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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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Commentaries
15
Albert Barnes
On John 3:4
18th Century
Theologian
How can a man? etc. It may seem remarkable that Nicodemus understood the Savior literally, when the expression to be born aga…
AT Robertson
On John 3:4
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…
Charles Ellicott
On John 3:4
19th Century
Bishop
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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Charles Spurgeon
On John 3:4
19th Century
Preacher
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…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On John 3:4
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…
John Calvin
On John 3:4
16th Century
Theologian
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…
John Gill
On John 3:4
17th Century
Pastor
Nicodemus says to him
Understanding him of a natural birth, to be repeated:
how can a man be born…
Matthew Henry
On John 3:1–8
17th Century
Minister
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…