What does 'be born again' mean?
BREAKDOWN
The phrase 'be born again' originates from a pivotal conversation between Jesus Christ and Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, recorded in John 3:1-21. When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, Jesus declared to him, "Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Nicodemus initially interpreted this literally, asking how a grown man could re-enter his mother's womb and be born. Jesus clarified that he was speaking of a spiritual birth, stating, "Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:5-6). Therefore, to 'be born again' signifies a radical, supernatural transformation of the human spirit, initiated by God through the Holy Spirit, which grants an individual a new spiritual nature and makes them capable of understanding and entering into God's Kingdom.
KEY TERMS
Nicodemus
A prominent Pharisee and ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night to inquire about his teachings.
be born again
A spiritual rebirth or transformation, initiated by God through the Holy Spirit, granting a new spiritual nature.
Kingdom of God
The sovereign rule and reign of God, both a present spiritual reality and a future consummation.
Holy Spirit
The third person of the Trinity, who effects spiritual regeneration and empowers believers.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
John 3:1-21
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 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.” Jesus answered him, “Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see the Kingdom of God.” 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?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and don’t understand these things? Most assuredly, I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don’t receive our witness. If I told you earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. As Moses lifted up up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.”
John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see the Kingdom of God.”
John 3:5-6
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into the Kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 1:12-13
But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
1 Peter 1:23
having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.
INTERLINEAR ANALYSIS
Interlinear Greek
John 3:3ORIGINAL LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν
born again
DefinitionTo be begotten, born, produced from above, anew, or again.
Πνεύματος
Spirit
DefinitionSpirit, wind, breath.
βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ
Kingdom of God
DefinitionThe reign or rule of God.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The setting for Jesus' teaching on being 'born again' is 1st century Judea, within the city of Jerusalem, a highly religious and culturally vibrant center. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, belonged to a strict Jewish sect known for its adherence to the Mosaic Law and oral traditions. Pharisees often held positions of authority and influence in the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court. Their emphasis was on meticulous observance of the Law, ritual purity, and national identity derived from Abrahamic lineage. For Nicodemus, the idea of a spiritual rebirth transcending physical lineage or legalistic observance would have been profoundly challenging, as Jewish identity was inextricably linked to birthright and adherence to the covenant. This context highlights the radical nature of Jesus' message, indicating that mere physical descent from Abraham or scrupulous adherence to the Law was insufficient for experiencing God's Kingdom; a divine, spiritual transformation was required.
THEOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Theologically, 'being born again' represents the doctrine of regeneration, a monergistic work of the Holy Spirit whereby God imparts new spiritual life to a person who was spiritually dead. It signifies a radical internal change, transforming one's nature from being alienated from God to being a child of God. This divine act is not achieved through human will or effort, but is sovereignly initiated by God, enabling an individual to repent, believe in Christ, and live a life aligned with His will. It is a foundational truth for salvation and marks the beginning of a genuine relationship with God, as articulated by the Apostle Peter: "having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever" (1 Peter 1:23). This new birth makes one a 'new creation' in Christ, where "the old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
COMMENTARY SYNTHESIS
Rashi (commentary on Deuteronomy 30:6, concept of circumcision of the heart) (Jewish)
While the specific term 'born again' is New Testament, the concept of a spiritual transformation and a renewed heart is echoed in Jewish thought. Rashi, in commenting on passages like Deuteronomy 30:6, speaks of God 'circumcising the heart,' which signifies a profound inner change, enabling true love and obedience to God. This internal renewal is parallel to the idea that external adherence to law is insufficient without a transformed spirit, hinting at a divine intervention for true devotion.
John Calvin (Christian (Reformed))
Calvin emphasized that the new birth is entirely a work of God's grace, not human merit. He viewed it as the implantation of a new spiritual life, renewing the will, affections, and understanding, turning them toward God. It is a necessary prerequisite for faith and repentance, asserting that fallen humanity cannot initiate this change themselves, but must be divinely regenerated to respond to God's call.
Matthew Henry (Christian (Evangelical/Non-denominational))
Henry expounded on the absolute necessity of being born again, stating that without this spiritual change, a person cannot truly comprehend or participate in the Kingdom of God. He highlights Nicodemus' intellectual struggle, underscoring that the new birth is a mysterious, supernatural work of the Spirit, independent of human comprehension or effort, yet evident in its transformative effects on a believer's life.
Augustine of Hippo (Christian (Catholic/Early Church Father))
Augustine, in his disputes with Pelagianism, strongly affirmed the total inability of human nature apart from divine grace. He understood being born again as the work of prevenient grace, where God first grants the desire and ability to believe and obey. This spiritual rebirth is the initial act of God's grace, making subsequent acts of faith and good works possible, transforming the will from rebellion to submission.