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You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” <a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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.” <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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.” <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit." <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don&#8217t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Only God's Spirit gives new life. The Spirit is like the wind that blows wherever it wants to. You can hear the wind, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the voice thereof, but knowest not whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you don't know where the wind comes from or where it's going. That's the way it is with everyone born of the Spirit." <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> The wind blows wherever it wishes; you hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. It is like that with everyone who is born of the Spirit." <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> The wind blows where it wants to. You hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. That's the way it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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.? <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> The wind blows wherever it will, and you hear the sound it makes, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the sound of it, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So is it with every one who has been born of the Spirit." <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the Spirit blows where [that] One wills, and you hear [that] One’s voice, but you have not known from where [that] One comes, and to where [that] One goes; thus is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes and where it goes. Thus is everyone having been born of the Spirit." <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the Spirit where he willeth doth blow, and his voice thou dost hear, but thou hast not known whence he cometh, and whither he goeth; thus is every one who hath been born of the Spirit.' <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> The wind, where it wills, blows, and its voice thou hearest, but thou knowest not whence it comes, and where it goes: so is every one having been born of the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The Spirit breatheth where he will; and thou hearest his voice, but thou knowest not whence he cometh, and whither he goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The Spirit inspires where he wills. And you hear his voice, but you do not know where he comes from, or where he is going. So it is with all who are born of the Spirit.” <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound; but you do not know whence it comes and whither it goes; such is every man who is born of the Spirit. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> The Spirit breathes where he will, and you hear his voice, but you do not know from where he comes and where he goes; thus is everyone who is born from The Spirit.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> The Spirit breathes where he pleases, and you hear his voice, but you know not whence he comes, and whither he goes; so is every one that is begotten of the Spirit.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>The Spirit breathes on whom He willeth, and thou hearest His voice, but dost not know whence He cometh and whither He goeth; so is every one who has been born of the Spirit.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The wind bloweth where it will, and thou hearest the sound of it, but knowest not from whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth: just so is every one who is born of the Spirit. <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> the wind bloweth where it listeth, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it comes, or whither it goes: such is the change in every one that is renewed by the spirit. <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So is it with every one who has been born of the Spirit." <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>The Spirit breatheth where He willeth; and you hear His voice, but know not whence He cometh, or whither He goeth: so is every one who has been born of the Spirit."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> As<FR> the wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound of it, but knowest not whence it cometh, or whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/john/3-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=658" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Jesus and Nicodemus</a> …7Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ 8<a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">The</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: pneuma (N-NNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">wind</a> <a href="/greek/4154.htm" title="4154: pnei (V-PIA-3S) -- To blow, breathe, as the wind. A primary word; to breathe hard, i.e. Breeze.">blows</a> <a href="/greek/3699.htm" title="3699: hopou (Adv) -- Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.">where</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelei (V-PIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">it wishes.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akoueis (V-PIA-2S) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">You hear</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">its</a> <a href="/greek/5456.htm" title="5456: phōnēn (N-AFS) -- Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language.">sound,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: oidas (V-RIA-2S) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">you do not know</a> <a href="/greek/4159.htm" title="4159: pothen (Adv) -- From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause.">where</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To come, go. ">it comes from</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">or</a> <a href="/greek/4226.htm" title="4226: pou (Adv) -- Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality.">where</a> <a href="/greek/5217.htm" title="5217: hypagei (V-PIA-3S) -- To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively.">it is going.</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">So</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it is</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pas (Adj-NMS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">with everyone</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gegennēmenos (V-RPM/P-NMS) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">born</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4151.htm" title="4151: Pneumatos (N-GNS) -- Wind, breath, spirit. ">Spirit.” </a> 9“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/2-2.htm">Acts 2:2</a> Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. <a href="/ezekiel/37-9.htm">Ezekiel 37:9</a> Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!” <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> 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. <a href="/1_john/5-6.htm">1 John 5:6</a> This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ—not by water alone, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies to this, because the Spirit is the truth. <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a> Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-11.htm">1 Corinthians 12:11</a> All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines. <a href="/job/33-4.htm">Job 33:4</a> The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. <a href="/romans/8-14.htm">Romans 8:14</a> For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. <a href="/psalms/135-7.htm">Psalm 135:7</a> He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He generates the lightning with the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">2 Peter 1:21</a> For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/isaiah/40-7.htm">Isaiah 40:7</a> The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. <a href="/galatians/5-25.htm">Galatians 5:25</a> Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5</a> As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">1 Kings 19:11-12</a> Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. / After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a> He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>The wind blows where it wants, and you hear the sound thereof, but can not tell from where it comes, and where it goes: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.wind.<a href="/job/37-10.htm">Job 37:10-13,16,17,21-23</a> By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened… <a href="/psalms/107-25.htm">Psalm 107:25,29</a> For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof… <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:4,5</a> He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap… so.<a href="/john/1-13.htm">John 1:13</a> Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.<a href="/isaiah/55-9.htm">Isaiah 55:9-13</a> For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts… <a href="/mark/4-26.htm">Mark 4:26-29</a> And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-7.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/luke/22-64.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-14.htm">Bloweth</a> <a href="/luke/22-63.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/john/3-7.htm">Born</a> <a href="/luke/10-22.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/luke/21-9.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/john/1-5.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/luke/22-71.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/matthew/27-13.htm">Hearest</a> <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/luke/23-25.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/luke/18-36.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/john/3-6.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/luke/22-16.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/luke/20-26.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/john/1-23.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/john/2-9.htm">Whence</a> <a href="/luke/17-37.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/luke/24-28.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/luke/10-22.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/luke/10-22.htm">Wills</a> <a href="/luke/12-55.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/luke/9-24.htm">Wishes</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/4-44.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/john/18-22.htm">Blow</a> <a href="/judges/3-27.htm">Bloweth</a> <a href="/john/18-23.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/john/8-41.htm">Born</a> <a href="/john/7-17.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/john/5-7.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/john/5-25.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/john/11-42.htm">Hearest</a> <a href="/john/8-29.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/john/4-34.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/john/7-23.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/john/3-34.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/john/4-12.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/john/3-27.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/john/4-35.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/john/4-11.htm">Whence</a> <a href="/john/21-18.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/john/6-21.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/john/5-21.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/john/5-21.htm">Wills</a> <a href="/john/6-18.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/john/5-21.htm">Wishes</a><div class="vheading2">John 3</div>1. <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,</a> 14. <a href="/john/3-14.htm">of faith in his death,</a> 16. <a href="/john/3-16.htm">the great love of God toward the world,</a> 18. <a href="/john/3-18.htm">and the condemnation for unbelief.</a> 22. <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Jesus baptizes in Judea.</a> 23. <a href="/john/3-23.htm">The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>The wind blows where it wishes. This phrase highlights the sovereignty and unpredictability of the wind, which serves as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. In biblical times, wind was often associated with divine activity, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, where the Spirit of God is described as moving over the waters. The Greek word for "wind" (pneuma) is the same as for "spirit," emphasizing the connection. The wind's freedom to move as it pleases reflects the Spirit's ability to work beyond human understanding or control.You hear its sound, The sound of the wind is perceptible, yet invisible, much like the effects of the Holy Spirit's work in a person's life. This aligns with the biblical theme that faith comes by hearing (<a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>). The Spirit's presence is evidenced by transformation and the fruits of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>), which are observable even if the Spirit Himself is not seen.but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. This phrase underscores the mystery and divine nature of the Spirit's work. Just as the origins and destination of the wind are unknown, so too are the ways of the Spirit. This reflects the biblical principle that God's ways and thoughts are higher than human understanding (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>). The Spirit's work is not bound by human limitations or expectations.So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” Being "born of the Spirit" refers to the concept of spiritual rebirth or regeneration, a central theme in Christian theology. This new birth is necessary to enter the kingdom of God, as Jesus explains earlier in <a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-7</a>. The transformation brought about by the Spirit is profound and life-changing, akin to a new creation (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>). This spiritual rebirth is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a>, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit to His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about the nature of being born again and the work of the Holy Spirit. 2. <a href="/topical/n/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a> A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who comes to Jesus at night seeking understanding about His teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_spirit.htm">The Holy Spirit</a> Referred to metaphorically as the wind, the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration and transformation is a key theme in this passage. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this conversation takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious life and Jesus' ministry. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wind.htm">The Wind</a> Used as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, illustrating the mysterious and sovereign nature of the Spirit's work.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sovereignty_of_the_spirit.htm">The Sovereignty of the Spirit</a> Just as the wind cannot be controlled or fully understood, the Holy Spirit operates according to God's sovereign will. Believers should trust in the Spirit's guidance and timing. <a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_regeneration.htm">The Mystery of Regeneration</a> Spiritual rebirth is a mysterious work of the Holy Spirit. Like the wind, it is not always visible, but its effects are evident in a transformed life. <a href="/topical/h/hearing_and_responding.htm">Hearing and Responding</a> While we cannot see the wind, we can hear its sound. Similarly, believers are called to be attentive to the Spirit's voice and respond in obedience. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_and_new_life.htm">Transformation and New Life</a> The work of the Spirit brings about a new creation in Christ. Believers should seek to live out this new life, reflecting the change the Spirit has wrought. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_the_spirit.htm">Dependence on the Spirit</a> Just as we rely on the wind for movement, believers must depend on the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth and direction.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 3</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_control.htm">What are the symbols of the Holy Spirit?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_mortality.htm">What is the Holy Spirit's outpouring?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_spirit_world's_nature.htm">What is the nature of the spirit world?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_nicodemus_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Nicodemus in the Bible?</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>(8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof.--Better (see Note below), the Spirit breatheth where He willeth, and thou hearest His voice. These words are an explanation of the spiritual birth, the necessity of which has been asserted in the previous verses. They must have come to Nicodemus, bringing in their sound echoes of the old familiar words, "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm" title="And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.">Genesis 2:7</a>). These words would bring to the mind thoughts of the human body, cold, lifeless, corpse-like; of the breath of life passing into it; of the beating pulse, the opening eye, the action of nerve, muscle, and limb, as, in obedience to God's will, matter became the framework of spirit, and man became a living soul. There are parallel thoughts of the spirit existing in capacity for life and union with God, but crushed beneath the physical life with its imperative demands for support, and the sensible life with its engrossing pleasures and pains, and sorrows and joys; of the Spirit of God breathing upon it; and of the dormant power awakening into a new life of noblest thoughts and hopes and energies, when man is born of the Spirit.And yet the new spiritual birth, like the physical, cannot be explained. We can observe the phenomena, we cannot trace the principle of life. He breatheth where He willeth, in the wide world of man, free as the wind of heaven, bound by no limits of country or of race. The voice is heard speaking to the man himself, and through him to others; there is the evidence of the new birth in the new life. We know not whence He comes, or whither He goes. We cannot fix the day or hour of the new birth with certainty. We know not what its final issues will be. It is the beginning of a life which is a constant growth, and the highest development here is but the germ of that which shall be hereafter (<a href="/1_john/3-2.htm" title="Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.">1John 3:2</a>).So is every one that is born of the Spirit.--The sense is, In this manner is every one (born) who is born of the Spirit. The universality is again emphatically asserted. Individual spiritual life depends upon individual spiritual birth. The baptism of the Spirit is needed for all. Now, indeed, coming as a fire burning in men's hearts, consuming the chaff of sin, while He purifies and stores up all that is true and good; now coming as in a moment, and arresting a man in a course of evil, revealing the iniquity of sin, and giving the power to reform; now coming as the gradual dawning of day upon the youthful soul who has never been wholly without it; here in a sermon or a prayer, there in the lessons of childhood; now by the example of a noble life or the lessons of history; again in the study of Scripture or the truths written on the page of nature--the Spirit breatheth where it willeth. We may not limit His action, but by His action must every one be born again. Comp. the instances of what men call gradual conversion and sudden conversion, placed side by side in the same chapter, in <a href="/acts/16-14.htm" title="And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul.">Acts 16:14</a>; <a href="/acts/16-29.htm" title="Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,">Acts 16:29</a> et seq.The rendering of the first clause of this verse by the Spirit breatheth for "wind bloweth" of the Authorised version has met with so little support that it is right to state briefly the grounds on which it rests. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - The wind bloweth (the Spirit breathes, Revised Version, in margin) where it willeth, and thou hearest (his voice) the sound thereof, but thou knowest not whence it cometh and whither it goeth. Vulgate (followed by Wickliffe and the Rheims Versions) is, Spiritus ubi vult spirat et vocem ejus audis, sed nescis unde veniat, aut quo vadat: sic est omnis qui natus est ex Spiritu. Augustine, though acquainted with the other rendering, approves of this; so Origen, Bengel. The great majority of commentators and versions have held that the former of the two translations is correct; that the first time the word Πνεῦμα is used, it refers to the wind, "the unseen similitude of God the Spirit - his most meet and mightiest sign;" and that, since the same word is used for the two things, Spirit and wind, the Lord, after the parabolic manner which he adopted (in the synoptic Gospels), took advantage of some gusts of roaring wind then audible, to call attention to the mystery and incomprehensibility of its origin or end, and to see a parallel between the unknown ways of the wind and the unknown points of application to the human spirit of the mighty energy of the living God. The passage, <a href="/ecclesiastes/11-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 11:5</a>, may have been in his mind (though there "Spirit" is as likely to be the reference as is the motion of the "wind," and our ignorance of the way of the Spirit is akin to our ignorance of the formation of bones in the womb of her who is with child), and the adoption of the unusual word πνεῖ (cf. <a href="/john/6-18.htm">John 6:18</a>; <a href="/revelation/7-1.htm">Revelation 7:1</a>; <a href="/matthew/7-25.htm">Matthew 7:25</a>; <a href="/acts/27-40.htm">Acts 27:40</a>) is in support of the comparison between "wind" and the "Spirit;" while the φωνή, the "voice" or sound of the wind in trees or against any barriers, and the other effects that the rapid motion of the air produces, gives a lively illustration of the method in which the Spirit of God works in human minds, revealing, not itself, but its effects. The parallel is not peculiar to Scripture (see the remarkable passage in Xenophon, 'Memor.,' 4:3-14; also 'Rig Veda,' 10:168). It is further urged that the following clause, So is every one that hath been born of the Spirit - meaning, So doth it happen to every one who is born of the Spirit - suggests the analogy between πνεῦμα in its material sense, and πνεῦμα in its customary and deeper sense. Now, on the other hand, it appears to me that this latter clause is compatible with the older translation and application. There is a comparison, but it may be between the mysterious working, breathing of the Divine Spirit, whose "voice" or "word" may be heard, whose effects are present to our senses and consciousness, but the beginnings and endings of which are always lost in God, - and the special operations of Divine grace in the birth of the Spirit. There are numberless operations of the Spirit referred to in the Old Testament, from the first brooding of the Spirit on the formless abyss, to all the special and mighty effects wrought in creation, all the heightening and quickening of human faculty, all the conference of special strength upon men - their intellectual energies and Divine inspirations. Over and above all these, there is all the supernatural change wrought in souls by the Holy Spirit. Christ calls this a "birth of the Spirit," and declares that, according to all the mysterious comings and departings of the Spirit, leaving only manifold effects, so is the special Divine work which morally and spiritually recreates humanity. Pneuma is used three hundred and fifty times in the New Testament, and twenty times in this Gospel for "the Spirit;" and if the usage is reversed here, this is the solitary occasion. The word θέλει, is, moreover, more appropriate to a living Being than to the wind. There is another way which suggests itself by which the word Πνεῦμα may mean the same in both clauses: The breath of God bloweth where it listeth, etc., so is every one born of the breath of God. If this be possible, the form of the expression supplies a cooperating similitude drawn from the unknown origin and mighty effects of the unseen breath of heaven; and on this translation the comparison is drawn between all the ways of the Spirit and the special work of the Spirit in regeneration. An inference is deducible from either interpretation of this verse, incompatible with the theory that "birth from water" is equivalent to "regeneration in baptism." If the rite of baptism provided the moment and occasion of the spiritual result, we should know whence it came and whither it went. We might not know "how," but we should know "when" and "whence" the spiritual change took place. But this knowledge is distinctly negatived by Christ, who herein declares the moment of the spiritual birth to be lost or hidden in God. Physical birth is a deep mystery, both whence the "spirit" comes and whither it goes; the signs of the presence of life are abundant, but there is an infinite difference between the stillborn or dead child and the living one. Similarly, the commencement of the Spirit's creation within our nature is lost in mystery. We discern its presence by its effects, by consciousness of a new life and sense of a new world all around the newly born, but the Spirit-birth, like all the other operations of the Spirit, is hidden in God. <a href="/commentaries/john/3-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>The τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. wind πνεῦμα (pneuma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. blows πνεῖ (pnei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4154.htm">Strong's 4154: </a> To blow, breathe, as the wind. A primary word; to breathe hard, i.e. Breeze. where ὅπου (hopou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3699.htm">Strong's 3699: </a> Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. it wishes. θέλει (thelei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. You hear ἀκούεις (akoueis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. its αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. sound, φωνὴν (phōnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5456.htm">Strong's 5456: </a> Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. you do not know οἶδας (oidas) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> To know, remember, appreciate. where πόθεν (pothen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4159.htm">Strong's 4159: </a> From the base of posis with enclitic adverb of origin; from which or what place, state, source or cause. it comes {from} ἔρχεται (erchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. [or] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. where ποῦ (pou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4226.htm">Strong's 4226: </a> Genitive case of an interrogative pronoun pos otherwise obsolete; as adverb of place; at what locality. it is going. ὑπάγει (hypagei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5217.htm">Strong's 5217: </a> To go away, depart, begone, die. From hupo and ago; to lead under, i.e. Withdraw or retire, literally or figuratively. So οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). it is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. with everyone πᾶς (pas) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. born γεγεννημένος (gegennēmenos) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. of ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Spirit.? Πνεύματος (Pneumatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4151.htm">Strong's 4151: </a> Wind, breath, spirit. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-8.htm">John 3:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-8.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:8 The wind blows where it wants (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:9" /></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>