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NASB | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. [Ezek 36:25-27] |
Bible Question: What does it mean to be "born of the water". |
Bible Answer: Greetings Brenann512! There are various views concerning what John 3:5 means when it says 'born of water'. The first thing that one should note is that no form of the word 'baptism' is used in the passage. The second thing that one should note is that both natural and spiritual birth are in view in this passage. Notice what Nicodemus said in John 3:4 - "'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!'" Notice what Jesus said in John 3:6 - "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." So, in the verse preceeding John 3:5 and in the verse following John 3:5, natural birth is in view in contrast to spiritual birth. Thus, I would argue that John 3:5 also refers to the same contrast and that 'born of water' is simply another way of saying 'natural birth'. This view does justice to the context and does not force one to add a word that is not even in the passage. I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |