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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/2-25.htm" title="John 2:25">◄</a> John 3:1 <a href="/john/3-2.htm" title="John 3:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/john/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/john/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />There was a man named Nicodemus who was a Pharisee and a Jewish leader. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish council.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There was a Jewish leader named Nicodemus, who belonged to the party of the Pharisees. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now there was a man from the Pharisees, a leader of the Jews, whose name was Nicodemus. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now a certain man, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who was a member of the Jewish ruling council,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jewish people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now there was one of the Pharisees whose name was Nicodemus--a ruler among the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And there was a man of the Pharisees, his name Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And there was a man of the Pharisees, Nicodemus his name, a ruler of the Jews,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And there was a man of the Pharisees, Nicodemus the name to him, a ruler of the Jews:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />AND there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Now there was a man among the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THERE was there a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews;<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 />One man of the Pharisees was living there; his name was Nicodemus. He was a leader of the Judeans.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />There was a man of the Pharisees, the name to him Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />NOW there was a man of the Pharisees, whose name was Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Now one of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, was there, a ruler of the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Now there was one of the Pharisees whose name was Nicodemus--a ruler among the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the Pharisees, whose name was Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Now there was a man of the pharisees, whose name <i>was</i> Nicodemus, a ruler among the Jews:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/john/3-1.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=602" 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">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">there was</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">a man</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: tōn (Art-GMP) -- 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/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/3686.htm" title="3686: onoma (N-NNS) -- Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a name.">named</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> <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/758.htm" title="758: archōn (N-NMS) -- Present participle of archo; a first.">a leader</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”…<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/7-50.htm">John 7:50-52</a></span><br />Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked, / “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?” / “Aren’t you also from Galilee?” they replied. “Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/19-39.htm">John 19:39</a></span><br />Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-42.htm">John 12:42-43</a></span><br />Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. / For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-34.htm">Acts 5:34-39</a></span><br />But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. / “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. / Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-2.htm">Matthew 23:2-3</a></span><br />“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-50.htm">Luke 23:50-51</a></span><br />Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, / who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/15-43.htm">Mark 15:43</a></span><br />Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Council member who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God, boldly went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-5.htm">Acts 15:5</a></span><br />But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a></span><br />circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a></span><br />Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17-20</a></span><br />Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; / if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; / if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13-14</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. / Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25-27</a></span><br />I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a></span><br />Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/3-10.htm">John 3:10</a></b></br> Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-47.htm">John 7:47-49</a></b></br> Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Council</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Jewish</a> <a href="/john/2-20.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/luke/23-50.htm">Member</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/john/19-39.htm">Nicode'mus</a> <a href="/john/1-24.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/john/2-9.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/luke/24-20.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/matthew/2-22.htm">Ruling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/11-47.htm">Council</a> <a href="/john/6-4.htm">Jewish</a> <a href="/john/3-25.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/10-2.htm">Member</a> <a href="/john/3-4.htm">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/john/3-4.htm">Nicode'mus</a> <a href="/john/4-1.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/john/12-31.htm">Ruler</a> <a href="/john/7-26.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/romans/6-12.htm">Ruling</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Now there was a man of the Pharisees</b><br>The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judaism during the time of Jesus. They were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions. The Pharisees held significant influence over the Jewish people and were often seen as the religious elite. Their focus on the law sometimes led to conflicts with Jesus, who emphasized the spirit of the law over the letter.<p><b>named Nicodemus</b><br>Nicodemus is introduced as a specific individual, suggesting he was a notable figure. His name is Greek, meaning "victory of the people," which may indicate Hellenistic influences in Jewish society. Nicodemus appears only in the Gospel of John, and his interactions with Jesus are significant for understanding the concept of being "born again."<p><b>a leader of the Jews</b><br>This phrase indicates Nicodemus held a position of authority, likely as a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. The Sanhedrin was responsible for religious decisions and had some civil authority under Roman rule. Nicodemus's status as a leader suggests he was well-versed in Jewish law and theology, making his encounter with Jesus particularly noteworthy.<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 is introduced as a man of influence and authority within the Jewish community. His encounter with Jesus is significant as it represents a bridge between Jewish tradition and the new teachings of Christ.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a></b><br>A religious and political group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions. They were influential in Jewish society and often in opposition to Jesus' teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a></b><br>In this context, it refers to the Jewish people, particularly the religious leaders and authorities who were responsible for maintaining the religious and social order.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sanhedrin.htm">Sanhedrin</a></b><br>The supreme council and tribunal of the Jews during post-exilic times, consisting of 71 members. It had authority over religious and legal matters.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>While not mentioned directly in this verse, the setting of this encounter is likely in or near Jerusalem, where the Sanhedrin would convene.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_truth.htm">Seeking Truth</a></b><br>Nicodemus' approach to Jesus demonstrates a sincere quest for understanding. As believers, we should seek truth with humility and openness, even if it challenges our preconceived notions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_to_question.htm">Courage to Question</a></b><br>Nicodemus, despite his status, comes to Jesus at night, indicating a cautious yet courageous step towards exploring new teachings. We should be willing to question and explore our faith deeply.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_tradition.htm">The Role of Tradition</a></b><br>Nicodemus represents the tension between tradition and new revelation. We must discern when tradition supports our faith and when it may hinder our understanding of God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_encounter.htm">Transformation through Encounter</a></b><br>Nicodemus' journey with Jesus shows that personal encounters with Christ can lead to transformation. We should seek personal experiences with God that lead to growth and change.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/influence_and_responsibility.htm">Influence and Responsibility</a></b><br>As a leader, Nicodemus had the potential to influence others. We should recognize our own spheres of influence and use them responsibly to share the truth of the Gospel.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">III.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">There was a man.</span>--Read, <span class= "ital">But there was a man.</span> Our division of chapters breaks the connection, and the omission of the conjunction leads us to think of the visit of Nicodemus as quite distinct from what has gone before; whereas it really rises out of it (comp. <a href="/john/3-2.htm" title="The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him.">John 3:2</a> with <a href="/john/2-23.htm" title="Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.">John 2:23</a>).<p>The name Nicodemus was not uncommon among the Jews, but like Stephen, Philip, Jason, etc., was derived from their intercourse with the Greeks. (Comp. <span class= "ital">e.g.,</span> Demosth. 549, 23, and Jos. <span class= "ital">Ant.</span> xiv. 3, ? 2.) Of this particular Nicodemus, we know with certainty nothing more than is told us in this Gospel (<a href="/john/7-50.htm" title="Nicodemus said to them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)">John 7:50</a>; <a href="/john/19-39.htm" title="And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.">John 19:39</a>). The Talmud mentions a Nakedimon, so called from a miracle performed by him, who was the son of Gorion, and whose real name was Bonai. It also gives the name Bonai as one of the disciples of Jesus. He was one of the three richest Jews when Titus besieged Jerusalem, but his family was reduced to the most abject poverty. So far the Talmud. The inference is that this change of fortune is connected with his becoming a Christian and with the persecution which followed, and he is himself identified with the Nicodemus of the Gospel. We can only say this may be so. The reader who cares for more on the subject will find full references in Lampe, and the extracts from the Talmud translated in Lightfoot. Others may be content to accept this latter writer's conclusion. "It is not worth while to take great pains in a question which is very involved, if we may not also call it useless." (For the "Pharisees," to which sect Nicodemus belonged, comp. <a href="/john/1-24.htm" title="And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.">John 1:24</a>, and <a href="/matthew/3-7.htm" title="But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?">Matthew 3:7</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But there was a man of the Pharisees</span>. Is this narrative introduced, as Baur thinks, to give a specimen of wrongly directed faith, to which Christ did <span class="accented">not</span> entrust himself? and was the evangelist busy at once on his great mission of undervaluing the Jewish parties and nation? Certainly not. We have a clear proof that, in the case of the genuine inquirer, Christ did open His very heart; and to a "ruler of Jews," to a "Pharisee," to a "teacher of Israel," he deigned (because he knew what was in the man, and required nobody's help) to unveil the deepest realities of the kingdom of God and of the salvation of man. Baur is not correct in making Nicodemus out to be a specimen of unbelieving Judaism and unsusceptible Pharisaism, seeing that the later notices of this Sanhedrist show that he became a disciple of Jesus, if secretly, Nicodemus was attracted, as others had been, by the "signs" which Jesus had wrought; but he had gone further and deeper than they, and Jesus "knew it." A controversy has arisen on the point - Did our Lord, by these penetrative glances, manifest his Divine nature, assume a Divine prerogative, or exercise a lofty, penetrative human gift? Westcott, on the philological ground of the contrast in meaning between <span class="greek">γινώσκειν</span> and <span class="greek">εἰδέναι</span>, urges that the former word, used here, represents knowledge acquired by processes of inquiry and perception, as distinct from the latter, which is reserved for absolute and settled knowledge. Godet, on theological grounds, urges that the phrase refers to the human faculty of observation rather than to the Divine prerogative of heart-searching. There are, however, many other indications of this same thought-mastery, which the evangelists appear to regard as proofs of Divine power; so that I think the real significance of the passage is an ascription to Jesus of Divine power. The supernatural in mind, the superhuman mental processes of Jesus, are part of the proof we have that, though he was Man, he created the irresistible impression that he was more than man. Thus Nathanael and Thomas found these to be the most irresistible proofs of the supreme Divine perfections of their Master (cf. <a href="/john/1-49.htm">John 1:49</a>; <a href="/john/4-17.htm">John 4:17</a>; <a href="/john/6-61.htm">John 6:61</a>; <a href="/john/11-4.htm">John 11:4, 14</a>; <a href="/john/13-11.htm">John 13:11</a>; <a href="/john/21-17.htm">John 21:17</a>; and also <a href="/revelation/2-2.htm">Revelation 2:2, 9, 13</a>, etc.). "The man of the Pharisees" furnishes (Godet) a test for determining the authenticity of the narrative. If the lines of the following discourse, which move from the first fundamental conditions of admission into the kingdom of God to the deepest principles of Divine character, and the grounds and consequences of reconciliation with God, are such as meet the standpoint and correct the deductions of the Pharisee, we have, then, all but demonstrative evidence that this conversation did not evolve itself out of the consciousness of the second century. The Pharisaic party was excited by the ministry of John (ch. John 1:24), and throughout the early ministry of Jesus in Galilee followed him, with suspicious, malicious suggestions, even plans for his suppression. The name <span class="cmt_word">Nicodemus</span>, if Hebrew in etymology from <span class="accented">dam</span> and <span class="accented">naki</span>, may have meant "innocent blood;" it Greek, as is more probable, seeing that the plan of bearing Greek as well as Hebrew names was not uncommon, it would signify "Conqueror of the people." Tradition says that he was baptized by Peter and John, and deposed from his position in the Sanhedrin, but supported by his kinsman, Gamaliel. Each reference to him (<a href="/john/7-50.htm">John 7:50</a> and John 19:39) implies a certain timidity, and perhaps unworthy reticence. These are relative terms. Much moral courage must have been required for <span class="cmt_word">a ruler</span> <span class="cmt_word">of the</span> Jews (a phrase only applicable to a man of high ecclesiastical rank) to have dreamed of doing what he is reported to have done here and elsewhere. The Talmud mentions a Nicodemus ben Gotten, who was also called Bonai, a disciple of Jesus, of great wealth and piety, who survived the destruction of Jerusalem, and therein lost nil his fortune (Lightfoot, <span class="accented">in loc.</span>; Delitzsch, 'Zeitsch. Luth. Theol.,' 1854). The hint that he was an old man in this year (A.U.C. 781, or A.D. ) renders his survival till A.D. improbable, but not impossible by any means. The identification is not complete. The Talmud does not speak of him as a Sanhedrist, though it gives curious details, which imply that he must have been a priest in the temple, and had the charge of providing the water supply for the pilgrims (Geikie, 1:584; Winer, 'Real.,' 2:152). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/john/3-1.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">Now</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there was</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἦν</span> <span class="translit">(Ēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄνθρωπος</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκ</span> <span class="translit">(ek)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> </span><span class="str2">From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Pharisees</span><br /><span class="grk">Φαρισαίων</span> <span class="translit">(Pharisaiōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">named</span><br /><span class="grk">ὄνομα</span> <span class="translit">(onoma)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3686.htm">Strong's 3686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.</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">a leader</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄρχων</span> <span class="translit">(archōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Present participle of archo; a first.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the</span><br /><span class="grk">τῶν</span> <span class="translit">(tōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jews.</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰουδαίων</span> <span class="translit">(Ioudaiōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/john/3-1.htm">John 3:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/john/3-1.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:1 Now there was a man (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/2-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 2:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 2:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:2" /></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>