Meaning of Being Born Again in John's Gospel
The Concept of Being Born Again in John's Gospel
The Greek phrase "γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν" (gennēthē anōthen), translated as "born again" or "born from above," is a central concept in John's Gospel, particularly in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-7 [1]. The phrase is ambiguous, and its meaning has been interpreted in various ways throughout history.
The term "ἄνωθεν" (anōthen) can be translated as either "again" or "from above," depending on the context. In John 3:3, Jesus says, "Unless one is born ἄνωθεν, he cannot see the kingdom of God" [1]. The ambiguity of "ἄνωθεν" is noted by various commentators, with some interpreting it as "again," implying a second birth, while others understand it as "from above," signifying a divine or spiritual origin [5].
The concept of being "born again" or "born from above" is closely tied to the idea of spiritual rebirth or regeneration. According to John Gill, this rebirth is "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:13) [6]. This spiritual rebirth is a work of God's grace, whereby individuals are renewed and become partakers of the divine nature.
In John's Gospel, Jesus explains to Nicodemus that this rebirth is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus says, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6) [1]. This contrast between flesh and spirit highlights the distinction between physical and spiritual birth. The spiritual birth is a work of the Holy Spirit, who gives life to those who are born of God [8].
The concept of being born again is not unique to John's Gospel. The idea is also mentioned in 1 Peter 1:23, where believers are described as being "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" [2, 3]. This passage emphasizes the role of God's word in the process of spiritual rebirth.
The early Church Fathers also wrote about the concept of being born again. John Chrysostom, in his Homilies on John, notes that Jesus' words to Nicodemus imply that "if thou art not born again, if thou partakest not of the Spirit which is by the washing of Regeneration, thou canst not have a right opinion of Me, for the opinion which thou hast is not spiritual, but carnal" [7]. This highlights the importance of spiritual rebirth in understanding Jesus' teachings.
The theological significance of being born again is closely tied to the doctrine of regeneration. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, regeneration is "that change of heart elsewhere spoken of as a passing from death to life (1 John 3:14); becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17); being born again (John 3:5); a renewal of the mind (Rom. 12:2); a resurrection from the dead (Eph. 2:5)" [4]. This change is a work of God's grace, which enables believers to live a new life in Christ.
Sources
- John “Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ -- John 3:7”
- I Peter “I Peter 1:23 (KJV) — Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Peter 1:23 — Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Regeneration — Only found in Matt. 19:28 and Titus 3:5. This word literally means a "new birth." The Greek word so rendered (palingenesia) is used by classical writers with reference to the changes produced by the return of spring. In Matt. 19:28 the word is equivalent to the "restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21). In Titus 3:5 it denotes that change of heart elsewhere spoken of as a passing from death to life (1 John 3:14); becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17); being born again (John 3:5); a renewal of the mind (Rom. 12:2); a resurrection from the ”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 3:3: 3:3 born again: Or born from above. John’s expression “from above” (3:31; 19:11) means “from God.” To experience spiritual rebirth, a person must be completely renewed through God’s power. • Nicodemus interpreted Jesus’ words physically; he demonstrated that those in darkness, who do not have spiritual rebirth, cannot understand Jesus or other “heavenly things” (3:12). Jesus sometimes used ironic misunderstanding as a teaching strategy.”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 1:13: Which were born not of blood,.... Or bloods, in the plural number. The birth, here spoken of, is regeneration, expressed by a being born again, or from above; by a being quickened by the Spirit and grace of God; by Christ being formed in men; and by a partaking of the divine nature; and by being made new creatures, as all that believe in the name of Christ are; and which is the evidence of their being the sons of God: and now this is owing not to blood, or bloods; not to the blood of circumcision; or of the passover, which the Jews had an high opinion of, and ascribe li”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: hearer, but what is obscure renders him more active and zealous. Now what He saith, is something like this: “If thou art not born again, if thou partakest not of the Spirit which is by the washing 624 624 or, “laver.” of Regeneration, thou canst not have a right opinion of Me, for the opinion which thou hast is not spiritual, but carnal.” 625 625 ψυχικὴ , “belonging to the natural life,” opposed in N.T. to πνευματική . ( Tit. iii. 5 .) But He did not speak thus, as refusing to confound 626 626 or, “strike.” one who had brought such as he had, and wh”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 3:4: Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee,.... Explaining somewhat more clearly, what he before said: except a man be born of water and of the Spirit: these are, , "two words", which express the same thing, as Kimchi observes in many places in his commentaries, and signify the grace of the Spirit of God. The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, "the Holy Spirit", and so Nonnus; and who doubtless is intended: by "water", is not meant material water, or baptismal water; for water baptism is never expressed by water only, without some additional word, which sho”