In our last study, we looked at what it means to be Born-Again, and how Jesus made it clear that entering the Kingdom of God is not a casual experience, but a true transformation.
As we continue, we now come to a very important statement that the Lord spoke to Nicodemus:
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” — John 3:5
These words are not a suggestion.
They are not symbolic language meant to be loosely interpreted.
They are a direct and absolute requirement given by Jesus Himself.
Greek Insight — “Water”
When Jesus said we must be “born of water,” the word translated water comes from the Greek word hydōr (ὕδωρ).
This word is used throughout the New Testament, and it consistently refers to literal water, not something symbolic or abstract.
For example:
- It is the same word used when John baptized in the Jordan River
- The same word used when Jesus was baptized
- The same word used when Philip and the eunuch went down into the water
- The same word used when Peter said on the Day of Pentecost, “be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ”
In each of these cases, the meaning is clear — it is speaking of actual water.
There is nothing in the wording of John 3:5 that suggests a symbolic meaning.
Jesus was speaking plainly, just as He did in many other teachings.
This helps us understand that being “born of water” is not merely an idea or a metaphor, but something that involves a real response — one that aligns with what we see practiced throughout the Book of Acts.
When we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, the meaning becomes consistent and clear.
Greek Insight — “Spirit”
When Jesus said we must be “born of the Spirit,” the word translated Spirit comes from the Greek word pneuma (πνεῦμα).
This word refers to breath, wind, or spirit, and throughout the New Testament it is used to describe the Spirit of God at work within a person.
Jesus had already used this same word just a few verses earlier:
“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof… so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” — John 3:8
Here, the Lord connects the idea of the wind (pneuma) with the work of the Spirit, showing that while it may not be seen with the natural eye, its effects are real and evident.
As we continue through the New Testament, we see this fulfilled when believers received the Holy Ghost. It was not merely an inward feeling, but a real and powerful experience — one that produced a visible change in their lives.
So when Jesus spoke of being “born of the Spirit,” He was pointing to a true spiritual birth — the work of God within a person that brings new life.
Main Body
When Jesus said, “Verily, verily,” He was emphasizing something of great importance — something certain, something that cannot be set aside.
To be born again, He tells us, involves two elements:
- Born of water
- Born of the Spirit
This raises an important question:
What did Jesus mean by this?
Many today interpret this in different ways. Some say it refers only to a spiritual experience. Others suggest it is symbolic language. But when we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, a clearer picture begins to emerge.
Throughout the New Testament, we see a consistent pattern when people responded to the Gospel.
On the Day of Pentecost, when the people were convicted in their hearts and asked what they must do, Peter gave a direct answer:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 2:38
Here we see the same two elements:
- Water — baptism
- Spirit — receiving the Holy Ghost
This was not presented as an optional step, but as the response to the Gospel.
As we continue through the Book of Acts, this pattern appears again and again. Those who believed did not stop at belief alone — they responded with obedience, and their lives were changed.
The new birth is not merely an idea or a confession. It is an experience that affects the heart, the direction of life, and the walk with God.
Application / Reflection
This brings the question back to us:
Have we experienced what Jesus described?
Not simply a moment of belief,
but a true new birth —
one that involves both water and Spirit.
The words of Jesus are clear:
“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
This is not meant to discourage, but to guide us into truth.
God has not hidden the path from us — He has revealed it plainly in His Word.
Closing
The new birth is where the Christian life truly begins.
It is not the end of the journey, but the doorway into it.
And when we follow what the Scriptures teach, we do not walk in uncertainty — we walk in the assurance of what God has promised.
Next article in the series:
“Repentance: The First Step Toward New Life”