论重生

有一个法利赛人名叫尼哥德慕,是犹太人的官。 一天晚上,他来见耶稣,说:“老师,我们知道你是上帝差来教导人的,因为如果没有上帝的同在,没有人能行你所行的神迹。”

耶稣说:“我实实在在地告诉你,人若不重生[a],就不能看见上帝的国。”

尼哥德慕说:“人老了,怎能重生呢?难道要再进母腹生一次吗?”

耶稣说:“我实实在在地告诉你,人如果不是从水和圣灵生的,就不能进上帝的国。 从肉体生的还是肉体,从圣灵生的才是灵。 所以我说你们必须重生,你不要惊奇。 风随意吹动,你听见它的声音,却不知道它从哪里来,往哪里去。凡从圣灵生的人也是这样。”

尼哥德慕又问:“这怎么可能呢?”

10 耶稣说:“你是以色列人的教师,还不明白这事吗? 11 我实实在在地告诉你,我们所说的是自己知道的,所见证的是自己见过的,可是你们不肯接受我们的见证。 12 我对你们说地上的事,你们尚且不信,要是说天上的事,你们怎么会信呢? 13 除了从天上降下来的人子[b]以外,没有人到过天上。 14 摩西在旷野怎样举起铜蛇,人子也必照样被举起来, 15 叫一切信祂的人都得到永生。

16 “因为上帝爱世人,甚至将祂独一的儿子赐给他们,叫一切信祂的人不致灭亡,反得永生。 17 上帝差祂的儿子到世上来,不是要定世人的罪,而是要借着祂的儿子拯救世人。 18 信祂的人不会被定罪,不信的人已经被定罪,因为他们不信上帝独一的儿子。 19 光来到世上,世人因为自己的行为邪恶而不爱光,反爱黑暗,这就是他们被定罪的原因。 20 作恶的人恨光,不肯接近光,恐怕他们的罪行暴露出来。 21 但遵行真理的人喜欢接近光,好显明他所做的是靠上帝做的。”

施洗者约翰论耶稣

22 这事之后,耶稣和门徒前往犹太地区,在那里住下来给人施洗。 23-24 那时约翰还没有入狱,他在靠近撒冷的哀嫩也给人施洗。那里水多,众人都去受洗。 25 约翰的门徒和一个犹太人为了洁净的礼仪争辩起来, 26 于是门徒来见约翰,说:“老师,你看,以前在约旦河对岸和你在一起、你为祂做见证的那位在给人施洗,众人都去祂那里了!”

27 约翰回答说:“除非是从天上赏赐下来的,否则人什么都得不到。 28 你们自己可以为我做见证,我说过我不是基督,我只是奉差在祂前面预备道路的。 29 娶新娘的是新郎,站在旁边的朋友听见新郎的声音,就会欢喜快乐。因此,我现在也心满意足了。 30 祂必兴旺,我必衰微。

31 “从天上来的,超越一切;从地上来的,属于地,他所谈论的也不外乎地上的事。那来自天上、超越万物的, 32 要把所见所闻讲给人听,只是没有人接受祂的见证。 33 但已经接受祂见证的人证实了上帝是真实的。 34 上帝所差来的,说的是上帝的话,因为上帝将圣灵无限量地赐给祂。 35 父爱子,已把万物交在祂手里。 36 信子的人有永生;不信子的人得不到永生,上帝的烈怒常在他身上。”

Footnotes

  1. 3:3 重生”或译“生自上面”,7节同。
  2. 3:13 从天上降下来的人子”有古卷作:“从天降下、仍旧在天的人子”。

Zo was er een Farizeeër, een lid van de Hoge Raad, die Nikodemus heette en die op een nacht met Jezus kwam praten. ‘Meester,’ zei hij, ‘wij weten dat God U gezonden heeft om ons te leren. Want niemand kan de wondertekenen doen die U doet, als God niet met hem is.’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Luister goed, wie niet opnieuw geboren wordt, kan het Koninkrijk van God niet ontdekken.’ ‘Opnieuw geboren?’ vroeg Nikodemus. ‘Hoe kan dat? Iemand kan toch niet voor de tweede keer uit zijn moeders lichaam geboren worden?’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Toch is het zoals Ik zeg. Niemand kan het Koninkrijk van God binnengaan, als hij niet geboren wordt uit water en Geest. Uit mensen komt menselijk leven voort, maar uit de Geest van God komt geestelijk leven voort. Het is dus helemaal niet zo vreemd dat Ik zei dat u opnieuw geboren moet worden. De wind waait waarheen hij wil. Je hoort hem wel, maar je weet niet waar hij vandaan komt en waar hij heen gaat. Zo is het ook als iemand door de Geest van God nieuw leven krijgt.’ Nikodemus vroeg: ‘Hoe gebeurt dat dan?’ 10 Jezus antwoordde: ‘U leert de Joden hoe zij met God en hun medemensen moeten leven. Begrijpt u niet wat Ik zeg? 11 Ik weet waarover Ik spreek en vertel wat Ik gezien heb, en toch gelooft u Mij niet. 12 Als u niet eens gelooft wat Ik over gewone, aardse dingen zeg, hoe zult u dan geloven wat Ik over de hemelse dingen zeg? 13 Er is nog nooit iemand bij God geweest behalve Ik, de Mensenzoon, die bij Hem vandaan komt.

14 Zoals Mozes in de woestijn een koperen slang omhoog hield, zo moet ook Ik, de Mensenzoon, omhoog geheven worden, 15 opdat ieder die in Mij gelooft, eeuwig leven zal hebben. 16 Want God heeft zoveel liefde voor de wereld dat Hij zijn enige Zoon heeft gegeven, zodat ieder die in Hem gelooft, niet verloren gaat maar eeuwig leven heeft.

17 God heeft zijn Zoon niet naar de wereld gestuurd om de wereld te veroordelen, maar om haar door Hem van de ondergang te redden. 18 Wie zijn vertrouwen op Jezus stelt, wordt niet veroordeeld. Maar wie niet gelooft, is al veroordeeld omdat hij geen vertrouwen heeft gehad in de naam van Gods enige Zoon. 19 Het oordeel komt tot stand doordat het licht in de wereld is gekomen, maar de mensen hebben de voorkeur gegeven aan de duisternis. Dat komt omdat zij slechte dingen hebben gedaan. 20 Want wie zondigt, heeft een hekel aan het licht. Hij ontwijkt het uit angst dat al die slechte dingen aan het licht zullen komen. 21 Maar wie Gods wil doet, komt tot het licht, zodat van alles wat hij doet, gezien kan worden dat God het is die daarin werkzaam is.’

Het getuigenis van Johannes de Doper

22 Later ging Jezus met zijn leerlingen naar Judea. Hij trok daar een tijd rond en doopte. 23 Johannes de Doper doopte ook, in Enon bij Salim, daar was veel water. Er kwamen daar veel mensen om zich te laten dopen. 24 Johannes was toen nog niet gevangengenomen.

25 Op een dag hadden de leerlingen van Johannes een meningsverschil met een Jood over de manier waarop men zich ritueel moet reinigen. 26 Zij kwamen naar Johannes toe en zeiden tegen hem: ‘Meester, er is nog iemand die doopt en iedereen gaat naar hem toe. Het is de man die u aan de overkant van de Jordaan hebt ontmoet en van wie U zei dat Hij de Christus is.’ 27 Johannes antwoordde: ‘Een mens kan zich helemaal niets toe-eigenen, als God het hem niet heeft gegeven. 28 Jullie hebben mij steeds horen zeggen dat ik niet de Christus ben, maar dat God mij voor Hem uit gestuurd heeft. 29 Wie de bruid krijgt, is de bruidegom. De vriend van de bruidegom hoort hem en is blij als hij de stem van de bruidegom hoort. Daarom ben ik blij als de mensen naar Hem toegaan. 30 Hij moet groter worden en ik steeds kleiner. 31 Ik ben van de aarde en spreek de taal van de aarde. Hij komt uit de hemel en is belangrijker dan enig ander. Hij staat boven alle andere mensen. 32 Hij vertelt wat Hij gezien en gehoord heeft, maar niemand gelooft Hem. 33 Wie Hem wel gelooft, bevestigt daarmee dat God een en al waarheid is. 34 Hij is door God gestuurd en geeft de woorden van God door. God geeft Hem zijn Geest zonder beperking. 35 De Vader houdt van zijn Zoon en heeft Hem alle macht gegeven. 36 Wie zich aan de Zoon toevertrouwt, heeft eeuwig leven. Wie de Zoon ongehoorzaam is, zal dat leven niet ontvangen. Integendeel, de straf van God blijft op hem rusten.’

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus(A) who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.(B) He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi,(C) we know(D) that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs(E) you are doing if God were not with him.”(F)

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a](G)

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.(H) Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit.(I) You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d](J)

“How can this be?”(K) Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,”(L) said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know,(M) and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.(N) 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven(O) except the one who came from heaven(P)—the Son of Man.[e](Q) 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,(R) so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f](S) 15 that everyone who believes(T) may have eternal life in him.”[g](U)

16 For God so loved(V) the world that he gave(W) his one and only Son,(X) that whoever believes(Y) in him shall not perish but have eternal life.(Z) 17 For God did not send his Son into the world(AA) to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.(AB) 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,(AC) but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.(AD) 19 This is the verdict: Light(AE) has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.(AF) 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.(AG) 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John Testifies Again About Jesus

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.(AH) 23 Now John(AI) also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.)(AJ) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.(AK) 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,(AL) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified(AM) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’(AN) 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom.(AO) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.(AP) 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[h]

31 The one who comes from above(AQ) is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.(AR) The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard,(AS) but no one accepts his testimony.(AT) 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent(AU) speaks the words of God, for God[i] gives the Spirit(AV) without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.(AW) 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,(AX) but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Footnotes

  1. John 3:3 The Greek for again also means from above; also in verse 7.
  2. John 3:6 Or but spirit
  3. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
  4. John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind.
  5. John 3:13 Some manuscripts Man, who is in heaven
  6. John 3:14 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
  7. John 3:15 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 21.
  8. John 3:30 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 36.
  9. John 3:34 Greek he

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

24 For John was not yet cast into prison.

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

论重生

有一个法利赛人名叫尼哥德慕,是犹太人的官。 一天晚上,他来见耶稣,说:“老师,我们知道你是上帝差来教导人的,因为如果没有上帝的同在,没有人能行你所行的神迹。”

耶稣说:“我实实在在地告诉你,人若不重生[a],就不能看见上帝的国。”

尼哥德慕说:“人老了,怎能重生呢?难道要再进母腹生一次吗?”

耶稣说:“我实实在在地告诉你,人如果不是从水和圣灵生的,就不能进上帝的国。 从肉体生的还是肉体,从圣灵生的才是灵。 所以我说你们必须重生,你不要惊奇。 风随意吹动,你听见它的声音,却不知道它从哪里来,往哪里去。凡从圣灵生的人也是这样。”

尼哥德慕又问:“这怎么可能呢?”

10 耶稣说:“你是以色列人的教师,还不明白这事吗? 11 我实实在在地告诉你,我们所说的是自己知道的,所见证的是自己见过的,可是你们不肯接受我们的见证。 12 我对你们说地上的事,你们尚且不信,要是说天上的事,你们怎么会信呢? 13 除了从天上降下来的人子[b]以外,没有人到过天上。 14 摩西在旷野怎样举起铜蛇,人子也必照样被举起来, 15 叫一切信祂的人都得到永生。

16 “因为上帝爱世人,甚至将祂独一的儿子赐给他们,叫一切信祂的人不致灭亡,反得永生。 17 上帝差祂的儿子到世上来,不是要定世人的罪,而是要借着祂的儿子拯救世人。 18 信祂的人不会被定罪,不信的人已经被定罪,因为他们不信上帝独一的儿子。 19 光来到世上,世人因为自己的行为邪恶而不爱光,反爱黑暗,这就是他们被定罪的原因。 20 作恶的人恨光,不肯接近光,恐怕他们的罪行暴露出来。 21 但遵行真理的人喜欢接近光,好显明他所做的是靠上帝做的。”

施洗者约翰论耶稣

22 这事之后,耶稣和门徒前往犹太地区,在那里住下来给人施洗。 23-24 那时约翰还没有入狱,他在靠近撒冷的哀嫩也给人施洗。那里水多,众人都去受洗。 25 约翰的门徒和一个犹太人为了洁净的礼仪争辩起来, 26 于是门徒来见约翰,说:“老师,你看,以前在约旦河对岸和你在一起、你为祂做见证的那位在给人施洗,众人都去祂那里了!”

27 约翰回答说:“除非是从天上赏赐下来的,否则人什么都得不到。 28 你们自己可以为我做见证,我说过我不是基督,我只是奉差在祂前面预备道路的。 29 娶新娘的是新郎,站在旁边的朋友听见新郎的声音,就会欢喜快乐。因此,我现在也心满意足了。 30 祂必兴旺,我必衰微。

31 “从天上来的,超越一切;从地上来的,属于地,他所谈论的也不外乎地上的事。那来自天上、超越万物的, 32 要把所见所闻讲给人听,只是没有人接受祂的见证。 33 但已经接受祂见证的人证实了上帝是真实的。 34 上帝所差来的,说的是上帝的话,因为上帝将圣灵无限量地赐给祂。 35 父爱子,已把万物交在祂手里。 36 信子的人有永生;不信子的人得不到永生,上帝的烈怒常在他身上。”

Footnotes

  1. 3:3 重生”或译“生自上面”,7节同。
  2. 3:13 从天上降下来的人子”有古卷作:“从天降下、仍旧在天的人子”。

Zo was er een Farizeeër, een lid van de Hoge Raad, die Nikodemus heette en die op een nacht met Jezus kwam praten. ‘Meester,’ zei hij, ‘wij weten dat God U gezonden heeft om ons te leren. Want niemand kan de wondertekenen doen die U doet, als God niet met hem is.’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Luister goed, wie niet opnieuw geboren wordt, kan het Koninkrijk van God niet ontdekken.’ ‘Opnieuw geboren?’ vroeg Nikodemus. ‘Hoe kan dat? Iemand kan toch niet voor de tweede keer uit zijn moeders lichaam geboren worden?’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Toch is het zoals Ik zeg. Niemand kan het Koninkrijk van God binnengaan, als hij niet geboren wordt uit water en Geest. Uit mensen komt menselijk leven voort, maar uit de Geest van God komt geestelijk leven voort. Het is dus helemaal niet zo vreemd dat Ik zei dat u opnieuw geboren moet worden. De wind waait waarheen hij wil. Je hoort hem wel, maar je weet niet waar hij vandaan komt en waar hij heen gaat. Zo is het ook als iemand door de Geest van God nieuw leven krijgt.’ Nikodemus vroeg: ‘Hoe gebeurt dat dan?’ 10 Jezus antwoordde: ‘U leert de Joden hoe zij met God en hun medemensen moeten leven. Begrijpt u niet wat Ik zeg? 11 Ik weet waarover Ik spreek en vertel wat Ik gezien heb, en toch gelooft u Mij niet. 12 Als u niet eens gelooft wat Ik over gewone, aardse dingen zeg, hoe zult u dan geloven wat Ik over de hemelse dingen zeg? 13 Er is nog nooit iemand bij God geweest behalve Ik, de Mensenzoon, die bij Hem vandaan komt.

14 Zoals Mozes in de woestijn een koperen slang omhoog hield, zo moet ook Ik, de Mensenzoon, omhoog geheven worden, 15 opdat ieder die in Mij gelooft, eeuwig leven zal hebben. 16 Want God heeft zoveel liefde voor de wereld dat Hij zijn enige Zoon heeft gegeven, zodat ieder die in Hem gelooft, niet verloren gaat maar eeuwig leven heeft.

17 God heeft zijn Zoon niet naar de wereld gestuurd om de wereld te veroordelen, maar om haar door Hem van de ondergang te redden. 18 Wie zijn vertrouwen op Jezus stelt, wordt niet veroordeeld. Maar wie niet gelooft, is al veroordeeld omdat hij geen vertrouwen heeft gehad in de naam van Gods enige Zoon. 19 Het oordeel komt tot stand doordat het licht in de wereld is gekomen, maar de mensen hebben de voorkeur gegeven aan de duisternis. Dat komt omdat zij slechte dingen hebben gedaan. 20 Want wie zondigt, heeft een hekel aan het licht. Hij ontwijkt het uit angst dat al die slechte dingen aan het licht zullen komen. 21 Maar wie Gods wil doet, komt tot het licht, zodat van alles wat hij doet, gezien kan worden dat God het is die daarin werkzaam is.’

Het getuigenis van Johannes de Doper

22 Later ging Jezus met zijn leerlingen naar Judea. Hij trok daar een tijd rond en doopte. 23 Johannes de Doper doopte ook, in Enon bij Salim, daar was veel water. Er kwamen daar veel mensen om zich te laten dopen. 24 Johannes was toen nog niet gevangengenomen.

25 Op een dag hadden de leerlingen van Johannes een meningsverschil met een Jood over de manier waarop men zich ritueel moet reinigen. 26 Zij kwamen naar Johannes toe en zeiden tegen hem: ‘Meester, er is nog iemand die doopt en iedereen gaat naar hem toe. Het is de man die u aan de overkant van de Jordaan hebt ontmoet en van wie U zei dat Hij de Christus is.’ 27 Johannes antwoordde: ‘Een mens kan zich helemaal niets toe-eigenen, als God het hem niet heeft gegeven. 28 Jullie hebben mij steeds horen zeggen dat ik niet de Christus ben, maar dat God mij voor Hem uit gestuurd heeft. 29 Wie de bruid krijgt, is de bruidegom. De vriend van de bruidegom hoort hem en is blij als hij de stem van de bruidegom hoort. Daarom ben ik blij als de mensen naar Hem toegaan. 30 Hij moet groter worden en ik steeds kleiner. 31 Ik ben van de aarde en spreek de taal van de aarde. Hij komt uit de hemel en is belangrijker dan enig ander. Hij staat boven alle andere mensen. 32 Hij vertelt wat Hij gezien en gehoord heeft, maar niemand gelooft Hem. 33 Wie Hem wel gelooft, bevestigt daarmee dat God een en al waarheid is. 34 Hij is door God gestuurd en geeft de woorden van God door. God geeft Hem zijn Geest zonder beperking. 35 De Vader houdt van zijn Zoon en heeft Hem alle macht gegeven. 36 Wie zich aan de Zoon toevertrouwt, heeft eeuwig leven. Wie de Zoon ongehoorzaam is, zal dat leven niet ontvangen. Integendeel, de straf van God blijft op hem rusten.’

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus(A) who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.(B) He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi,(C) we know(D) that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs(E) you are doing if God were not with him.”(F)

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a](G)

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.(H) Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit.(I) You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d](J)

“How can this be?”(K) Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,”(L) said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know,(M) and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.(N) 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven(O) except the one who came from heaven(P)—the Son of Man.[e](Q) 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,(R) so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f](S) 15 that everyone who believes(T) may have eternal life in him.”[g](U)

16 For God so loved(V) the world that he gave(W) his one and only Son,(X) that whoever believes(Y) in him shall not perish but have eternal life.(Z) 17 For God did not send his Son into the world(AA) to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.(AB) 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,(AC) but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.(AD) 19 This is the verdict: Light(AE) has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.(AF) 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.(AG) 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John Testifies Again About Jesus

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.(AH) 23 Now John(AI) also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.)(AJ) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.(AK) 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,(AL) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified(AM) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’(AN) 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom.(AO) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.(AP) 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[h]

31 The one who comes from above(AQ) is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.(AR) The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard,(AS) but no one accepts his testimony.(AT) 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent(AU) speaks the words of God, for God[i] gives the Spirit(AV) without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.(AW) 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,(AX) but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Footnotes

  1. John 3:3 The Greek for again also means from above; also in verse 7.
  2. John 3:6 Or but spirit
  3. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
  4. John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind.
  5. John 3:13 Some manuscripts Man, who is in heaven
  6. John 3:14 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
  7. John 3:15 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 21.
  8. John 3:30 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 36.
  9. John 3:34 Greek he

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

24 For John was not yet cast into prison.

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

论重生

有一个法利赛人名叫尼哥德慕,是犹太人的官。 一天晚上,他来见耶稣,说:“老师,我们知道你是上帝差来教导人的,因为如果没有上帝的同在,没有人能行你所行的神迹。”

耶稣说:“我实实在在地告诉你,人若不重生[a],就不能看见上帝的国。”

尼哥德慕说:“人老了,怎能重生呢?难道要再进母腹生一次吗?”

耶稣说:“我实实在在地告诉你,人如果不是从水和圣灵生的,就不能进上帝的国。 从肉体生的还是肉体,从圣灵生的才是灵。 所以我说你们必须重生,你不要惊奇。 风随意吹动,你听见它的声音,却不知道它从哪里来,往哪里去。凡从圣灵生的人也是这样。”

尼哥德慕又问:“这怎么可能呢?”

10 耶稣说:“你是以色列人的教师,还不明白这事吗? 11 我实实在在地告诉你,我们所说的是自己知道的,所见证的是自己见过的,可是你们不肯接受我们的见证。 12 我对你们说地上的事,你们尚且不信,要是说天上的事,你们怎么会信呢? 13 除了从天上降下来的人子[b]以外,没有人到过天上。 14 摩西在旷野怎样举起铜蛇,人子也必照样被举起来, 15 叫一切信祂的人都得到永生。

16 “因为上帝爱世人,甚至将祂独一的儿子赐给他们,叫一切信祂的人不致灭亡,反得永生。 17 上帝差祂的儿子到世上来,不是要定世人的罪,而是要借着祂的儿子拯救世人。 18 信祂的人不会被定罪,不信的人已经被定罪,因为他们不信上帝独一的儿子。 19 光来到世上,世人因为自己的行为邪恶而不爱光,反爱黑暗,这就是他们被定罪的原因。 20 作恶的人恨光,不肯接近光,恐怕他们的罪行暴露出来。 21 但遵行真理的人喜欢接近光,好显明他所做的是靠上帝做的。”

施洗者约翰论耶稣

22 这事之后,耶稣和门徒前往犹太地区,在那里住下来给人施洗。 23-24 那时约翰还没有入狱,他在靠近撒冷的哀嫩也给人施洗。那里水多,众人都去受洗。 25 约翰的门徒和一个犹太人为了洁净的礼仪争辩起来, 26 于是门徒来见约翰,说:“老师,你看,以前在约旦河对岸和你在一起、你为祂做见证的那位在给人施洗,众人都去祂那里了!”

27 约翰回答说:“除非是从天上赏赐下来的,否则人什么都得不到。 28 你们自己可以为我做见证,我说过我不是基督,我只是奉差在祂前面预备道路的。 29 娶新娘的是新郎,站在旁边的朋友听见新郎的声音,就会欢喜快乐。因此,我现在也心满意足了。 30 祂必兴旺,我必衰微。

31 “从天上来的,超越一切;从地上来的,属于地,他所谈论的也不外乎地上的事。那来自天上、超越万物的, 32 要把所见所闻讲给人听,只是没有人接受祂的见证。 33 但已经接受祂见证的人证实了上帝是真实的。 34 上帝所差来的,说的是上帝的话,因为上帝将圣灵无限量地赐给祂。 35 父爱子,已把万物交在祂手里。 36 信子的人有永生;不信子的人得不到永生,上帝的烈怒常在他身上。”

Footnotes

  1. 3:3 重生”或译“生自上面”,7节同。
  2. 3:13 从天上降下来的人子”有古卷作:“从天降下、仍旧在天的人子”。

Zo was er een Farizeeër, een lid van de Hoge Raad, die Nikodemus heette en die op een nacht met Jezus kwam praten. ‘Meester,’ zei hij, ‘wij weten dat God U gezonden heeft om ons te leren. Want niemand kan de wondertekenen doen die U doet, als God niet met hem is.’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Luister goed, wie niet opnieuw geboren wordt, kan het Koninkrijk van God niet ontdekken.’ ‘Opnieuw geboren?’ vroeg Nikodemus. ‘Hoe kan dat? Iemand kan toch niet voor de tweede keer uit zijn moeders lichaam geboren worden?’ Jezus antwoordde: ‘Toch is het zoals Ik zeg. Niemand kan het Koninkrijk van God binnengaan, als hij niet geboren wordt uit water en Geest. Uit mensen komt menselijk leven voort, maar uit de Geest van God komt geestelijk leven voort. Het is dus helemaal niet zo vreemd dat Ik zei dat u opnieuw geboren moet worden. De wind waait waarheen hij wil. Je hoort hem wel, maar je weet niet waar hij vandaan komt en waar hij heen gaat. Zo is het ook als iemand door de Geest van God nieuw leven krijgt.’ Nikodemus vroeg: ‘Hoe gebeurt dat dan?’ 10 Jezus antwoordde: ‘U leert de Joden hoe zij met God en hun medemensen moeten leven. Begrijpt u niet wat Ik zeg? 11 Ik weet waarover Ik spreek en vertel wat Ik gezien heb, en toch gelooft u Mij niet. 12 Als u niet eens gelooft wat Ik over gewone, aardse dingen zeg, hoe zult u dan geloven wat Ik over de hemelse dingen zeg? 13 Er is nog nooit iemand bij God geweest behalve Ik, de Mensenzoon, die bij Hem vandaan komt.

14 Zoals Mozes in de woestijn een koperen slang omhoog hield, zo moet ook Ik, de Mensenzoon, omhoog geheven worden, 15 opdat ieder die in Mij gelooft, eeuwig leven zal hebben. 16 Want God heeft zoveel liefde voor de wereld dat Hij zijn enige Zoon heeft gegeven, zodat ieder die in Hem gelooft, niet verloren gaat maar eeuwig leven heeft.

17 God heeft zijn Zoon niet naar de wereld gestuurd om de wereld te veroordelen, maar om haar door Hem van de ondergang te redden. 18 Wie zijn vertrouwen op Jezus stelt, wordt niet veroordeeld. Maar wie niet gelooft, is al veroordeeld omdat hij geen vertrouwen heeft gehad in de naam van Gods enige Zoon. 19 Het oordeel komt tot stand doordat het licht in de wereld is gekomen, maar de mensen hebben de voorkeur gegeven aan de duisternis. Dat komt omdat zij slechte dingen hebben gedaan. 20 Want wie zondigt, heeft een hekel aan het licht. Hij ontwijkt het uit angst dat al die slechte dingen aan het licht zullen komen. 21 Maar wie Gods wil doet, komt tot het licht, zodat van alles wat hij doet, gezien kan worden dat God het is die daarin werkzaam is.’

Het getuigenis van Johannes de Doper

22 Later ging Jezus met zijn leerlingen naar Judea. Hij trok daar een tijd rond en doopte. 23 Johannes de Doper doopte ook, in Enon bij Salim, daar was veel water. Er kwamen daar veel mensen om zich te laten dopen. 24 Johannes was toen nog niet gevangengenomen.

25 Op een dag hadden de leerlingen van Johannes een meningsverschil met een Jood over de manier waarop men zich ritueel moet reinigen. 26 Zij kwamen naar Johannes toe en zeiden tegen hem: ‘Meester, er is nog iemand die doopt en iedereen gaat naar hem toe. Het is de man die u aan de overkant van de Jordaan hebt ontmoet en van wie U zei dat Hij de Christus is.’ 27 Johannes antwoordde: ‘Een mens kan zich helemaal niets toe-eigenen, als God het hem niet heeft gegeven. 28 Jullie hebben mij steeds horen zeggen dat ik niet de Christus ben, maar dat God mij voor Hem uit gestuurd heeft. 29 Wie de bruid krijgt, is de bruidegom. De vriend van de bruidegom hoort hem en is blij als hij de stem van de bruidegom hoort. Daarom ben ik blij als de mensen naar Hem toegaan. 30 Hij moet groter worden en ik steeds kleiner. 31 Ik ben van de aarde en spreek de taal van de aarde. Hij komt uit de hemel en is belangrijker dan enig ander. Hij staat boven alle andere mensen. 32 Hij vertelt wat Hij gezien en gehoord heeft, maar niemand gelooft Hem. 33 Wie Hem wel gelooft, bevestigt daarmee dat God een en al waarheid is. 34 Hij is door God gestuurd en geeft de woorden van God door. God geeft Hem zijn Geest zonder beperking. 35 De Vader houdt van zijn Zoon en heeft Hem alle macht gegeven. 36 Wie zich aan de Zoon toevertrouwt, heeft eeuwig leven. Wie de Zoon ongehoorzaam is, zal dat leven niet ontvangen. Integendeel, de straf van God blijft op hem rusten.’

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus(A) who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.(B) He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi,(C) we know(D) that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs(E) you are doing if God were not with him.”(F)

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a](G)

“How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.(H) Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit.(I) You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d](J)

“How can this be?”(K) Nicodemus asked.

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,”(L) said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know,(M) and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.(N) 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven(O) except the one who came from heaven(P)—the Son of Man.[e](Q) 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,(R) so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f](S) 15 that everyone who believes(T) may have eternal life in him.”[g](U)

16 For God so loved(V) the world that he gave(W) his one and only Son,(X) that whoever believes(Y) in him shall not perish but have eternal life.(Z) 17 For God did not send his Son into the world(AA) to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.(AB) 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned,(AC) but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.(AD) 19 This is the verdict: Light(AE) has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.(AF) 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.(AG) 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

John Testifies Again About Jesus

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized.(AH) 23 Now John(AI) also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.)(AJ) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.(AK) 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi,(AL) that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified(AM) about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’(AN) 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom.(AO) The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.(AP) 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”[h]

31 The one who comes from above(AQ) is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth.(AR) The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard,(AS) but no one accepts his testimony.(AT) 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent(AU) speaks the words of God, for God[i] gives the Spirit(AV) without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.(AW) 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,(AX) but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Footnotes

  1. John 3:3 The Greek for again also means from above; also in verse 7.
  2. John 3:6 Or but spirit
  3. John 3:7 The Greek is plural.
  4. John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind.
  5. John 3:13 Some manuscripts Man, who is in heaven
  6. John 3:14 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted.
  7. John 3:15 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 21.
  8. John 3:30 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 36.
  9. John 3:34 Greek he

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?

10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?

11 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?

13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

24 For John was not yet cast into prison.

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.