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<!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 3:4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Can he enter his mother's womb a second time to be born?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/43_Jhn_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 3:4 - Jesus and Nicodemus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked. 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Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” <a href="/bsb/john/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Nicodemus says to Him, "How is a man able to be born, being old? Is he able to enter into the womb of his mother a second time, and to be born?" <a href="/kjv/john/3.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/john/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” <a href="/nasb_/john/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a person be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” <a href="/nasb/john/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Nicodemus said to Him, &#8220How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother&#8217s womb and be born, can he?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” <a href="/lsb/john/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” <a href="/amp/john/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” <a href="/csb/john/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “How can anyone be born when he is old? ” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But how can anyone be born when he is old?&#8221 Nicodemus asked Him. &#8220Can he enter his mother&#8217s womb a second time and be born?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? <a href="/cev/john/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Nicodemus asked, "How can a grown man ever be born a second time?" <a href="/erv/john/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? <a href="/gwt/john/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Nicodemus asked him, "How can anyone be born when he's an old man? He can't go back inside his mother a second time to be born, can he?" <a href="/gnt/john/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> "How can a grown man be born again?" Nicodemus asked. "He certainly cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time!" <a href="/isv/john/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Nicodemus asked him, "How can a person be born when he is old? He can't go back into his mother's womb a second time and be born, can he?" <a href="/msb/john/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?How can a man be born when he is old?? Nicodemus asked. ?Can he enter his mother?s womb a second time to be born?? <a href="/net/john/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother's womb and be born a second time, can he?" <a href="/nheb/john/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" <a href="/wbt/john/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Nicodemus saith to 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? <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "How is it possible," Nicodemus asked, "for a man to be born when he is old? Can he a second time enter his mother's womb and be born?" <a href="/web/john/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Nicodemus says to Him, “How is a man able to be born, being old? Is he able to enter into the womb of his mother a second time, and to be born?” <a href="/blb/john/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Nicodemus says to Him, "How is a man able to be born, being old? Is he able to enter into the womb of his mother a second time, and to be born?" <a href="/ylt/john/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Nicodemus saith unto him, 'How is a man able to be born, being old? is he able into the womb of his mother a second time to enter, and to be born?' <a href="/slt/john/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Nicodemus says to him, How can a man be born, being an old man? he cannot come in a second time to his mother's belly, and be born.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Nicodemus saith to him: How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born again? <a href="/cpdv/john/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Nicodemus said to him: “How could a man be born when he is old? Surely, he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be reborn?” <a href="/nabre/john/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Nicodemus said to him, How can an old man be born again? can he enter again a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Nicodemus said to him: “How can an old man be born? Is it not impossible for him again to enter his mother's womb a second time and be born?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Nicodemus said to him: How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother's womb the second time, and be born?<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Nicodemus says to him; How is a man able to be born, being old? whether he is able to enter the second time into the womb of his mother, and be born? <a href="/haweis/john/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother?s womb, and be born? <a href="/mace/john/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Nicodemus replied, how can a man be born when he is old? can he enter into his mother, and be born a second time? <a href="/wey/john/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "How is it possible," Nicodemus asked, "for a man to be born when he is old? Can he a second time enter his mother's womb and be born?" <a href="/worrell/john/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Nicodemus says to Him, "How can a man he born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and he born?" <a href="/worsley/john/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Nicodemus saith unto Him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? <a href="/parallel/john/3-4.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=630" 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> …3Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4<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/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/1080.htm" title="1080: gennēthēnai (V-ANP) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">be born</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">when he is</a> <a href="/greek/1088.htm" title="1088: gerōn (N-NMS) -- An old man. Of uncertain affinity; aged.">old?”</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/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/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">asked.</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- 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/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></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 he</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">enter</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases."></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/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- 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-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3384.htm" title="3384: mētros (N-GFS) -- A mother. Apparently a primary word; a mother.">mother’s</a> <a href="/greek/2836.htm" title="2836: koilian (N-AFS) -- From koilos; a cavity, i.e. the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart.">womb</a> <a href="/greek/1208.htm" title="1208: deuteron (Adv) -- Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.">a second time</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gennēthēnai (V-ANP) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">to be born?”</a> 5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.…<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="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25-27</a> 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. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <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. <a href="/romans/6-3.htm">Romans 6:3-4</a> Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23</a> For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Galatians 6:15</a> For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. <a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a> Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. <a href="/jeremiah/31-33.htm">Jeremiah 31:33</a> “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. <a href="/isaiah/44-3.htm">Isaiah 44:3</a> For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring. <a href="/ephesians/2-1.htm">Ephesians 2:1-5</a> And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, / in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. ... <a href="/colossians/2-13.htm">Colossians 2:13</a> When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses, <a href="/1_corinthians/15-50.htm">1 Corinthians 15:50</a> Now I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Matthew 18:3</a> “Truly I tell you,” He said, “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Nicodemus said to 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?How.<a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3</a> Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.<a href="/john/4-11.htm">John 4:11,12</a> The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? … <a href="/john/6-53.htm">John 6:53,60</a> Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/3-3.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/1-13.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/john/2-21.htm">Body</a> <a href="/john/3-3.htm">Born</a> <a href="/luke/24-26.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/john/2-12.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/luke/7-13.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/john/3-1.htm">Nicode'mus</a> <a href="/john/1-46.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/luke/22-34.htm">Second</a> <a href="/luke/23-47.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Time</a> <a href="/luke/11-27.htm">Womb</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/3-5.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/john/7-23.htm">Body</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Born</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/john/6-42.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/john/9-3.htm">Mother's</a> <a href="/john/3-9.htm">Nicodemus</a> <a href="/john/3-9.htm">Nicode'mus</a> <a href="/john/3-5.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/john/3-7.htm">Second</a> <a href="/john/6-14.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/john/3-22.htm">Time</a> <a href="/acts/3-2.htm">Womb</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>“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, approaches Jesus with a question that reveals his struggle to understand spiritual rebirth. The concept of being "born again" was foreign to Jewish thought, which emphasized physical lineage and adherence to the Law. Nicodemus's question reflects a literal interpretation, common in Jewish teaching, where age and wisdom were highly valued. His confusion highlights the radical nature of Jesus' teaching on spiritual rebirth, which transcends physical age and human understanding.Nicodemus asked. Nicodemus is a significant figure, representing the religious elite of Israel. His approach to Jesus at night suggests a cautious curiosity, possibly due to fear of being seen with Jesus, who was controversial among the Pharisees. This encounter is unique to the Gospel of John, which often emphasizes themes of light and darkness, both literal and metaphorical. Nicodemus's role in later passages, such as defending Jesus (<a href="/john/7-50.htm">John 7:50-51</a>) and assisting in His burial (<a href="/john/19-39.htm">John 19:39</a>), indicates a progression in his understanding and faith.“Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” This question underscores Nicodemus's literal interpretation of Jesus' statement about being "born again." The imagery of re-entering the womb is intentionally absurd, highlighting the impossibility of physical rebirth. This reflects a common teaching method in Jewish culture, where hyperbolic questions were used to provoke deeper thought. Jesus' response in the following verses clarifies that He speaks of a spiritual rebirth, a transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25-27</a>, which speaks of a new heart and spirit, and <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a>, which describes believers as new creations in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nicodemus.htm">Nicodemus</a> A Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin. He comes to Jesus at night, seeking understanding of Jesus' teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose teachings Nicodemus is trying to comprehend. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where this conversation takes place, a significant location for Jewish religious life and the setting for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_concept_of_rebirth.htm">The Concept of Rebirth</a> The spiritual rebirth that Jesus speaks of, which Nicodemus struggles to understand in literal terms.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_rebirth.htm">Understanding Spiritual Rebirth</a> Nicodemus' question highlights a common misunderstanding of spiritual truths. Spiritual rebirth is not a physical process but a transformation of the heart and spirit. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> The new birth is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who renews and regenerates believers, making them new creations in Christ. <a href="/topical/h/humility_in_seeking_truth.htm">Humility in Seeking Truth</a> Nicodemus, despite his status, approaches Jesus with questions. This teaches us the importance of humility and openness when seeking spiritual understanding. <a href="/topical/t/the_necessity_of_rebirth_for_salvation.htm">The Necessity of Rebirth for Salvation</a> Jesus emphasizes that being born again is essential for entering the Kingdom of God, underscoring the importance of spiritual transformation in the Christian faith.<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/is_obama_the_antichrist.htm">Is Barack Obama considered the antichrist?</a> <a href="/q/key_themes_in_john.htm">What are key themes in the Book of John?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'born_again'_mean_in_islam.htm">What does "born again" mean for a Muslim?</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_'born_again'_literal_or_scientific.htm">In John 3:3, how can someone be literally “born again,” and why doesn’t this concept appear in scientific or medical possibilities? </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>(4) How can a man be born . . .?--Nicodemus understands the words "born again" in the sense given above. The thought is not wholly strange to him. The Rabbis were accustomed to speak of proselytes as children, and the term "new creature" (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm" title="Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.">2Corinthians 5:17</a>) was in frequent use to express the call of Abraham. But he is himself a child of Abraham, a member of the theocratic kingdom, and is expecting the glory of Messiah's reign. He is a teacher of the Law, a ruler of the chosen people. He is not as a heathen who can be born into the holy nation. The ordinary spiritual sense of the words cannot hold in his case. What can they mean? He does not wilfully misinterpret, for this is opposed to the whole character of the man, nor does he really suppose the physical meaning is intended; but after the method of Rabbinic dialogue, he presses the impossible meaning of the words in order to exclude it, and to draw forth the true meaning. "You cannot mean that a man is to enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born. What is it, then, that you do mean?"When he is old does not necessarily apply to Nicodemus himself. It is the most difficult special case coming under the general term, "a man." In Philo's artificial division of the lifetime, based on that of Hippocrates, the "old man" (?????) is one more than fifty-six years (De Mund. Opif. ? 36). If we understand this of Nicodemus personally, it will make the identification with Nak'dimon (Note on <a href="/john/3-1.htm" title="There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:">John 3:1</a>) barely possible.(4) The proper meaning of the word rendered "sound" (????) is articulate "voice." It is used in fifteen passages in this Gospel only, and everywhere translated "voice" except here. Let the reader substitute the one meaning for the other in any of these passages, e.g., <a href="/john/1-23.htm" title="He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.">John 1:23</a>; <a href="/john/3-29.htm" title="He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.">John 3:29</a>; <a href="/john/5-25.htm" title="Truly, truly, I say to you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.">John 5:25</a>; <a href="/john/5-28.htm" title="Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,">John 5:28</a>; <a href="/context/john/10-3.htm" title="To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.">John 10:3-5</a>; <a href="/john/10-16.htm" title="And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.">John 10:16</a>, and he will find that they are not interchangeable. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Nicodemus saith to him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born? The numerous endeavours to interpret the motive or mind of Nicodemus show almost as much misunderstanding of the naivete of his amazement, as Nicodemus did of the deepest significance of this solemn utterance of the Lord. Two things are perfectly clear: (1) Nicodemus saw a grave and amazing difficulty in the idea of a second birth of a man old, like himself, in years, prepossessions, habits of thought, ways of acting, social ties, ancestral and traditional customs, and in venerable ideas consecrated by long usage. He might have known the language of the prophets concerning circumcision of heart (<a href="/deuteronomy/30-6.htm">Deuteronomy 30:6</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/4-4.htm">Jeremiah 4:4</a>) and concerning a new heart and right spirit (<a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26, 27</a>; <a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/86-4.htm">Psalm 86:4</a>); but the full bearing of these prophetic ideas were beyond and different to the almost drastic form of Christ's call for spiritual change and "birth from the beginning." There is no necessity for us to accuse him either of "narrowness" (Meyer) or of imbecility (Reuss, Lucke), or to make such a charge react upon the spirit or temper of the evangelist in delineating him. It is enough that Nicodemus should have seen a grave difficulty; and Thoma here is justified in referring to the language of the apostles, when the narrow entrance into the kingdom was set forth under the image of the camel and the needle's eye; and to Mary, when she cried, "How can this thing be?" Moreover, the same perplexity, after eighteen hundred years of Christian experience, still encumbers this utterance of the Master. (2) Nicodemus did not, by the form of his question, put such query to the Lord in any literal baldness or insolent worldliness. Surely such a view ignores all the tropical methods of speech current in the rabbinical schools. He virtually said," Birth such as you speak of is as impossible as the second physical birth of an old man, as preposterous as would be re-entrance into the womb of his mother for the purpose of a second birth." Christ had spoken of a fundamental change - one going right down to the very sources and beginnings of life. The Lord had used this difficult image, and propounded his view in a term capable of various interpretation. Nicodemus simply expresses his alarm and incredulity in terms of the image itself. It is little more than the language of the prophet, "Can an Ethiopian change his skin, or a leopard his spots?" Are you not proposing a natural impessibility? Must not the kingdom of God, which we thought we saw in thy advent and mighty deeds, be on this understanding hopelessly veiled from human vision? The "being old" shows that Nicodemus had gone through the metaphor to the condition of mind of which it was the subject. There was no greater physical difficulty in an old man re-entering his mother's womb than for a boy of twelve to do so; but being probably, not necessarily, an old man, and belonging to a society of grave, reverend elders, with the inveterate habits, practices, traditions, of long lives behind them, how impracticable and impossible does the notion of so complete a change appear to him! Hence his question. Westcott says admirably, "The great mystery of religion is not the punishment, but the forgiveness of sins; not the natural permanence of character, but spiritual regeneration." <a href="/commentaries/john/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>“How Πῶς (Pōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4459.htm">Strong's 4459: </a> Adverb from the base of pou; an interrogative particle of manner; in what way?; also as exclamation, how much! can δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. a man ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. be born γεννηθῆναι (gennēthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. when he is ὤν (ōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine 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. old?” γέρων (gerōn) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1088.htm">Strong's 1088: </a> An old man. Of uncertain affinity; aged. Nicodemus Νικόδημος (Nikodēmos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3530.htm">Strong's 3530: </a> Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin. From nikos and demos; victorious among his people; Nicodemus, an Israelite. asked. Λέγει (Legei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Can he δύναται (dynatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. enter εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 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. mother’s μητρὸς (mētros) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'. womb κοιλίαν (koilian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2836.htm">Strong's 2836: </a> From koilos; a cavity, i.e. the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart. a second time δεύτερον (deuteron) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1208.htm">Strong's 1208: </a> Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second. to be born?” γεννηθῆναι (gennēthēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/3-4.htm">John 3:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/3-4.htm">NT Gospels: John 3:4 Nicodemus said to him How can (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 3:5" /></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>