John 3:1 kjv
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
John 3:1 nkjv
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
John 3:1 niv
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.
John 3:1 esv
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
John 3:1 nlt
There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee.
John 3 1 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Jno 7:50-51 | Nicodemus, who had gone to Him before, and was one of them, said to them… | Nicodemus defends Jesus later. |
| Jno 19:39 | And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing… | Nicodemus aids in Jesus' burial, publicly. |
| Mt 3:7 | But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming… | Pharisees often questioned John the Baptist. |
| Mt 5:20 | For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees… | Jesus contrasts true righteousness with theirs. |
| Mt 23:1-7 | Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat… | Jesus' critique of the Pharisees. |
| Lk 18:9-14 | Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: “Two men went up… | The Pharisee and the tax collector. |
| Acts 5:34 | Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all… | A Pharisee leader's wisdom within the Sanhedrin. |
| Jno 12:42-43 | Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put… | Fear of men and loss of status among rulers. |
| Prv 29:25 | The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe. | Nicodemus' potential fear to come openly. |
| Jno 9:4 | I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. | Night symbolising limited opportunity/darkness. |
| Ps 119:105 | Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. | Contrasts spiritual light with physical darkness. |
| Is 9:2 | The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death… | Prophecy of light coming into darkness. |
| Is 42:6-7 | “I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant… | God's servant as a light to the Gentiles. |
| Hos 6:3 | Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like… | Seeking God, like light breaking forth. |
| Jer 33:15 | In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David A Branch of righteousness… | Foreshadowing of a righteous King. |
| Rom 2:17-20 | Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are… | Addressing Jewish understanding of the law. |
| 1 Cor 1:20 | Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? | Wisdom of this world contrasted with God's wisdom. |
| Gal 6:15 | For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. | New creation (spiritual birth) is paramount. |
| Eph 2:19-20 | Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been… | Built on apostles and prophets. Nicodemus was of the establishment. |
| Col 2:8 | Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world… | Caution against human traditions like those of the Pharisees. |
| Titus 3:5 | not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing… | Regeneration, aligning with "born again." |
| Ps 27:1 | The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? | A declaration of trust that would overcome fear of man. |
John 3 verses
John 3 1 Meaning
John 3:1 introduces Nicodemus, a prominent religious and political figure among the Jews, a Pharisee and a ruler. He sought out Jesus under the cover of night, signifying either caution and fear of association, or a sincere desire for private instruction, or perhaps symbolic of his current spiritual state of needing illumination. This initial encounter sets the stage for Jesus' discourse on the new birth, emphasizing that true entry into God's kingdom is not by earthly lineage or human achievement, but through a spiritual transformation.
John 3 1 Context
John 3:1 immediately follows Jesus' initial ministry in Jerusalem, specifically after the cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-22) and His performance of signs, which led many to "believe" in Him, yet Jesus "did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men" (John 2:23-25). This sets the stage for the true nature of belief and discipleship. The broader context of John's Gospel establishes Jesus as the Word made flesh, the source of life and light, and contrasts those who receive Him with those who reject Him. Nicodemus, representing the religious establishment and one who came seeking, introduces the foundational teaching on the spiritual rebirth necessary for salvation.
John 3 1 Word analysis
- There was: A straightforward opening, signaling the introduction of a specific person. It points to a real, historical encounter.
- a man: Underscores the humanity of Nicodemus, regardless of his high status. It also signifies his individuality and distinct purpose in the narrative.
- of the Pharisees: (Greek: Pharisaios - Φαρισαῖος) Meaning "separatists." This Jewish sect was known for its strict adherence to the Law, both written and oral traditions, and their emphasis on ceremonial purity. They were influential among the common people and were often critical of Jesus. For a Pharisee, known for rigid adherence to human tradition and self-righteousness, to seek Jesus represents a significant development and a pursuit beyond superficial righteousness.
- named Nicodemus: (Greek: Nikodēmos - Νικόδημος) A Greek name meaning "victor of the people" or "conqueror of the people." This name might subtly foreshadow his later role in subtly defending Jesus (Jno 7) and openly identifying with Him at His burial (Jno 19), standing apart from the majority of the rulers.
- a ruler: (Greek: archōn - ἄρχων) This term indicates a high-ranking official, specifically a member of the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish judicial and administrative council in Jerusalem. This fact highlights Nicodemus' authority, theological education, and influence. His visit to Jesus carries weight and suggests a serious inquiry rather than idle curiosity.
- of the Jews: Emphasizes that Nicodemus' authority and position were recognized within the Jewish hierarchy. He was not just a general ruler, but a ruler among the people of Israel, tasked with upholding the Mosaic Law.
- He came: Direct action indicating his deliberate choice to seek out Jesus. It was not a chance encounter but an intentional pursuit.
- to Jesus: The explicit destination, signifying that Jesus was the focal point of Nicodemus's inquiry. He came to Jesus specifically for understanding and teaching, acknowledging Jesus as someone with unique authority or insight.
- by night: (Greek: nyktos - νυκτός) This is a deeply symbolic detail in John's Gospel, where light and darkness are prominent themes. It suggests several possibilities:
- Fear/Caution: Nicodemus, being a prominent Sanhedrin member, likely feared the scorn, official reprimand, or ostracization from his peers if seen openly associating with Jesus, who was rapidly gaining popularity but was also controversial. Many "rulers" privately believed but feared confessing Christ openly (Jno 12:42-43).
- Desire for Privacy: Rabbinic tradition often involved serious students studying complex topics with their teachers in the quiet of the night, allowing for deep, uninterrupted discourse. Nicodemus might have sought a private, in-depth conversation away from the crowds and public scrutiny.
- Symbolic of Spiritual State: The "night" can symbolize Nicodemus' current spiritual blindness or darkness, and his coming to Jesus, the "Light of the World" (Jno 8:12), signifies a search for spiritual understanding and truth. He came to the Light from darkness.
John 3 1 Bonus section
Nicodemus' journey as depicted in John's Gospel is a testament to true spiritual progression. From his initial fearful, nighttime inquiry in John 3, he subtly begins to advocate for Jesus within the Sanhedrin (Jno 7:50-51), reminding them of due process. Finally, he openly aligns with Christ in the most profound way possible, participating in Jesus' burial alongside Joseph of Arimathea (Jno 19:39). This gradual shedding of fear and growth in conviction illustrates the transformative power of engaging with Jesus' teachings, moving from intellectual curiosity in the darkness to courageous public devotion in a time of danger. His example offers hope to those who may be initially hesitant but truly seek the Lord.
John 3 1 Commentary
John 3:1 marks a pivotal transition in Jesus' public ministry and introduces one of the most significant personal encounters in the Gospels. The appearance of Nicodemus, a man of such high standing—a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews—seeking out Jesus, is profoundly revealing. It underscores Jesus' magnetic spiritual authority that drew even those deeply entrenched in the religious establishment, challenging their conventional wisdom. His visit "by night" adds a layer of complexity; while perhaps out of fear or caution due to the volatile political and religious climate, it also represents a private search for deeper spiritual truth, perhaps moving from a state of spiritual obscurity towards the radiant light of Christ. This initial step, however tentative, paves the way for Jesus to reveal the radical and essential doctrine of spiritual regeneration, which directly contrasts with the legalistic and external righteousness emphasized by the Pharisees. It highlights that understanding and inheriting God's kingdom require more than inherited status or human effort.