John 3:5

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - John 3:5

Again Jesus prefaced a further affirmation with the statement that guaranteed its certainty. Entering the kingdom and seeing the kingdom (John 3:3) seem to be synonymous terms, though the former may be a bit clearer. There are several views of the meaning of being born of water and the Spirit. The verse and its context contribute much to our understanding of this difficult phrase.Whatever its meaning, "born of water and the Spirit" must equal being born "again" or "from above" (John 3:3) since... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:1-36

The New Birth. John’s Testimony to Jesus1-15. Conversation with Nicodemus. The ministry at Jerusalem, though disappointing, was not fruitless. Christ’s miracles and teaching had made an impression, not only on Nicodemus, but as Nicodemus himself says (John 3:2, cp. John 12:42), on other members of the Sanhedrin. This interview took place by night, on account of the timidity of Nicodemus (cp. John 7:50), and probably in St. John’s house at Jerusalem, the evangelist himself being present.... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - John 3:5

(5) It is believed that the rendering adopted agrees with the whole context, and gives a fuller sense to the words of the great Teacher. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - John 3:1-36

The Intellectual Type John 3:1 I. The prominent feature of this man's nature was pure intellectuality the love of truth as such; a strong man, and yet a weak man; one without whom neither the Church nor the world can well do, and yet who has many failings. This man was bent more on spiritual certainty than on spiritual safety. We all know this type of man lean of visage, hungry of soul, burning with a consuming desire to unlock the riddle of the universe the devotee, often the martyr, of the... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - John 3:1-36

II. Eternal Life Imparted: What it is and What it Includes Chapter 2:23-17 The second part of this Gospel contains the blessed teachings the Son of God gave concerning eternal life, how it is imparted and what it includes. Everything in these chapters is new. The story of Nicodemus, the woman at Sychar’s well, the healing of the impotent man, the discourses of our Lord, etc., are not reported by the synoptic Gospels. There is not a word of the Sermon on the Mount reported by John; the many... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - John 3:1-36

NICODEMUS, AND NEW BIRTH (vs.1-21) Among the many who believed because of the miracles, there was however one individual who was more seriously affected. Nicodemus comes to the Lord by night, evidently apprehensive of the displeasure of his fellow Pharisees if they knew of his serious interest in the Lord Jesus. He confesses what was common knowledge (though the Pharisees were not willing to confess it), that Christ was a teacher come from God. The miracles had proven it, and since this was... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - John 3:1-36

SECOND VISIT TO JUDEA With reference to what occasion, and hence at what period of the year, did this visit take place (John 2:13 )? With what display of Jesus’ authority and power is it associated (John 2:14-17 )? Comparing this with Matthew 21:12-13 , it would seem that this transaction was repeated at the last Passover. In what manner did He refer at this time to His death and resurrection (John 2:18-22 ) ? What great discourse of Jesus is associated with this second visit to Judea (John... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - John 3:1-36

Nicodemus John 3:0 Let us consider how possible it is to be much, and yet to be nothing. In other words, let us consider how possible it is to be near, and yet to be at an infinite distance. If we could make this idea perfectly clear to ourselves we should begin to ask great questions; we should indeed inaugurate in our own souls the only temper in which it is possible to study the greatest theme with advantage and success. What did Nicodemus want? He impresses us favourably at every point. He... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - John 3:1-8

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. (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. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - John 3:5

Unless a man be born again of water, and the Holy Ghost. Though the word Holy be now wanting in all Greek copies, it is certainly the sense. The ancient Fathers, and particularly St. Augustine in divers places, from these words, prove the necessity of giving baptism to infants: and by Christ's adding water, is excluded a metaphorical baptism. See also Acts viii. 36. and x. 47. and Titus iii. 5. (Witham) --- Except a man be born again. That is, unless you are born again by a spiritual... read more

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