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John 3:9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 3:9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/43_Jhn_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:9 - Jesus and Nicodemus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="How can this be? 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/john/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How are these things able to be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus responded and said to Him, “How can these things be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be <i>possible?</i>”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“How can these things be? ” asked Nicodemus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Nicodemus replied, "How can that be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"How can this be?" asked Nicodemus. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus asked him, "How can that be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?How can this be?? Nicodemus asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus replied, "How can these things be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him, "How can these things be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him, How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"How is all this possible?" asked Nicodemus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered him, “How can these things be?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How are these things able to happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How are these things able to be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Nicodemus answered and said to him, 'How are these things able to happen?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him, How can these things be?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered, and said to him: How can these things be done? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus responded and said to him, “How are these things able to be accomplished?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can this happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him, How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said to him: How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Nicodemus responded and said to Him, How are these things able to he?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered, how can that be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"How is all this possible?" asked Nicodemus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered, and said to Him, "How can these things be?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Nicodemus answered and said unto Him, How can these <i>things</i> be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=671" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Jesus and Nicodemus</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4459.htm" title="4459: Pōs (Adv) -- Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!">“How</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-NNP) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genesthai (V-ANM) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">be?”</a> <a href="/greek/3530.htm" title="3530: Nikodēmos (N-NMS) -- Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin. From nikos and demos; victorious among his people; Nicodemus, an Israelite.">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithē (V-AIP-3S) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">asked.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-10.htm">John 1:10-11</a></span><br />He was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. / He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-15.htm">John 7:15</a></span><br />The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-43.htm">John 8:43</a></span><br />Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you are unable to accept My message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-30.htm">John 9:30</a></span><br />“That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-37.htm">John 12:37-38</a></span><br />Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. / This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-17.htm">John 14:17</a></span><br />the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-3.htm">John 16:3</a></span><br />They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-3.htm">2 Corinthians 4:3-4</a></span><br />And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. / The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11-12</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. / Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-10.htm">Isaiah 29:10-14</a></span><br />For the LORD has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep. He has shut your eyes, O prophets; He has covered your heads, O seers. / And the entire vision will be to you like the words sealed in a scroll. If it is handed to someone to read, he will say, “I cannot, because it is sealed.” / Or if the scroll is handed to one unable to read, he will say, “I cannot read.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-18.htm">Isaiah 44:18</a></span><br />They do not comprehend or discern, for He has shut their eyes so they cannot see and closed their minds so they cannot understand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-21.htm">Jeremiah 5:21</a></span><br />“Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a></span><br />“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Nicodemus answered and said to him, How can these things be?</p><p class="hdg">How.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4</a></b></br> 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?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/6-52.htm">John 6:52,60</a></b></br> The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us <i>his</i> flesh to eat? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a></b></br> But the path of the just <i>is</i> as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-5.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/3-4.htm">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/john/3-4.htm">Nicode'mus</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Possible</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/3-27.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/7-50.htm">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/john/7-50.htm">Nicode'mus</a> <a href="/john/4-29.htm">Possible</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>How can this be?</b><br>Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, is grappling with Jesus' teaching on being "born again" or "born from above." This question reflects his confusion and struggle to understand spiritual rebirth, a concept foreign to Jewish teachings of the time, which focused on physical lineage and adherence to the Law. His question indicates a literal interpretation of Jesus' words, common among the Pharisees, who often emphasized the letter of the Law over its spiritual implications. This moment highlights the tension between Jesus' revolutionary teachings and the established religious norms.<p><b>Nicodemus asked.</b><br>Nicodemus is introduced earlier in the chapter as a respected teacher of Israel, suggesting he is well-versed in the Scriptures and Jewish traditions. His approach to Jesus at night may indicate a desire for a private, uninterrupted conversation or a fear of being seen with Jesus, who was controversial among Jewish leaders. His willingness to question and seek understanding shows an openness to Jesus' message, contrasting with the often hostile stance of other Pharisees. This encounter is significant as it represents the broader challenge Jesus faced in conveying spiritual truths to a people entrenched in traditional religious practices.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a></b><br>A Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. He comes to Jesus at night, seeking understanding of Jesus' teachings.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is explaining spiritual rebirth to Nicodemus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where this conversation takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious life and the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_truths.htm">Understanding Spiritual Truths</a></b><br>Nicodemus' question highlights the difficulty of understanding spiritual truths without divine revelation. Believers are encouraged to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in comprehending God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_spiritual_rebirth.htm">The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth</a></b><br>Jesus emphasizes the need for being "born again" to enter the Kingdom of God. This rebirth is a work of the Holy Spirit, not human effort.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/approaching_jesus_with_questions.htm">Approaching Jesus with Questions</a></b><br>Nicodemus' approach to Jesus shows the importance of seeking answers to spiritual questions. Believers should not hesitate to bring their doubts and questions to God in prayer and study.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The conversation underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life, enabling them to understand and live out spiritual truths.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'born_of_water'_mean.htm">What does 'born of water' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'born_of_water_and_spirit'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of being born of water and Spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_share_your_christian_testimony.htm">How can you effectively share your Christian testimony?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'collective_salvation'_mean.htm">What does 'Collective Salvation' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">How can these things be?</span>--The answer to the previous question has spoken of a spiritual birth and a spiritual life and a spiritual kingdom, but all this is in a region of which the Rabbinic schools knew nothing. They were the authorised exponents of Law and Prophets; they knew the precise number of words, and the shape of letters; the form of a phylactery, and the width of a fringe; the tithing of garden herbs, and the manner of washing the hands: but spirit, life, a man's soul born again!--"how can these things be?"<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Nicodemus</span> <span class="cmt_word">answered and said to him</span>, <span class="cmt_word">How can these things</span> <span class="cmt_word">come to pass?</span> He takes the position now of a learner, and does not by his query repudiate regeneration as absolutely impossible, but he asks the questions "why" and "how." He may reveal his continued ignorance of the subject matter, but he is willing to be taught. The idea we form of our Lord's reply is regulated by the strict meaning we assign to the question - (<span class="greek">πῶς</span>;) "how?" (cf. <a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Romans 2:19, 29</a>, and note on ver. 12). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">“How</span><br /><span class="grk">Πῶς</span> <span class="translit">(Pōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much!</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can</span><br /><span class="grk">δύναται</span> <span class="translit">(dynatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῦτα</span> <span class="translit">(tauta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">be?”</span><br /><span class="grk">γενέσθαι</span> <span class="translit">(genesthai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Nicodemus</span><br /><span class="grk">Νικόδημος</span> <span class="translit">(Nikodēmos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3530.htm">Strong's 3530: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin. From nikos and demos; victorious among his people; Nicodemus, an Israelite.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked.</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἀπεκρίθη</span> <span class="translit">(Apekrithē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/3-9.htm">John 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/3-9.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:9 Nicodemus answered him How can these things (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>