John 3:8
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The wind bloweth - Though the manner in which this new birth is effected by the Divine Spirit, be incomprehensible to us, yet we must not, on this ground, suppose it to be impossible. The wind blows in a variety of directions - we hear its sound, perceive its operation in the motion of the trees, etc., and feel it on ourselves - but we cannot discern the air itself; we only know that it exists by the effects which it produces: so is every one who is born of the Spirit: the effects are as discernible and as sensible as those of the wind; but itself we cannot see. But he who is born of God knows that he is thus born: the Spirit itself, the grand agent in this new birth, beareth witness with his spirit, that he is born of God, Rom 8:16; for, he that believeth hath the witness in himself, Jo1 4:13; Jo1 5:10; Gal 4:6. And so does this Spirit work in and by him that others, though they see not the principle, can easily discern the change produced; for whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, Jo1 5:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The wind, &c.--Breath and spirit (one word both in Hebrew and Greek) are constantly brought together in Scripture as analogous (Job 27:3; Job 33:4; Eze 37:9-14). canst not tell, &c.--The laws which govern the motion of the winds are even yet but partially discovered; but the risings, failings, and change in direction many times in a day, of those gentle breezes here referred to, will probably ever be a mystery to us: So of the operation of the Holy Ghost in the new birth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nicodemus answered and said unto him,.... Remaining still as ignorant as ever, though Christ had explained the phrase "born again", at which he stumbled, by a being "born of water and of the Spirit", or of the grace of the Spirit of God; and had illustrated this by the free, powerful, and invisible blowing of the wind: how can these things be? The Arabic version reads, "how can this be?" referring either to the last thing said, that a man's being born of the Spirit, is like the blowing of the wind; or to the explanation of the first expression, that a man should be born of water, and of the Spirit; or to the first assertion itself, that a man should be born again; which notwithstanding the explanation and illustration, seemed as impossible, and as impracticable as ever; or rather to them all, and so the Persic version reads, "how can all these things be?"
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 Wind translates the same word in Greek as spirit (Greek pneuma). The wind is an apt image for the Spirit, who is sent from heaven and cannot be contained or controlled.
John 3:8
Jesus and Nicodemus
7Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’8The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Revival Hymn
By Compilations135K35:35CompilationISA 52:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:8ACT 2:1ROM 13:11EPH 5:14HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land that was slain to receive the reward of his suffering. The speaker also challenges the audience to consider whether they view God as an end or a means in their lives. He urges them to demonstrate Christianity rather than just define it. The sermon concludes with powerful testimonies of people experiencing God's mercy and the transformative power of His presence.
(The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) the Power of the Holy Spirit
By David Wilkerson16K51:10Power Of The SpiritLUK 11:13JHN 3:8ROM 6:13ROM 6:161CO 6:19GAL 5:16EPH 5:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and to allow the Holy Spirit to have freedom in their lives. The preacher shares a story of a family who experienced a tragic event and how they relied on their faith to overcome fear and anxiety. He then references John 3:8, comparing the Holy Spirit to the wind that blows where it pleases. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of the listeners and for the demonic spirits to be cast out in Jesus' name.
(Re-Mix) the Revival Hymn
By Compilations5.2K35:35CompilationISA 52:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:8ACT 2:1ROM 13:11EPH 5:14HEB 10:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land that was slain to receive the reward of his suffering. The speaker also challenges the audience to consider whether they view God as an end or a means in their lives. He urges them to demonstrate Christianity rather than just define it. The sermon concludes with powerful testimonies of people experiencing God's mercy and the transformative power of His presence.
(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 1) the Breath of God
By Zac Poonen3.4K56:58GEN 1:3GEN 1:61KI 19:12JOB 38:1LUK 16:29JHN 3:8JHN 8:32In this sermon, the speaker begins a series of messages on the power of the Holy Spirit. He focuses on the use of word pictures by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths. The first picture discussed is the comparison of the Holy Spirit to wind or breath. The speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking God's word and the transformative power it has, using the example of Ezekiel prophesying to dry bones. He highlights the need for the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, to bring life and make believers soldiers in the army of the Lord.
Command Me Partial
By David Wilkerson3.0K02:59CommandsEZK 37:9MAT 6:33JHN 3:8ACT 1:8ROM 8:111CO 2:4EPH 6:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just preaching the gospel, but also praying for a supernatural transaction between God and fallen man. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to do the work and bring about a heavenly transformation. The preacher references the story of Ezekiel, where he prophesied as commanded by God, and breath came into the lifeless bodies, turning them into an exceeding great army. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about spiritual revival and transformation.
Walking With the Wind
By Manley Beasley2.6K39:08Spirit LedPSA 75:6PSA 77:19PSA 139:16JHN 3:8EPH 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and accepting God's plan for our lives. He uses the story of Gideon and the 300 men to illustrate how God can use ordinary vessels to reveal His glory. The preacher also shares personal experiences of how God's glory can be manifested even in times of physical weakness. He encourages believers to trust in God's plan and provision, reminding them that God's ways are often mysterious and beyond human understanding.
Los Angeles Conference #1
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K57:11ConferenceMAT 6:33JHN 3:8ACT 2:2ACT 11:17ACT 15:10REV 2:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he has received. He then directs the audience to a well-known passage in the Bible, John 3:8, which talks about the wind blowing where it chooses. The speaker connects this idea to the transformation of Peter in the book of Acts, highlighting how Peter's encounter with the Holy Spirit led to a change in his perspective. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with Christ rather than focusing on external traditions or structures. The speaker concludes by emphasizing that the Holy Spirit searches and tests everything, particularly the foundations and structures of our faith.
The Singular Origin of a Christian Man
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K47:37PSA 33:9ISA 40:13JHN 1:12JHN 3:8EPH 2:10HEB 10:241PE 1:23The sermon transcript discusses the concept of man as God's workmanship, both in the initial creation and in the process of being created anew. The speaker emphasizes the marvels of grace that have been wrought upon humanity, despite their sinful nature. The importance of labor and toil is highlighted, as it is seen as a necessary part of life and a means to earn one's daily bread. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God will continue to work on humanity with His power, long-suffering, and wisdom until they are perfected and complete.
The Meaning of Born Again
By Svend Christensen1.8K38:50GEN 1:2MAT 11:28JHN 3:8JHN 3:14EPH 5:261PE 1:31PE 1:25In this sermon, the preacher begins by sharing a personal dream about shooting a moose out of season and the fear of facing the consequences. He contrasts this with the reality of those who wake up in hell with no escape. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again and warns about the fearful judgment of God. He urges the listeners to come to Jesus and find salvation now, as today is the accepted time. The sermon also touches on the power of the gospel, which unites people from different nationalities and inspires singing, fighting, and shouting for its message. The preacher concludes by mentioning a personal experience of shooting a moose without a license and being faced with the dilemma of what to do. The sermon then transitions to discussing the topic of the new birth and being born of the Spirit, highlighting the personhood of the Holy Spirit. The preacher indicates that in future sessions, they will delve deeper into the topic of God the Holy Spirit.
Assurance Controversy in New England in 1636
By Ian Murray1.7K55:06MAT 25:1JHN 3:8ROM 8:9ROM 8:15GAL 3:7EPH 2:8HEB 8:6The sermon transcript discusses the controversy surrounding the assurance of salvation in the context of the New Covenant. The preacher, Carton, emphasizes the importance of true personal union with Christ by the Holy Spirit as the basis of assurance, rather than relying solely on outward behavior. The sermon also mentions a spiritual awakening in Massachusetts and the influx of books and biographies on the topic of assurance. The sermon concludes with a reassessment of the modern interpretation of the controversy and the potential for individuals to have a false assurance of salvation.
Have You the Holy Spirit?
By Ian Paisley1.6K24:49JHN 3:1JHN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Elijah in 2 Samuel 5:24, where he hears the sound of abundance of rain. The preacher emphasizes the importance of the sound leading to an echo in the hearts of men, resulting in the instantaneous springing up of good seed. He shares a personal experience of pointing a grieving man to Christ for comfort. The preacher then delves into the concept of the Holy Spirit, using John 3:8 to explain the mystery and secret of the Spirit's work. He concludes by emphasizing the power of God's Word and the importance of being born of the Spirit.
God's River
By Jim Cymbala1.6K30:19Holy SpiritGEN 15:1ISA 41:17JHN 3:8JHN 7:38JHN 14:261CO 2:41JN 1:71JN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' incarnation and sacrifice for humanity. He explains that Jesus came to earth as God in human form, performed miracles, and taught the word of God. Before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples that it was necessary for him to leave so that he could send the Holy Spirit. The preacher highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, as it provides them with joy and peace even in difficult times. He then references Isaiah 41, where God promises to provide water in barren places, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and provision in believers' lives.
The Intercessor (Compilation)
By Compilations1.5K05:52CompilationISA 53:7JHN 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He refers to Isaiah 53, which prophesies about Jesus being oppressed, afflicted, and silent in the face of persecution. The preacher highlights that Jesus was taken from prison and judgment, and yet he did not commit any violence or deceit. The sermon also acknowledges that it pleased the Lord to bruise Jesus and make his soul an offering for sin. The preacher calls for the moving of the Holy Spirit in a world filled with immorality and darkness, and laments the blindness of people who fail to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
The Great Commission - the Impossible / Possible Task
By Paul Washer1.3K57:17Great CommissionPSA 91:1EZK 2:7MAT 4:1JHN 3:82TI 3:16HEB 4:12REV 22:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching God's word without mixing it with our own ideas or clever narrations. He emphasizes the need for preachers to spend more time with God than anyone else in order to deliver a stirring message. The cure for spiritual death, according to the preacher, is prophecy - the speaking forth of God's holy word. The preacher also highlights the deplorable condition of mankind, emphasizing that they are dead in their sins and in need of conversion. He concludes by emphasizing the need for commanding and compelling preaching that calls people to repentance and salvation.
You Must Be Born Again Why This Series and Where Are We Going?
By John Piper1.3K41:41EZK 36:26JHN 3:8ROM 8:302CO 4:6EPH 2:51PE 1:231JN 5:4This sermon emphasizes the necessity and transformative power of being born again by the Spirit of God. It challenges the worldly perception of 'born again' Christians and calls for a genuine experience of regeneration through the Word of God. The speaker highlights the need for true believers to live distinctively and seeks a revival of authentic faith in the church and society.
Mark in the Valley
By Keith Daniel1.0K1:07:05Christian LifeECC 3:1AMO 4:12MAT 18:3JHN 3:3JHN 3:8ROM 8:1HEB 9:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. He uses the analogy of the four seasons to illustrate the different stages of life: spring represents birth and new beginnings, summer symbolizes growth and strength, autumn signifies decline and fading, and winter represents death. The preacher urges the audience to cherish every moment and not take life for granted. He also highlights the importance of being prepared for death by accepting Jesus Christ as their savior and being born again. The sermon is based on the biblical passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, which states that there is a time for everything, including birth and death.
Coming to Christ
By Neil Richards9041:06:06MRK 5:42LUK 24:32JHN 3:8ACT 9:3ROM 1:162CO 4:7In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his previous experience of preaching at the same conference 25 years ago. He recalls feeling uncomfortable with the length of his sermon and mentions how people used to bring their own tape recorders to such meetings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel to save sinners. He highlights the tender and individualized way in which Jesus interacts with people, using the example of Jesus healing a little girl and touching her despite the defilement it would bring under Jewish law. The preacher concludes by drawing a parallel between Jesus' identification with us in our sin and need, and how the gospel and the cross work to bring life and salvation.
Book of Acts Series - Part 30 | How God Builds
By Jim Cymbala82633:30Book Of ActsMAT 13:58JHN 3:8ACT 13:45ACT 19:11ACT 19:20EPH 3:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God uses people who are filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit to spread Christianity. The speaker highlights that the early Christians were able to rock the world without any formal education or resources, solely relying on Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The sermon also emphasizes that there is no formula or set way in which God works, as He may do different things in different places. The main lesson for believers today is that the Holy Spirit is essential for the spread of the gospel, and it is not our job to imitate or control Him, but rather to surrender to His work.
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.
The Tabernacle 02 the Sin Offering
By J. Henry Brown70349:16EZK 36:25EZK 37:1JHN 3:1JHN 3:5JHN 3:8In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a sailing ship being pulled by a little tugboat towards the Niagara Falls to illustrate the power of sin and the inability of human effort to save oneself. The ship represents humanity, and despite the tugboat's attempts to hold it back, the rope keeps breaking and the ship continues towards destruction. However, the speaker then shifts to the story of Ezekiel prophesying to dry bones, symbolizing the power of God to bring life and restoration. As Ezekiel prophesies, the bones come together, flesh covers them, but they still lack breath. Finally, God instructs Ezekiel to prophesy to the wind, representing the Holy Spirit, and the bodies come to life. The sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ, as only through the Spirit can one be brought into a relationship with God.
Vision Bromley 3.5.85
By George Verwer46245:22MissionsMAT 28:19JHN 3:8ACT 1:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of social policy within the organization OM (Operation Mobilization). He explains that social policy is meant to be a glorified dating process, where consensus among the members determines the outcome. The speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders in OM understanding the organization's function and strategy. He also shares his personal experience of being burdened to make a difference in France and how Special Projects, such as a bookmobile, were born out of that burden. The speaker highlights the unity and like-mindedness among the members of OM in pursuing their vision for France.
God Is Preparing a Heart
By George Warnock3311:34:03Christian LifePSA 46:4ISA 4:4HOS 6:1MAT 6:33JHN 3:8EPH 6:17In this sermon, the preacher encourages his audience to step out in faith and walk in the river of God's presence. He describes how as they take each step, the water rises higher, symbolizing a deeper level of surrender and obedience to God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being controlled by the mind of Christ and living according to His will. He also highlights the message of Romans 8, which discusses God's dealings with the old life and the justification and redemption found in Christ Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God cleanses and purifies His people through the spirit of burning and judgment, and that He responds to their love, obedience, and desire for Him.
Revival - Part 6
By Doc Greenway2551:01:27RevivalMAT 6:33JHN 3:8ACT 1:5ACT 1:14ACT 2:38ROM 11:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the depth of the wisdom and knowledge of God, highlighting that His judgments and ways are beyond human comprehension. The mystery of the Holy Spirit's movings and workings is also discussed, acknowledging that while they may be beyond our understanding, we can still have faith and trust in God's faithfulness. The motive of the Spirit is explored, emphasizing the importance of leaving the outworking of His purpose to Him. The sermon concludes by highlighting the transformative power of God's Spirit in the lives of believers, using the example of a dramatic conversion to illustrate the marvelous transformation that can occur when we are dead in sins but are quickened and saved by God's grace.
Devotion to Jesus - Part 1
By Michael Koulianos1501:05:19DevotionJesusPresence of GodPSA 91:1MAT 6:6JHN 3:8JHN 15:4ROM 12:11CO 11:24GAL 2:201TH 5:16HEB 10:25JAS 4:8Michael Koulianos emphasizes the significance of personal devotion to Jesus in the coming year, urging the church to prioritize communion and the presence of the Lord. He highlights the need for a deeper relationship with God, warning against the dangers of relying solely on corporate worship without private devotion. Koulianos encourages the congregation to yield to the Holy Spirit and to embrace longer worship sessions, fostering an environment where the Lord can move freely. He stresses that true growth comes from a heart that seeks Jesus in the secret place, rather than merely performing in public settings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The wind bloweth - Though the manner in which this new birth is effected by the Divine Spirit, be incomprehensible to us, yet we must not, on this ground, suppose it to be impossible. The wind blows in a variety of directions - we hear its sound, perceive its operation in the motion of the trees, etc., and feel it on ourselves - but we cannot discern the air itself; we only know that it exists by the effects which it produces: so is every one who is born of the Spirit: the effects are as discernible and as sensible as those of the wind; but itself we cannot see. But he who is born of God knows that he is thus born: the Spirit itself, the grand agent in this new birth, beareth witness with his spirit, that he is born of God, Rom 8:16; for, he that believeth hath the witness in himself, Jo1 4:13; Jo1 5:10; Gal 4:6. And so does this Spirit work in and by him that others, though they see not the principle, can easily discern the change produced; for whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, Jo1 5:4.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The wind, &c.--Breath and spirit (one word both in Hebrew and Greek) are constantly brought together in Scripture as analogous (Job 27:3; Job 33:4; Eze 37:9-14). canst not tell, &c.--The laws which govern the motion of the winds are even yet but partially discovered; but the risings, failings, and change in direction many times in a day, of those gentle breezes here referred to, will probably ever be a mystery to us: So of the operation of the Holy Ghost in the new birth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Nicodemus answered and said unto him,.... Remaining still as ignorant as ever, though Christ had explained the phrase "born again", at which he stumbled, by a being "born of water and of the Spirit", or of the grace of the Spirit of God; and had illustrated this by the free, powerful, and invisible blowing of the wind: how can these things be? The Arabic version reads, "how can this be?" referring either to the last thing said, that a man's being born of the Spirit, is like the blowing of the wind; or to the explanation of the first expression, that a man should be born of water, and of the Spirit; or to the first assertion itself, that a man should be born again; which notwithstanding the explanation and illustration, seemed as impossible, and as impracticable as ever; or rather to them all, and so the Persic version reads, "how can all these things be?"
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:8 Wind translates the same word in Greek as spirit (Greek pneuma). The wind is an apt image for the Spirit, who is sent from heaven and cannot be contained or controlled.