John 3

You Must Be Born Again

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named h Nicodemus, i a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus 1 j by night and said to him, k "Rabbi, l we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do m unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is n born o again 2 he cannot p see the kingdom of God." 4 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?" 5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born q of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 r That which is born of the flesh is s flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 3 7 t Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You 4 must be born u again.' 8 v The wind 5 blows w 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."

9 Nicodemus said to him, x "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel y and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, z we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but z you 6 do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 a No one has b ascended into heaven except c he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 7 14 And d as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man e be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes f in him g may have eternal life. 8

For God So Loved the World

16 "For h God so loved i the world, 9 j that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not k perish but have eternal life. 17 For l God did not send his Son into the world m to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 n Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not o believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 p And this is the judgment: q the light has come into the world, and r people loved the darkness rather than the light because s their works were evil. 20 t For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, u lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever v does what is true w comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."

John the Baptist Exalts Christ

22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and x was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for y John had not yet been put in prison).

25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over z purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, a "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, b to whom you bore witness - look, he is baptizing, and c all are going to him." 27 John answered, d "A person cannot receive even one thing e unless it is given him f from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, g 'I am not the Christ, but h I have been sent before him.' 29 i The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. j The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, k rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 l He must increase, but I must decrease." 10

31 m He who comes from above n is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and o speaks in an earthly way. p He who comes from heaven n is above all. 32 q He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, r yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony s sets his seal to this, t that God is true. 34 For he whom u God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit v without measure. 35 w The Father loves the Son and x has given all things into his hand. 36 y Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; z whoever does not obey the Son shall not a see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

  1. Cross References
    John 7:50
    Nicodemus, who had gone to him before, and who was one of them, said to them.
    John 19:39
    Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.
  2. Cross References
    Luke 24:20
    And how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him.
  3. Cross References
    John 12:42
    Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue.
  4. Cross References
    John 1:38
    Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?
  5. Cross References
    John 9:29
    We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.
    Matthew 22:16
    And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 10:38
    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
    John 5:36
    But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.
    John 9:33
    If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.
    Acts 2:22
    Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know -
  7. Cross References
    John 1:13
    Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
  8. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 5:17
    Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
    Galatians 6:15
    For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
    1 Peter 1:3
    Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
    1 Peter 1:23
    Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.
  9. Cross References
    John 3:36
    Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
  10. Cross References
    Ezekiel 36:25 - 27
    I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you sha...
    Mark 16:16
    Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,...
    Acts 2:38
    And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized...
    Ephesians 5:26
    That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her...
    Titus 3:5
    He saved us, not because of works done by us in...
    Hebrews 10:22
    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assu...
  11. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:50
    I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
  12. Cross References
    John 6:63
    It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
  13. Cross References
    John 5:28
    Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
  14. Cross References
    John 3:3
    Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
  15. Cross References
    Ecclesiastes 11:5
    As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
    Ezekiel 37:9
    Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God : Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.
  16. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:11
    All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
  17. Cross References
    John 6:52
    The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
    John 6:60
    When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?
  18. Cross References
    John 9:30
    The man answered, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes.
  19. Cross References
    John 3:32
    He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.
  20. Cross References
    John 3:32
    He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.
  21. Cross References
    Proverbs 30:4
    Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!
    Acts 2:34
    For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand.
    Ephesians 4:9
    ( In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?
  22. Cross References
    John 7:34
    You will seek me and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.
  23. Cross References
    John 3:31
    He who comes from above is above all. He who is...
    John 6:38
    For I have come down from heaven, not to do my ...
    John 6:42
    They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Josep...
    John 6:62
    Then what if you were to see the Son of Man asc...
    1 Corinthians 15:47
    The first man was from the earth, a man of dust...
    Romans 10:6
    But the righteousness based on faith says, "Do ...
  24. Cross References
    Numbers 21:9
    So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.
  25. Cross References
    John 8:28
    So Jesus said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me.
    John 12:32
    And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
    John 12:34
    So the crowd answered him, "We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?
  26. Cross References
    John 15:4
    Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
    John 16:33
    I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
    1 John 5:12
    Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
    1 John 5:20
    And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
  27. Cross References
    John 3:36
    Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
  28. Cross References
    Romans 5:8
    But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
    Ephesians 2:4
    But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.
    2 Thessalonians 2:16
    Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace.
    1 John 3:1
    See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
    1 John 4:9 - 10
    In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
  29. Cross References
    John 1:29
    The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
  30. Cross References
    Romans 8:32
    He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
  31. Cross References
    John 10:28
    I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
  32. Cross References
    John 5:36
    But the testimony that I have is greater than t...
    John 5:38
    And you do not have his word abiding in you, fo...
    John 6:29
    Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, ...
    John 6:57
    As the living Father sent me, and I live becaus...
    John 7:29
    I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.
    John 8:42
    Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, y...
    John 10:36
    Do you say of him whom the Father consecrated a...
    John 11:42
    I knew that you always hear me, but I said this...
    John 17:3
    And this is eternal life, that they know you th...
    John 20:21
    Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. A...
    Romans 8:3
    For God has done what the law, weakened by the ...
    1 John 4:9 - 10
    In this the love of God was made manifest among...
    1 John 4:14
    And we have seen and testify that the Father ha...
  33. Cross References
    John 5:45
    Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.
    John 8:15
    You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one.
    John 12:47
    If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
  34. Cross References
    John 5:24
    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
    Mark 16:16
    Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
  35. Cross References
    1 John 5:13
    I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
  36. Cross References
    John 9:39
    Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.
  37. Cross References
    John 1:4 - 5
    In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
    John 1:9
    The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
  38. Cross References
    Isaiah 30:10
    Who say to the seers, "Do not see," and to the prophets, "Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions.
    Jeremiah 5:31
    The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?
  39. Cross References
    John 7:7
    The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil.
  40. Cross References
    Job 24:13
    There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths.
    Romans 13:12
    The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
    Ephesians 5:13
    But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.
  41. Cross References
    Ephesians 5:11
    Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
    Ephesians 5:13
    But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.
  42. Cross References
    1 John 1:6
    If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
  43. Cross References
    Psalms 139:23 - 24
    Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
  44. Cross References
    John 3:26
    And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness - look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.
    John 4:1 - 2
    Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
  45. Cross References
    John 5:35
    He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.
    Matthew 4:12
    Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.
  46. Cross References
    John 2:6
    Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
  47. Cross References
    John 3:2
    This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.
  48. Cross References
    John 1:7
    He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
  49. Cross References
    John 12:19
    So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.
  50. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:7
    For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
    Hebrews 5:4
    And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
  51. Cross References
    John 6:65
    And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.
    James 1:17
    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
  52. Cross References
    Matthew 21:25
    The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?" And they discussed it among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why then did you not believe him?
  53. Cross References
    John 1:20
    He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ.
  54. Cross References
    Malachi 3:1
    Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.
    Mark 1:2
    As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way.
    Luke 1:17
    And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
    Acts 19:4
    And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.
  55. Cross References
    Matthew 25:1
    Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.
  56. Cross References
    Judges 14:20
    And Samson's wife was given to his companion, who had been his best man.
    Song of Solomon 5:1
    I came to my garden, my sister, my bride, I gathered my myrrh with my spice, I ate my honeycomb with my honey, I drank my wine with my milk. Eat, friends, drink, and be drunk with love!
  57. Cross References
    Matthew 9:15
    And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
  58. Cross References
    Matthew 3:11
    I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
  59. Cross References
    John 8:23
    He said to them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
  60. Cross References
    Romans 9:5
    To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
  61. Cross References
    Romans 9:5
    To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
  62. Cross References
    1 John 4:5
    They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them.
  63. Cross References
    John 3:13
    No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
  64. Cross References
    John 3:11
    Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.
  65. Cross References
    John 3:19
    And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
    John 1:11
    He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
    John 5:43
    I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
    John 12:37
    Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him.
  66. Cross References
    John 6:27
    Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.
    2 Corinthians 1:22
    And who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
    Ephesians 1:13
    In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
    Revelation 7:3 - 8
    Saying, "Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.
  67. Cross References
    1 John 5:10
    Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.
  68. Cross References
    John 3:17
    For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
  69. Cross References
    Ezekiel 4:11
    And water you shall drink by measure, the sixth part of a hin; from day to day you shall drink.
    Ezekiel 4:16
    Moreover, he said to me, "Son of man, behold, I will break the supply of bread in Jerusalem. They shall eat bread by weight and with anxiety, and they shall drink water by measure and in dismay.
  70. Cross References
    John 5:20
    For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel.
  71. Cross References
    Matthew 28:18
    And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
  72. Cross References
    John 3:15 - 16
    That whoever believes in him may have eternal l...
    John 5:24
    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my wo...
    John 6:40
    For this is the will of my Father, that everyon...
    John 6:47
    Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes ha...
    John 6:54
    Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood h...
    1 John 5:12 - 13
    Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not ...
    John 11:25 - 26
    Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and t...
    John 20:31
    But these are written so that you may believe t...
    Matthew 19:16
    And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teac...
  73. Cross References
    Romans 2:8
    But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
    Colossians 3:6
    On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
  74. Cross References
    John 3:3
    Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Previous Book Next Book