Born of Water and the Spirit: Jesus’ Teaching on the New Birth (John 3:3–6)
The Biblical Text (John 3:3–4)
Jesus answered him,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus said to Him,
“How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
Jesus answered,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3–5
Nicodemus’ Question and His Curiosity
Nicodemus asked Jesus to clarify what He meant by being “born again.” His question implies that he was already an elderly man. He was fully aware that Jesus was not speaking of reincarnation or a second physical birth. Nicodemus was curious and eager to hear Jesus’ explanation.
Interpretations Proposed by Scholars
Many scholars have proposed various interpretations on this subject. One such view suggests that:
“Water” as Natural Birth
“Water” refers to the amniotic fluid in which a fetus develops in the mother’s womb, without which natural birth is impossible. According to this view, “water” represents physical or natural birth, while “Spirit” represents spiritual or supernatural birth.
Supporters of this view argue that Jesus was teaching that natural birth alone is insufficient to enter the kingdom of God; one must also experience a supernatural birth.
However, the use of “water” in this sense is unique and unusual in Scripture. This interpretation implies two births, whereas Christ speaks of one new birth, which is only possible after physical birth.
“Water” as the Word of God
Another popular interpretation suggests that “water” refers to the written Word of God, and “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit. While this metaphorical use of “water” exists in the New Testament (Ephesians 5:26), it is uncommon in the Old Testament.
It is unlikely that Nicodemus could have associated “water” with the Word of God, since the New Testament had not yet been written. If Jesus had meant this, He could have said “Word and Spirit,” which would have been clearer for Nicodemus to understand.
“Water” as Baptism
Some scholars interpret “water” as water baptism and “Spirit” as spiritual baptism. According to this view, spiritual rebirth occurs when a person receives water baptism and consequently experiences new life through the Holy Spirit.
However, Scripture is very clear that water baptism is a testimony of salvation, not a mandatory act for receiving the Holy Spirit
(John 3:16, 36; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5).
Furthermore, this interpretation would have had no relevance for Nicodemus. He knew nothing of Christian baptism, and Jesus does not refer to water baptism again when explaining the new birth.
“Water” as John the Baptist’s Baptism
Others suggest that “water” refers to John the Baptist’s baptism and “Spirit” represents repentance. According to this view, Jesus was urging Nicodemus to submit to John’s baptism or at least to repent.
However, John’s ministry was to prepare the way for Jesus, not the other way around. John sent his disciples to Jesus, not Jesus to John. John’s role was temporary and preparatory.
Jesus’ Clarification: Two Kinds of Birth
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
— John 3:6
In verse 6, Jesus clearly explains that there are two kinds of birth: one physical and one spiritual.
“Flesh” refers to the sinful human nature (John 1:14).
“Spirit” refers to spiritual birth.
Until a person receives the Holy Spirit, he or she remains spiritually dead in sin.
Jesus was speaking about spiritual birth, not physical birth.
Old Testament Background of Spiritual Birth
Nicodemus should not have been surprised by the concept of spiritual birth, because the Old Testament already spoke about it
(Psalm 87:5–6; Ezekiel 36:25–28).
This reveals that entry into the kingdom of God is a spiritual matter, not one of physical descent, lineage, or human merit. This was a revelation unknown to most Jews of Jesus’ time, including Nicodemus.
According to John 3:7, Nicodemus needed spiritual life. He needed to experience the new birth.
Human Heritage vs. Spiritual Renewal
Nicodemus assumed that his heritage—his lineage, status, profession, and religious identity—was sufficient to grant him entry into the kingdom.
What he needed to learn was that he required spiritual cleansing and renewal, which only God can perform through the Holy Spirit.
Contemporary Application
Similarly, today many people rely on their own righteousness. Many live under the deception that they have received the Holy Spirit without genuine repentance.
They too must understand that they need spiritual cleansing and new birth, which only God can provide. Unless a person is born again, there is no hope of entering the kingdom of God.
The Most Consistent Interpretation
The only interpretation that satisfies all contextual and biblical criteria is this:
In the Old Testament, water is frequently used symbolically for spiritual cleansing and purification
(Numbers 19:17–19; Isaiah 55:1–3; cf. Psalm 51:10; Jeremiah 2:13; 17:13; Zechariah 14:8).
The Spirit of God in the Old Testament represents divine life
(Genesis 1:2; 2:7; 6:3; Job 34:14).
God promised to pour out His Spirit like water upon His people
(Isaiah 32:15–16; Joel 2:28–29), resulting in a new heart and a new mind—a new spiritual birth
(Jeremiah 31:31–34).
Thus:
Water = Symbol of cleansing
Spirit = Symbol of renewal
Cleansing + Renewal = A new spiritual person (a Christian)
The Meaning of Jesus’ Statement
In essence, Jesus was saying:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a person is cleansed and renewed, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Amen.