King James Version
John 3:4 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from John chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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?”
John 3:4 · KJV
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.
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
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?
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“saith”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“unto”
G4314a 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,
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“How”
G4459an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
“be born”
G1080to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
“can”
G3361(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
“into”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“womb”
G2836a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
“him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“be born”
G1080to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
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.
John 3:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to John 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge