holy Spirit in bringing about this spiritual rebirth. Jesus emphasizes that this transformation is essential for entering the Kingdom of God.
Nicodemus’s continued questioning reveals his difficulty in comprehending these spiritual realities.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Jesus expresses a degree of disappointment that Nicodemus, a teacher in Israel, struggles with these fundamental truths. He highlights the authority of his testimony, rooted in divine knowledge and experience.
The conversation then shifts to the source of salvation and the role of Jesus himself.
13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This passage draws a parallel to the Old Testament story of Moses lifting up a bronze serpent in the wilderness, offering healing to those who looked upon it in faith. Similarly, Jesus, “the Son of man,” must be “lifted up” (referencing his crucifixion) so that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 KJV: The Heart of the Gospel
John 3:16 KJV is arguably the most well-known and impactful verse in the entire Bible, encapsulating the essence of God’s love and the gift of salvation.
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 reveals the immense scope of God’s love – “God so loved the world” – encompassing all of humanity. This love is demonstrated through the ultimate sacrifice: giving “his only begotten Son,” Jesus Christ. The promise is clear: “whosoever believeth in him” will receive “everlasting life.” This is not merely temporal existence but a life of eternal quality, both now and in the future.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
God’s intention in sending Jesus is not condemnation but salvation. Belief in Jesus is the key to escaping condemnation and receiving salvation. Unbelief, however, results in self-condemnation due to rejecting the offered救恩.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
The passage concludes this section by contrasting light and darkness. Jesus is presented as the “light” that has come into the world. Condemnation arises because people, preferring “darkness” (evil deeds), reject this light. Those who embrace “truth” willingly come to the light, allowing their deeds to be seen as “wrought in God.”
John the Baptist’s Testimony (John 3:22-36 KJV)
The chapter then shifts to John the Baptist and his disciples, addressing a question about baptism and Jesus’ growing ministry.
22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
25 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying.
26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
John’s disciples express concern that Jesus’ ministry is overshadowing John’s. However, John the Baptist’s response is a model of humility and understanding of his own role in relation to Christ.
27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John acknowledges that his ministry is divinely appointed and that his purpose is to prepare the way for Christ. He uses the metaphor of the bridegroom and the friend to illustrate his relationship to Jesus. Jesus is the bridegroom, and John is the friend who rejoices in the bridegroom’s voice. His famous statement, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” encapsulates his humble submission to Christ’s supremacy.
31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John concludes his testimony by affirming Jesus’ divine origin (“He that cometh from above is above all”) and authority. He reiterates the consequences of belief and unbelief: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” This echoes the message of John 3:16 and emphasizes the critical importance of faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
John 3 KJV is a chapter of immense theological significance. It introduces the essential doctrine of being “born again,” reveals the profound love of God in John 3:16, and highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. Through the encounter with Nicodemus and the testimony of John the Baptist, John 3 KJV provides foundational truths for Christian faith and continues to inspire and challenge readers seeking a deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan.
