Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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] |
Subject: Born of the water means? |
Bible Note: Greetings Mommapbs! Excellent questions! I haven't read of anyone who connects 'water and blood' with birth and death in 1 John 5, but I would say that it is certainly possible. It is interesting that the same phrase is used in John 19:34 to speak of the blood and water that flowed from Jesus' side at the cross. Augustine held that this is that to which 1 John 5:6 referred. Certainly, the historical context of 1 John would lend support to the view that 'water and blood' may have referred to His birth and death. Tradition (through Irenaeus) tells us that one of John's chief opponents was a man by the name of Cerinthus. Cerinthus denied the full incarnation of Christ. I have also found it interesting that John 3 doesn't really speak of being 'born again'. The actual word used is 'born from above'. Thus, the contrast would be between 'born from below' and 'born from above' - i.e. natural and spiritual birth. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |