The Meaning Of “Born Of Water And The Spirit” In John 3:5 -- By: Robert V. McCabe
Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 04:1 (Fall 1999)
Article: The Meaning Of “Born Of Water And The Spirit” In John 3:5
Author: Robert V. McCabe
DBSJ 4 (Fall 1999) p. 85
The Meaning Of “Born Of Water
And The Spirit” In John 3:5
* Dr. McCabe is Professor of Old Testament at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary in Allen Park, MI.
The Holy Spirit’s role in regeneration or the new birth has been the subject of many theological discussions. A text that has received considerable attention is John 3:5, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”1 A major interpretative problem with this verse is the meaning of “born of water and the Spirit” (γεννηθῇ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ πνεύματος). Is “water” (ὕδατος) to be equated with baptism? Should water be correlated with procreation? Or, is water used as a symbol for the Word of God or cleansing? Furthermore, what is the relationship between “water” (ὕδατος), and “spirit” (πνεύματος)? Is water set in contrast to the spirit, or do water and spirit reflect a conceptual unity?
This article will attempt to determine the meaning of “born of water and the Spirit” by examining the immediate context of John 3 and other pertinent theological data. After this, we will survey some of the more dominant and popular interpretations of “water and the Spirit.”
An Examination Of John 3:5
In the history of Christian interpretation, John 3:5 has often been associated with Christian baptism.2 Undoubtedly, the sacramentalism associated with a broad spectrum of Christianity has influenced some to interpret this verse in light of a sacramental grid. However, we must determine what this verse means in its immediate and overall canonical context. To determine the meaning of John 3:5, we will initially examine the key concepts within this text, followed by an examination of its literary features.
DBSJ 4 (Fall 1999) p. 86
An Examination Of Key Concepts
Nicodemus is identified in 3:1 as a Pharisee, a “ruler of the Jews” (ἄρχων τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων). This identification would suggest that he was not simply a community leader, but a Jewish leader and perhaps a member of the Sanhedrin.3 After presenting hi...
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