John 3:7
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Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Marvel not, &c.--If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable. Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. After those universal propositions, about what "a man" must be, to "enter the kingdom of God" (Joh 3:5) --this is remarkable, showing that our Lord meant to hold Himself forth as "separate from sinners."
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Christ's discourse with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, concerning the great mysteries of the gospel, in which he here privately instructs him (v. 1-21). II. John Baptist's discourse with his disciples concerning Christ, upon occasion of his coming into the neighbourhood where John was (Joh 3:22-36), in which he fairly and faithfully resigns all his honour and interest to him.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous?
Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice