King James Version

What Does John 3:2 Mean?

John 3:2 in the King James Version says “The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can... — study this verse from John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

John 3:2 · KJV


Context

1

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

2

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. again: or, from above

4

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?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nicodemus comes 'by night'—whether from fear, secrecy, or practical scheduling, the symbolism is clear in John's light/darkness motif. He comes from darkness toward the Light. His address 'Rabbi' acknowledges Jesus as teacher despite having no formal training (John 7:15). His confession—'we know that thou art a teacher come from God'—recognizes divine attestation through miracles, yet this is insufficient understanding. Nicodemus knows Jesus is from God but doesn't yet know He IS God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Coming at night protected Nicodemus's reputation but also enabled extended private conversation. Rabbinic tradition valued nighttime Torah study. The 'we' may indicate others among the Pharisees shared his curiosity. His recognition of Jesus' divine mission based on signs represents genuine but incomplete faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What aspects of Jesus do people commonly acknowledge while stopping short of full faith?
  2. How does Nicodemus's 'we know' reveal that intellectual acknowledgment isn't the same as saving faith?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 33 words
οὗτος1 of 33

The same

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐλήλυθας2 of 33

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς3 of 33

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν4 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦν5 of 33

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

νυκτὸς6 of 33

by night

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 33

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν8 of 33

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτοῦ9 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Ῥαββί10 of 33

Rabbi

G4461

my master, i.e rabbi, as an official title of honor

οἴδαμεν11 of 33

we know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

ὅτι12 of 33

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπὸ13 of 33

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

θεὸς14 of 33

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐλήλυθας15 of 33

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

διδάσκαλος·16 of 33

a teacher

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

οὐδεὶς17 of 33

no man

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

γὰρ18 of 33

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ταῦτα19 of 33

these

G5023

these things

τὰ20 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σημεῖα21 of 33

miracles

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

δύναται22 of 33

can

G1410

to be able or possible

ποιεῖς23 of 33

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

24 of 33

that

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

σὺ25 of 33

thou

G4771

thou

ποιεῖς26 of 33

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐὰν27 of 33
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ28 of 33
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

29 of 33

be

G5600

(may, might, can, could, would, should, must, etc.; also with g1487 and its comparative, as well as with other particles) be

30 of 33
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς31 of 33

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μετ'32 of 33

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτοῦ33 of 33

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 3:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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