John 3:5
Verse
Context
Jesus and Nicodemus
4“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?”5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.6Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of water and of the Spirit - To the baptism of water a man was admitted when he became a proselyte to the Jewish religion; and, in this baptism, he promised in the most solemn manner to renounce idolatry, to take the God of Israel for his God, and to have his life conformed to the precepts of the Divine law. But the water which was used on the occasion was only an emblem of the Holy Spirit. The soul was considered as in a state of defilement, because of past sin: now, as by that water the body was washed, cleansed, and refreshed, so, by the influences of the Holy Spirit, the soul was to be purified from its defilement, and strengthened to walk in the way of truth and holiness. When John came baptizing with water, he gave the Jews the plainest intimations that this would not suffice; that it was only typical of that baptism of the Holy Ghost, under the similitude of fire, which they must all receive from Jesus Christ: see Mat 3:11. Therefore, our Lord asserts that a man must be born of water and the Spirit, i.e. of the Holy Ghost, which, represented under the similitude of water, cleanses, refreshes, and purifies the soul. Reader, hast thou never had any other baptism than that of water? If thou hast not had any other, take Jesus Christ's word for it, thou canst not, in thy present state, enter into the kingdom of God. I would not say to thee merely, read what it is to be born of the Spirit: but pray, O pray to God incessantly, till he give thee to feel what is implied in it! Remember, it is Jesus only who baptizes with the Holy Ghost: see Joh 1:33. He who receives not this baptism has neither right nor title to the kingdom of God; nor can he with any propriety be termed a Christian, because that which essentially distinguished the Christian dispensation from that of the Jews was, that its author baptized all his followers with the Holy Ghost. Though baptism by water, into the Christian faith, was necessary to every Jew and Gentile that entered into the kingdom of the Messiah, it is not necessary that by water and the Spirit (in this place) we should understand two different things: it is probably only an elliptical form of speech, for the Holy Spirit under the similitude of water; as, in Mat 3:3, the Holy Ghost and fire, do not mean two things, but one, viz. the Holy Ghost under the similitude of fire - pervading every part, refining and purifying the whole.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
of water and of the Spirit--A twofold explanation of the "new birth," so startling to Nicodemus. To a Jewish ecclesiastic, so familiar with the symbolical application of water, in every variety of way and form of expression, this language was fitted to show that the thing intended was no other than a thorough spiritual purification by the operation of the Holy Ghost. Indeed, element of water and operation of the Spirit are brought together in a glorious evangelical prediction of Ezekiel (Eze 36:25-27), which Nicodemus might have been reminded of had such spiritualities not been almost lost in the reigning formalism. Already had the symbol of water been embodied in an initiatory ordinance, in the baptism of the Jewish expectants of Messiah by the Baptist, not to speak of the baptism of Gentile proselytes before that; and in the Christian Church it was soon to become the great visible door of entrance into "the kingdom of God," the reality being the sole work of the Holy Ghost (Tit 3:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That which is born of the flesh, is flesh,.... Man by his natural birth, and as he is born according to the flesh of his natural parents, is a mere natural man; that is, he is carnal and corrupt, and cannot discern spiritual things; nor can he, as such, enter into, and inherit the kingdom of God; see Co1 2:14. And therefore there is a necessity of his being born again, or of the grace of the Spirit, and of his becoming a spiritual man; and if he was to be, or could be born again of the flesh, or ever so many times enter into his mothers womb, and be born, was it possible, he would still be but a natural and a carnal man, and so unfit for the kingdom of God. By "flesh" here, is not meant the fleshy part of man, the body, as generated of another fleshy substance; for this is no other than what may be said of brutes; and besides, if this was the sense, "spirit", in the next clause, must mean the soul, whereas one soul is not generated from another: but by flesh is designed, the nature of man; not merely as weak and frail, but as unclean and corrupt, through sin; and which being propagated by natural generation from sinful men, cannot be otherwise; for "who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one", Job 14:4. And though the soul of man is of a spiritual nature, and remains a spirit, notwithstanding the pollution of sin; yet it being defiled with the flesh, and altogether under the power and influence of the lusts of the flesh, it may well be said to be carnal or fleshly: hence "flesh", as it stands opposed to spirit, signifies the corruption of nature, Gal 5:17; and such who are in a state of unregeneracy, are said to be after the flesh, and in the flesh, and even the mind itself is said to be carnal, Rom 8:5. And that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit: a man that is regenerated by the Spirit of God, and the efficacy of his grace, is a spiritual man; he can discern and judge all things of a spiritual nature; he is a fit person to be admitted to spiritual ordinances and privileges; and appears to be in the spiritual kingdom of Christ; and has a right to the world of blessed spirits above; and when his body is raised a spiritual body, will be admitted in soul, body, and spirit, into the joy of his Lord. "Spirit" in the first part of this clause, signifies the Holy Spirit of God, the author of regeneration and sanctification; whence that work is called the sanctification of the Spirit, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, Pe1 1:2. And "spirit", in the latter part, intends the internal work of grace upon the soul, from whence a man is denominated a spiritual man; and as a child bears the same name with its parent, so this is called by the same, as the author and efficient cause of it: and besides, it is of a spiritual nature itself, and exerts itself in spiritual acts and exercises, and directs to, and engages in spiritual things; and has its seat also in the spirit, or soul of man.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 John the Baptist baptized with water; Jesus baptizes with the Spirit (1:33).
John 3:5
Jesus and Nicodemus
4“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?”5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.6Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Birth and Death in the Christian Life
By Leonard Ravenhill14K1:08:32New BirthISA 66:2JHN 1:29JHN 3:3JHN 3:5JHN 3:71JN 2:291JN 3:9In this sermon, the speaker shares various anecdotes and observations to emphasize the importance of accepting Christ. He mentions a man who hired a harp player and was captivated by the transcendent music. The speaker also references a news story about a newborn animal instinctively knowing how to nurse, contrasting it with the helplessness of human babies. He recalls attending a conference in Dublin where George Handel first performed the Messiah outside of Germany. The speaker warns against relying on material possessions and worldly pleasures, emphasizing the need for a supernatural connection with Christ.
(Genesis) Genesis 1:2
By J. Vernon McGee3.4K05:09CreationGEN 1:1ISA 14:12ISA 45:18MAT 6:33JHN 3:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that a great catastrophe occurred between verses 1 and 2 of the Bible. They argue that there is evidence to support this, as the earth appears to have become a wasteland. The speaker also connects this catastrophe to the fall of Lucifer, who became Satan. They emphasize that God recreated and made the earth habitable for humans. The Holy Spirit is seen as playing a role in this recreation process.
On Baptism
By Bakht Singh3.3K08:01BaptismGEN 1:1GEN 1:3EXO 20:2MAT 3:16MAT 28:19JHN 3:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of how he came to understand the value and importance of the episode mentioned in Matthew's Gospel chapter 3. He recounts a moment when God spoke to him and challenged him to consider if he was any better than his Savior. This encounter led him to realize his need for salvation and he obediently got baptized. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of spending time in the Bible and highlights the phrase "God said" occurring 558 times in the first five books of the Bible. Additionally, he shares how his father, after witnessing his transformation, also accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized.
A New Creature
By Robert B. Thompson2.1K1:18:00MAT 6:33JHN 3:3JHN 3:5ROM 3:242CO 5:17EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that Christianity is simply about fixing up our old selves. He emphasizes that Christianity is not just about doing good deeds to earn our way into the kingdom of God. Instead, he explains that God is creating new personalities in believers, both inwardly and outwardly. The preacher highlights the importance of the inner man and the outer man, and how God is recreating both aspects of our being. He also mentions that while believers may still struggle with worldly desires and self-will, God sees them as perfectly righteous through the new life that has been conceived in them.
Heaven & Hell
By Bill McLeod1.8K43:07HellMAT 13:36LUK 16:19JHN 3:3JHN 3:5REV 3:20REV 21:2REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and not delaying salvation. He shares a story of a man who heard the Gospel for many years but never acted upon it and died unsaved. The preacher warns against neglecting such a great salvation and urges listeners to come to God without delay. He also highlights the importance of being born again and emphasizes that without this experience, one cannot enter the kingdom of God. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the reality of heaven and hell, and the eternal consequences of belief or unbelief in Jesus Christ.
Is It Working
By Alan Martin1.6K00:00Christian LifeJHN 3:5In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past three years and the growth in understanding of scripture and faith within the congregation. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being effective and productive in our spiritual lives. The speaker references Ephesians 4:11-14, highlighting the need for growth and bearing fruit as a sign of a healthy body. The sermon also focuses on the concept of abiding in Christ, drawing from John 15:2-6 and 8, and encourages the congregation to pray corporately and personally for God to move.
God in Man
By J. Sidlow Baxter1.5K39:09IndwellingISA 61:1MAT 3:16LUK 24:49JHN 3:5ACT 2:1ROM 8:9GAL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to the word of God. He highlights how God has communicated with humanity through prophets and ultimately sent his own son, Jesus, to deliver us from the curse of the law. The preacher then discusses the four things that happen when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit: a new consciousness of Christ, a new Christ-likeness of character, a new communicativeness of Christ, and a new look and disposition towards others. He shares a personal anecdote about his mother's devotion to prayer and concludes with a prayer for God's guidance and filling of the spirit. The sermon is based on Acts 2:1-4, which describes the day of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in tongues.
The Resurrection-02 the Reality of the Resurrection
By Stephen Olford1.4K39:54MAT 28:6JHN 3:5ACT 2:24ACT 2:271CO 15:4In this sermon, Rev. Stephen F. Oldford emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. He highlights the impact of the resurrection on various aspects of society, such as the legal system and philanthropic institutions. The sermon also addresses the fraud theory, which was invented by Jewish leaders to explain the empty tomb. Rev. Oldford encourages the audience, particularly young people, to hold onto the truth of the resurrection and apply it to their lives.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:15LUK 11:9JHN 3:5JHN 13:8EPH 5:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking for the Holy Spirit, highlighting the principle that God gives to those who ask. It delves into the value we place on receiving the Holy Spirit, drawing parallels to seeking material possessions versus seeking the Spirit. The sermon also explores the cleansing and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, using the analogy of being born of water and the Spirit, and the continual need for spiritual cleansing in our daily lives.
The Priority of Regeneration Part 1
By John Murray1.3K48:58RegenerationJHN 3:5JHN 3:18JAS 1:171JN 2:291JN 3:91JN 4:71JN 5:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the preaching of the word of God and its impact on the believer's life. The sermon focuses on the concept of being begotten of God and how it relates to faith, abstinence from sin, love of God, knowledge of God, and doing righteousness. The speaker emphasizes that those who are begotten of God do not continue in sin and eventually come to believe in the position of not sinning. The sermon references several passages from the book of John to support these teachings.
The Holy Spirit as Rivers of Water
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:17:01JHN 3:5JHN 4:13JHN 7:37ACT 2:38This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, moving from a place of defeat and discouragement to experiencing the fullness of joy and blessings that God has purchased for us on the cross. It highlights the need to thirst for a deeper relationship with God, believe in His promises, and allow rivers of living water to flow from our innermost being, transforming our lives and making us a blessing to others.
How the Spirit Leads Us - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.1K08:39PSA 63:1ISA 58:11LUK 1:35JHN 3:5JHN 4:14JHN 7:37ROM 8:13GAL 5:16EPH 5:26TIT 3:5This sermon emphasizes the process of spiritual cleansing and growth in a believer's life. It distinguishes between the initial cleansing of past sins through Christ's blood at salvation and the ongoing daily cleansing through the Word of God, symbolized by water representing the Holy Spirit. The message highlights the concept of being born again as a new birth through the Holy Spirit, akin to the supernatural birth of Jesus in Mary's womb, and the subsequent growth and satisfaction that the Holy Spirit brings, leading to a life free from worldly addictions and a deep thirst for God's presence.
Is America Dying?
By Ray Brubaker1.1K13:05AmericaLUK 8:13LUK 12:35JHN 3:5JHN 6:631JN 2:191JN 5:12REV 2:4The sermon transcript discusses the phenomenon of people professing faith in Jesus Christ but then drifting away from their faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of true repentance, daily seeking the Lord's help, and reading the Bible faithfully to maintain a strong faith. The sermon also highlights the spiritual decline in America and the need for a revival. The speaker urges listeners to be born again through faith in Christ and to live for Him daily.
What Happens in the New Birth? Part 2
By John Piper1.0K38:09JER 33:8EZK 36:25JHN 1:12JHN 3:5JHN 3:7This sermon delves into the concept of the new birth as a supernatural miracle initiated by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the need for a new life, not just a new religion, and the experience of the supernatural within oneself. The sermon explores the significance of being born of water and the Spirit, highlighting the cleansing and forgiveness that precede the transformation of the heart into one that treasures Jesus above all else. The message concludes with an exhortation to receive Jesus as the sin-forgiving, transforming treasure of life through faith.
That Which Is of the Flesh
By J. Henry Brown88835:47MAT 6:33JHN 3:2JHN 3:5JHN 3:16ROM 8:82CO 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of preparing for death. He shares a story of a young man who asks a professor how long he should give himself to prepare for death, and the professor responds with "five minutes." The preacher explains that people end up in a lost eternity because they refuse to believe in Jesus Christ, not necessarily by explicitly rejecting Him, but by saying "not just now" or "not tonight." He emphasizes that it is our responsibility to cooperate with the conviction of the Holy Spirit and avail ourselves of God's provision for salvation. The preacher also references the importance of being born again, using the analogy of the wind blowing where it pleases to explain the spiritual rebirth.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Born of Water and the Spirit 02 John 3:
By J. Henry Brown75549:52EZK 36:21EZK 37:1EZK 37:11JHN 3:1JHN 3:5JHN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker uses a story about a sailing ship heading towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the concept of being born again and understanding the kingdom of God. The ship represents a person's life without being born again, heading towards destruction. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again in order to see and comprehend the kingdom of God. He references Ezekiel 37, where God asks if dry bones can live, and then commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones. The speaker concludes by stating that without being born again, it is impossible to stop the ship from heading towards destruction.
John's Gospel - How Can This Be?
By John Vissers74436:27Gospel Of JohnMAT 6:33JHN 3:1JHN 3:5JHN 3:21EPH 5:261PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the promises of God's word and prays for guidance and understanding. The focus of the sermon is on the fifth verse of John chapter 3, where Jesus states that one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. The speaker emphasizes the concept of regeneration and the transformative power it brings to a person's life. The sermon also highlights the importance of recognizing that salvation is not dependent on human efforts, but on God's sovereign grace.
The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit - Part 3
By Chip Brogden69621:58MAT 9:36JHN 3:5JHN 16:8ACT 1:81CO 12:31CO 12:13REV 22:17This sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in softening our hearts, giving us compassion for others, empowering us to be witnesses for Christ, and uniting believers as one body. It highlights the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us to love the lost, receive power, spiritual gifts, and maintain unity. Additionally, it explores how the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, draws people to Christ, enables the new birth, and makes a confession of faith in Christ possible.
Ministry - the Fruit of the Spirit
By Paris Reidhead59234:37MinistryMAT 6:33MAT 22:34JHN 3:5ACT 2:38ROM 8:9ROM 13:10GAL 5:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as humans, we are made in the image and likeness of God and that God loves us. He explains that love is not just an emotion, but a purposeful action to seek the highest good and happiness for ourselves and others. The preacher illustrates that our emotions are not under our control, but our thoughts and choices are. He references Matthew 22:34-40, where Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The preacher concludes by highlighting that the fruit of the Spirit, including love, is not automatic, but requires our active participation as Spirit-filled believers.
The Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
By Michael Flowers41118:58BaptismGEN 1:2ISA 40:3MAT 3:16JHN 1:32JHN 3:5JHN 8:12PHP 2:8In this sermon, the preacher explores the symbolism and significance of John the Baptist and Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River. John the Baptist is portrayed as the bridge between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for Jesus. The baptism in the Jordan River represents a passage from the present evil age to the Kingdom of God. Through this baptism, Jesus is revealed as the Son of God, with the Spirit of God resting upon him and the Father proclaiming his sonship. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being united with Christ through baptism, becoming a new creation and hearing the voice of God declaring us as beloved children.
The Baptism of the Spirit
By G. Campbell Morgan0RegenerationBaptism Of The SpiritJHN 3:5ACT 1:5ROM 6:3G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the true meaning of the baptism of the Spirit, clarifying that it is synonymous with regeneration and not a second blessing as often misunderstood. He explains that the baptism of the Spirit occurs at the moment of conversion, marking the believer's entrance into a new life in Christ, while the filling of the Spirit is a subsequent experience. Morgan stresses the importance of understanding these distinctions to avoid misconceptions that can hinder spiritual growth. He argues that every believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit from the moment of their new birth, and that waiting for the Spirit is a misunderstanding of God's readiness to bless. Ultimately, he calls for a recognition of the miraculous nature of regeneration and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer.
Two Chosen Vessels
By G.W. North0The Role of ApostlesBaptism Of The Holy SpiritMAT 28:19JHN 3:5ACT 2:4ACT 10:44ACT 19:2ROM 8:91CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:51PE 3:21G.W. North emphasizes the distinct paths of Peter and Paul in their ministries, illustrating how their unique backgrounds shaped their understanding and approach to preaching the Gospel. Peter, rooted in Jewish tradition, struggled to fully embrace the new covenant, while Paul, with his liberal upbringing, quickly recognized the significance of the Gospel for the Gentiles. North argues that God's choice of Paul as the apostle to the Gentiles was intentional, as it aligned with His purpose for the early Church. He highlights the importance of spiritual baptism over water baptism, asserting that God's desire is for believers to be immersed in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, North calls for a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
The True Baptist
By G.W. North0Faith in ChristBaptismMAT 28:19MRK 16:16JHN 1:33JHN 3:5ACT 2:38ACT 10:47ROM 6:4GAL 3:27EPH 2:181PE 3:21G.W. North emphasizes the transition from John the Baptist to Jesus as THE BAPTIST, highlighting that while John's baptism required true faith, so does Jesus' baptism. He explains that Jesus commanded His apostles to baptize in the name of the triune God, assuring them of His presence through the Holy Spirit. North clarifies that the apostles' practice of baptizing in Jesus' name was not a deviation from His command but a fulfillment of it, as they operated in faith and unity with Christ. The sermon underscores the importance of faith in the baptism process, both in John's time and now under Christ's ministry. Ultimately, baptism is presented as a means of access to God through the Spirit.
Whom to Know Is Life Eternal
By G.W. North0The TrinityBaptismMAT 28:19MRK 16:16JHN 1:29JHN 3:5ACT 2:38ACT 10:47ROM 6:41CO 12:13GAL 3:27EPH 4:5G.W. North emphasizes the transformative nature of baptism in the New Covenant, explaining that the apostles, after Jesus' resurrection, were commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reflecting a deeper understanding of the Godhead. He highlights that this new baptism represents a significant shift from their previous practice, as they now possess the ability to baptize into the fullness of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit. North asserts that Jesus' command signifies His eternal presence and the essence of eternal life, which believers enter through baptism. He concludes that while John's baptism was from heaven, the baptism instituted by Jesus is even more profound, marking the inauguration of the New Covenant. Ultimately, he stresses that there is one baptism that encompasses all, unifying the various forms of baptism into a singular, greater reality.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of water and of the Spirit - To the baptism of water a man was admitted when he became a proselyte to the Jewish religion; and, in this baptism, he promised in the most solemn manner to renounce idolatry, to take the God of Israel for his God, and to have his life conformed to the precepts of the Divine law. But the water which was used on the occasion was only an emblem of the Holy Spirit. The soul was considered as in a state of defilement, because of past sin: now, as by that water the body was washed, cleansed, and refreshed, so, by the influences of the Holy Spirit, the soul was to be purified from its defilement, and strengthened to walk in the way of truth and holiness. When John came baptizing with water, he gave the Jews the plainest intimations that this would not suffice; that it was only typical of that baptism of the Holy Ghost, under the similitude of fire, which they must all receive from Jesus Christ: see Mat 3:11. Therefore, our Lord asserts that a man must be born of water and the Spirit, i.e. of the Holy Ghost, which, represented under the similitude of water, cleanses, refreshes, and purifies the soul. Reader, hast thou never had any other baptism than that of water? If thou hast not had any other, take Jesus Christ's word for it, thou canst not, in thy present state, enter into the kingdom of God. I would not say to thee merely, read what it is to be born of the Spirit: but pray, O pray to God incessantly, till he give thee to feel what is implied in it! Remember, it is Jesus only who baptizes with the Holy Ghost: see Joh 1:33. He who receives not this baptism has neither right nor title to the kingdom of God; nor can he with any propriety be termed a Christian, because that which essentially distinguished the Christian dispensation from that of the Jews was, that its author baptized all his followers with the Holy Ghost. Though baptism by water, into the Christian faith, was necessary to every Jew and Gentile that entered into the kingdom of the Messiah, it is not necessary that by water and the Spirit (in this place) we should understand two different things: it is probably only an elliptical form of speech, for the Holy Spirit under the similitude of water; as, in Mat 3:3, the Holy Ghost and fire, do not mean two things, but one, viz. the Holy Ghost under the similitude of fire - pervading every part, refining and purifying the whole.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
of water and of the Spirit--A twofold explanation of the "new birth," so startling to Nicodemus. To a Jewish ecclesiastic, so familiar with the symbolical application of water, in every variety of way and form of expression, this language was fitted to show that the thing intended was no other than a thorough spiritual purification by the operation of the Holy Ghost. Indeed, element of water and operation of the Spirit are brought together in a glorious evangelical prediction of Ezekiel (Eze 36:25-27), which Nicodemus might have been reminded of had such spiritualities not been almost lost in the reigning formalism. Already had the symbol of water been embodied in an initiatory ordinance, in the baptism of the Jewish expectants of Messiah by the Baptist, not to speak of the baptism of Gentile proselytes before that; and in the Christian Church it was soon to become the great visible door of entrance into "the kingdom of God," the reality being the sole work of the Holy Ghost (Tit 3:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That which is born of the flesh, is flesh,.... Man by his natural birth, and as he is born according to the flesh of his natural parents, is a mere natural man; that is, he is carnal and corrupt, and cannot discern spiritual things; nor can he, as such, enter into, and inherit the kingdom of God; see Co1 2:14. And therefore there is a necessity of his being born again, or of the grace of the Spirit, and of his becoming a spiritual man; and if he was to be, or could be born again of the flesh, or ever so many times enter into his mothers womb, and be born, was it possible, he would still be but a natural and a carnal man, and so unfit for the kingdom of God. By "flesh" here, is not meant the fleshy part of man, the body, as generated of another fleshy substance; for this is no other than what may be said of brutes; and besides, if this was the sense, "spirit", in the next clause, must mean the soul, whereas one soul is not generated from another: but by flesh is designed, the nature of man; not merely as weak and frail, but as unclean and corrupt, through sin; and which being propagated by natural generation from sinful men, cannot be otherwise; for "who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one", Job 14:4. And though the soul of man is of a spiritual nature, and remains a spirit, notwithstanding the pollution of sin; yet it being defiled with the flesh, and altogether under the power and influence of the lusts of the flesh, it may well be said to be carnal or fleshly: hence "flesh", as it stands opposed to spirit, signifies the corruption of nature, Gal 5:17; and such who are in a state of unregeneracy, are said to be after the flesh, and in the flesh, and even the mind itself is said to be carnal, Rom 8:5. And that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit: a man that is regenerated by the Spirit of God, and the efficacy of his grace, is a spiritual man; he can discern and judge all things of a spiritual nature; he is a fit person to be admitted to spiritual ordinances and privileges; and appears to be in the spiritual kingdom of Christ; and has a right to the world of blessed spirits above; and when his body is raised a spiritual body, will be admitted in soul, body, and spirit, into the joy of his Lord. "Spirit" in the first part of this clause, signifies the Holy Spirit of God, the author of regeneration and sanctification; whence that work is called the sanctification of the Spirit, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, Pe1 1:2. And "spirit", in the latter part, intends the internal work of grace upon the soul, from whence a man is denominated a spiritual man; and as a child bears the same name with its parent, so this is called by the same, as the author and efficient cause of it: and besides, it is of a spiritual nature itself, and exerts itself in spiritual acts and exercises, and directs to, and engages in spiritual things; and has its seat also in the spirit, or soul of man.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 John the Baptist baptized with water; Jesus baptizes with the Spirit (1:33).