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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] |
Subject: Born of the water means? |
Bible Note: Greetings Emmaus! The phrase 'from below' certainly isn't used in the text, but the contrast between 'natural' and 'spiritual' is used in v. 6. I have tried to figure out why they adverb 'anothen' in vv. 3 and 7 was translated as 'again' rather than 'from above'. Thus far, I have not found any reason. :-) This adverb is used 13 times in the NT. Here are the verses: 1) Mt. 27:51 - "At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split." 2) Mark 15:38 - "The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." 3) Luke 1:3 - "Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus," 4) John 3:3 - "In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'" 5) John 3:7 - "You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’" 6) John 3:31 - "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all." 7) John 19:11 - "Jesus answered, 'You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.'" 8) John 19:23 - "When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom." 9) Acts 26:5 - "They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee." 10) Gal. 4:9 - "But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" 11) James 1:17 - " Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." 12) James 3:15 - "Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil." 13) James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." One Greek Lexicon lists 'again' as a possible meaning, but it seems to be more of a remote meaning. Of the verses listed above, only Gal. 4:9 really seems to have this meaning. Personally, I would translate it as 'born from above' rather than 'born again'. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |