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John 3
Disciples’ Literal New Testament

Nicodemus, a Ruler of The Jews, Comes To Jesus, And Is Told He Must Be Born Again

3 Now there was a man from the Pharisees— the name for him was Nicodemus— a ruler of the Jews. 2 This one came to Him by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher. For no one is able to be doing these signs which You are doing unless God is with him”. 3 Jesus responded and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you— unless one is born again[a], he is not able to see the kingdom of God”. 4 Nicodemus says to Him, “How is a person able to be born while being an old-man? He is not able to enter a second time into the womb of his mother and be born, is he?” 5 Jesus responded, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water[b] and the Spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. 6 The thing having been born of the flesh is flesh, and the thing having been born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You[c] all must be born again’— 8 the wind blows where it wants, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know from where it comes, and where it is going. So[d] is everyone having been born of the Spirit”. 9 Nicodemus responded and said to Him, “How are these[e] things able to happen?” 10 Jesus responded and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you that we are speaking what we know, and we are testifying what we have seen, and you[f] people are not receiving our testimony. 12 If I told you people earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 And no one has gone up into heaven except the One having come down from heaven— the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted-up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up 15 in order that everyone putting-faith in Him may have[g] eternal life.

God Sent His Son Into The World That All Believing In Him May Have Eternal Life

16 “For[h] God so[i] loved the world that He gave His only-born Son, in order that everyone believing in Him may not perish, but may have eternal life. 17 For God did not send-forth the Son into the world in order that He might judge[j] the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one believing in Him is not judged. But the one not believing has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-born Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment[k]: that the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their works were evil. 20 For everyone practicing bad things hates the Light, and does not come to the Light in order that his works may not be exposed. 21 But the one doing the truth comes to the Light in order that his works may become-visible— that[l] they have been worked in[m] God”.

Jesus Goes To Judea. John The Baptist Declares Himself The Friend of The Bridegroom

22 After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean land, and there He was spending-time with them and baptizing. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there were many waters[n] there. And they were coming and being baptized. 24 For John had not yet been thrown into prison. 25 Then a debate[o] arose from the disciples of John with a Jew about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, concerning Whom you have testified, look— this One is baptizing, and all are going to Him!” 27 John responded and said “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves are testifying concerning me that I said that ‘I am not the Christ’, but that ‘I am one having been sent-forth ahead of that One’. 29 The one having the bride is the bridegroom. And the friend of the bridegroom, the one standing there and hearing him, rejoices with joy[p] because of the voice of the bridegroom. So this[q], my joy, has been made-full. 30 It-is-necessary for that One to grow, and for me to diminish.

Jesus Has Come From Heaven With The Words of God. He Is Above All

31 “The[r] One coming from-above is above[s] all. The one being from the earth is from the earth and is speaking from the earth. The One coming from heaven is above all. 32 What He has seen and did hear— this He is testifying. And no one is receiving His testimony. 33 The one having received His testimony certified[t] that God is truthful, 34 for He Whom God sent forth is speaking the words of God. For He does not give Him the Spirit from a measure[u]. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things in His hand. 36 The one believing in the Son has eternal life. But the one disobeying[v] the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him”.

Footnotes

  1. John 3:3 Or, from-above.
  2. John 3:5 Jesus may be detailing the idea of being born again in v 3, in which case the water refers to the visible aspect of it, that is, baptism; or, Jesus may explain His meaning by the illustration in v 6, water referring to ‘of the flesh’, that is, human birth.
  3. John 3:7 This word is plural.
  4. John 3:8 We do not understand the ‘how’ (v 4) of wind; we only see its effects. So it is with the spiritual wind of birth from God (spirit and wind are the same word in Greek).
  5. John 3:9 That is, this being born again from God.
  6. John 3:11 This word is plural.
  7. John 3:15 After the chastisement of v 10-12, and stating the authority for His answer in v 13, Jesus here answers the question of v 9, and then explains it in what follows.
  8. John 3:16 Jesus may continue speaking in v 16-21; or, these may be John’s words of explanation for us.
  9. John 3:16 That is, in this manner; or, to such an extent.
  10. John 3:17 That is, pass judgment upon, execute judgment upon.
  11. John 3:19 That is, this is God’s present judgment with regard to unbelievers.
  12. John 3:21 Or, because.
  13. John 3:21 That is, in union with.
  14. John 3:23 That is, many streams or springs of water.
  15. John 3:25 Or, controversy.
  16. John 3:29 That is, rejoices greatly.
  17. John 3:29 That is, this friend-of-the-bridegroom kind of joy.
  18. John 3:31 Verses 31-36 may continue to be the Baptist’s words; or, they may be the apostle John’s comment.
  19. John 3:31 Or, over.
  20. John 3:33 Or, attested, set his seal.
  21. John 3:34 God does not give Jesus a measured manifestation of the Spirit, as He does with all other prophets.
  22. John 3:36 Or, refusing-to-believe.
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John 3
World English Bible

3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered him, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born anew, [a] he can’t see God’s Kingdom.”

4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ 8 The wind[b] blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus answered him, “How can these things be?”

10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and don’t understand these things? 11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know and testify of that which we have seen, and you don’t receive our witness. 12 If I told you earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven. 14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born[c] Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him. 18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God. 19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.”

22 After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came and were baptized; 24 for John was not yet thrown into prison. 25 Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.”

27 John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore my joy is made full. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 “He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys[d] the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”

Footnotes

  1. 3:3 The word translated “anew” here and in John 3:7 (ἄνωθεν) also means “again” and “from above”.
  2. 3:8 The same Greek word (πνεῦμα) means wind, breath, and spirit.
  3. 3:16 The phrase “only born” is from the Greek word “μονογενη”, which is sometimes translated “only begotten” or “one and only”.
  4. 3:36 The same word can be translated “disobeys” or “disbelieves” in this context.
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John 3
New International Version

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus(A) who was a member of the Jewish ruling council.(B) 2 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)

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

4 “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!”

5 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) 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit.(I) 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 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)

9 “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
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约翰福音 3
Revised Chinese Union Version (Simplified Script) Shen Edition

耶稣和尼哥德慕谈重生

3 有一个法利赛人，名叫尼哥德慕，是犹太人的官。 2 这人夜里来见耶稣，对他说：“拉比，我们知道你是由　神那里来作老师的；因为你所行的神迹，若没有　神同在，无人能行。” 3 耶稣回答他说：“我实实在在地告诉你，人若不重生[a]，就不能见　神的国。” 4 尼哥德慕对他说：“人已经老了，如何能重生呢？岂能再进母腹生出来吗？” 5 耶稣回答：“我实实在在地告诉你，人若不是从水和圣灵生的，就不能进　神的国。 6 从肉身生的就是肉身；从灵生的就是灵。 7 我说‘你们必须重生’，你不要惊讶。 8 风[b]随着意思吹，你听见风的声音，却不知道是从哪里来，往哪里去；凡从圣灵生的也是如此。” 9 尼哥德慕问他：“怎么能有这些事呢？” 10 耶稣回答，对他说：“你是以色列人的老师，还不明白这些事吗？ 11 我实实在在地告诉你，我们所说的是我们知道的，我们所见证的是我们见过的，你们却不领受我们的见证。 12 我对你们说地上的事，你们尚且不信，若对你们说天上的事，如何能信呢？ 13 除了从天降下[c]的人子，没有人升过天。 14 摩西在旷野怎样举蛇，人子也必须照样被举起来， 15 要使一切信他的人都得永生。

16 “　神爱世人，甚至将他独一的儿子[d]赐给他们，叫一切信他的人不致灭亡，反得永生。 17 因为　神差他的儿子到世上来，不是要定世人的罪[e]，而是要使世人因他得救。 18 信他的人不被定罪；不信的人已经被定罪了，因为他不信　神独一儿子的名。 19 光来到世上，世人因自己的行为是恶的，不爱光，倒爱黑暗，这就定了他们的罪。 20 凡作恶的人都恨恶光，不来接近光，恐怕他的行为被暴露。 21 但实行真理的人就来接近光，为要显明他的行为是靠　神而行的。”

耶稣和施洗约翰

22 这些事以后，耶稣和门徒到了犹太地区，在那里他和他们同住，并且施洗。 23 约翰也在靠近撒冷的哀嫩施洗，因为那里水多，众人都去受洗。 24 那时约翰还没有下在监里。

25 约翰的门徒和一个犹太人辩论洁净的礼仪， 26 就来见约翰，对他说：“拉比，从前同你在约旦河的东边，你所见证的那位，你看，他在施洗，众人都到他那里去了。” 27 约翰回答说：“若不是从天上赐的，人就不能得到什么。 28 你们自己可以为我作见证，我曾说，我不是基督，只是奉差遣在他前面开路的。 29 娶新娘的是新郎；新郎的朋友站在一旁听，一听见新郎的声音就欢喜快乐。因此，我这喜乐得以满足了。 30 他必兴旺；我必衰微。”

从天上来的那一位

31 “从上头来的是在万有之上；出于地的是属于地，他所说的也是属于地。从天上来的是在万有之上。 32 他把所见所闻的见证出来，只是没有人领受他的见证。 33 那领受他见证的，就印证　神是真实的。 34 　神所差来的说　神的话，因为　神所赐给他的圣灵是没有限量的。 35 父爱子，已把万有交在他手里。 36 信子的人有永生；不信子的人得不到永生，而且　神的愤怒常在他身上。”

Footnotes

  1. 3．3 “重生”或译“从上面而生”。
  2. 3．8 原文的“风”与“灵”同字。
  3. 3．13 有古卷加“仍旧在天”。
  4. 3．16 “他独一的儿子”或译“他的独生子”；18节同。
  5. 3．17 “定世人的罪”或译“审判世人”；18、19节同。
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