“To be born again” — Jesus’ words to Nicodemus: without this, no one can see or enter the Kingdom of God. The New Testament describes this birth as the work of God — by the Spirit and the Word of God, not by blood or human will — and connects it with faith in Christ and renewal. In Greek, the word in John 3:3 can mean “from above” or “again,” while “water” in John 3:5 is understood in different ways.
What Does the Bible Say About This?
- Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless one is born again, one cannot see the Kingdom of God; what is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:1–8).
- Those who believe in Christ’s name are born not of blood or the will of the flesh, but of God (John 1:12–13); John writes that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God (1 John 5:1).
- God has given us new birth into a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) through imperishable seed, the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23); He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4–7).
- Whoever is in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Interpretations differ regarding what “water” means in John 3:5 (baptism, the Word of God, natural birth, or something else) and how being born again relates to baptism.
The brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the verse texts are from the “Father’s Blessing” Bible.
Key Scripture Passages
7 Scripture Passages · “Father’s Blessing” Bible
John 3:1–8
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, one of the rulers of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to Him: Rabbi! We know that You are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can perform such signs as You do unless God is with him. 3 Jesus answered him: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus said to Him: How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born? 5 Jesus answered: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be amazed that I said to you: You must be born again. 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
John 1:12–13
12 But to all who received Him, to those who believe in His name, He gave the authority to become children of God, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to a living hope,
Titus 3:4–7
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 He saved us—not because of righteous works we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
1 Peter 1:23
as those who have been born again—not of perishable seed, but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring Word of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and the new has come.
1 John 5:1
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father also loves those born of Him.
