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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?"
Verse Takeaways
1
A Teacher's Blind Spot
Commentators explain that Nicodemus's confusion was not simple ignorance. The idea of being 'born again' was familiar for Gentile converts to Judaism, but it was unthinkable to apply it to a Jew, who was assumed to be part of God's people by birthright. His literal interpretation stemmed from this religious pride, which blinded him to a core spiritual truth.
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John
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16
18th Century
Presbyterian
How can a man? etc. It may seem remarkable that Nicodemus understood the Savior literally, when the expression to be born aga…
Being old (γερων ων). Nicodemus was probably familiar with the notion of re-birth for proselytes to Judaism for the Gentiles, but not with the idea…
19th Century
Anglican
The proper meaning of the word rendered “sound” (φωνή) is articulate “voice.” It is used in fifteen passages in this Gospel only, and everywhere tr…
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Baptist
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…
Nicodemus’s reply may be interpreted in two ways. At first sight he appears to be quite materialistic in his attitude, thinking that Jesus was advo…
16th Century
Protestant
How can a man be born when he is old? Though the form of expression which Christ employed was not contained in the Law and the prophets, y…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Nicodemus says to him Understanding him of a natural birth, to be repeated:
how can a man be born…
Nicodemus was afraid, or ashamed to be seen with Christ, and therefore came in the night. When religion is out of fashion, there are many Nicodemit…
13th Century
Catholic
Previously, the Evangelist showed Christ’s power in relation to changes affecting nature;This is an allusion to t…
