A Meeting With Nicodemus

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named (A)Nicodemus, a (B)ruler of the Jews;

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

1 There was a man from the Pharisees(A) named Nicodemus,(B) a ruler(C) of the Jews.

1 Now there was a man from the Pharisees, a leader of the Jews, whose name was Nicodemus.

1 Now there was a certain man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler (member of the Sanhedrin) among the Jews,

2 this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “(C)Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these (a)(D)signs that You do unless (E)God is with him.”

2 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.

2 This man came to Him at night and said, “Rabbi,(D) we know that You have come from God(E) as a teacher,(F) for no one could perform these signs You do unless God were with him.”(G)

2 He came to Jesus at night and told him, "Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher, because no one can perform these signs that you are doing unless God is with him."

2 who came to Jesus at night and said to Him, “Rabbi (Teacher), we know [without any doubt] that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs [these wonders, these attesting miracles] that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one (F)is born (b)again he cannot see (G)the kingdom of God.”

3 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.

3 Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again,(a)(H) he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(I)

3 Jesus replied to him, "Truly, I tell you emphatically, unless a person is born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God."

3 Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus *said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”

4 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?

4 “But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

4 Nicodemus asked him, "How can a person be born when he is old? He can't go back into his mother's womb a second time and be born, can he?"

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of (H)water and the Spirit he cannot enter into (I)the kingdom of God.

5 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.

5 Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born(J) of water and the Spirit,(b)(K) he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

5 Jesus answered, "Truly, I tell you emphatically, unless a person is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

5 Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.(A)

6 (J)That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

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

6 Whatever is born of the flesh(L) is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit(M) is spirit.

6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born (c)again.’

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

7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you(c) must be born(N) again.

7 Don't be astonished that I told you, "All of you must be born from above.'

7 Do not be surprised that I have told you, ‘You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].’

8 (K)The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

8 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.

8 The wind(d) blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going.(O) So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”(P)

8 The wind blows where it wants to. You hear its sound, but you don't know where it comes from or where it is going. That's the way it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

8 The wind blows where it wishes and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it is coming from and where it is going; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?”

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

9 “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.

9 Nicodemus asked him, "How can that be?"

9 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be possible?”

10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you (L)the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?

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

10 “Are you a teacher(e) of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied.

10 Jesus answered him, "You're the teacher of Israel, and you can't understand this?

10 Jesus replied, “You are the [great and well-known] teacher of Israel, and yet you do not know nor understand these things [from Scripture]?

11 Truly, truly, I say to you, (M)we speak of what we know and (N)testify of what we have seen, and (O)you do not accept our testimony.

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.

11 “I assure you:(Q) We speak what We know and We testify to what We have seen, but you(f) do not accept Our testimony.(g)

11 Truly, I tell you emphatically, we know what we're talking about, and we testify about what we've seen. Yet you people do not accept our testimony.

11 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, we speak only of what we [absolutely] know and testify about what we have [actually] seen [as eyewitnesses]; and [still] you [reject our evidence and] do not accept our testimony.

12 If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

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

12 If I have told you about things that happen on earth and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about things of heaven?

12 If I have told you people about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?

12 If I told you earthly things [that is, things that happen right here on earth] and you do not believe, how will you believe and trust Me if I tell you heavenly things?

13 (P)No one has ascended into heaven, but (Q)He who descended from heaven: (R)the Son of Man.

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.

13 No one has ascended(R) into heaven(S) except the One who descended from heaven(T)—the Son of Man.(h)(U)

13 "No one has gone up to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

13 No one has gone up into heaven, but there is One who came down from heaven, the Son of Man [Himself—whose home is in heaven].

14 As (S)Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must (T)the Son of Man (U)be lifted up;

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

14 Just as Moses(V) lifted up the snake in the wilderness,(W) so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

14 Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

14 Just as Moses lifted up the [bronze] serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross],(B)

15 so that whoever (d)believes will (V)in Him have eternal life.

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

15 so that everyone who believes in Him will(i) have eternal life.(X)

15 so that everyone who believes in him would have eternal life.

15 so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life [after physical death, and will actually live forever].

God's Love For The World

16 “For God so (W)loved the world, that He (X)gave His (e)(Y)only begotten Son, that whoever (Z)believes in Him shall 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.

16 “For God loved(Y) the world in this way:(j) He gave His One and Only(Z) Son,(AA) so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.(AB)

16 "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his unique Son so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.

16 “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] (a)only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God (AA)did not send the Son into the world (AB)to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

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

17 For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn(AC) the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

17 Because God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world would be saved through him.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.

18 (AC)He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of (AD)the (f)only begotten Son of God.

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.

18 Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned,(AD) because he has not believed in the name(AE) of the One and Only Son(AF) of God.

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God's unique Son.

18 Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because (b)he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].

19 This is the judgment, that (AE)the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for (AF)their deeds were evil.

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.

19 “This, then, is the judgment: The light(AG) has come into the world,(AH) and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil.

19 And this is the basis for judgment: The light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light because their actions were evil.

19 This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the (c)darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.(C)

20 (AG)For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

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

20 For everyone who practices wicked things hates(AI) the light and avoids it,(k) so that his deeds(AJ) may not be exposed.

20 Everyone who practices wickedness hates the light and does not come to the light, so that his actions may not be exposed.

20 For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned.

21 But he who (AH)practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

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

21 But anyone who lives by(l) the truth comes to the light, so that his works(AK) may be shown to be accomplished by God.”(m)

21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may become evident that his actions have God's approval."

21 But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].”

Additional Testimony By John The Baptist About Jesus

22 After these things Jesus and His (AI)disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and (AJ)baptizing.

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

22 After this, Jesus and His disciples went to the Judean countryside, where He spent time with them and baptized.

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside. He spent some time there with them and began baptizing.

22 After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea, and there He spent time with them and baptized.(D)

23 John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—

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

23 John(AL) also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were coming and being baptized,

23 John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People kept coming and were being baptized,

23 Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—

24 for (AK)John had not yet been thrown into prison.

24 For John was not yet cast into prison.

24 since John had not yet been thrown into prison.(AM)

24 since John had not yet been thrown into prison.

24 for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about (AL)purification.

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

25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples(AN) and a Jew(n) about purification.(AO)

25 Then a controversy about ritual purification sprang up between a certain Jew and John's disciples,

25 Therefore there arose a controversy between John’s disciples and a Jew in regard to (d)purification (ceremonial washing).

26 And they came to John and said to him, “(AM)Rabbi, He who was with you (AN)beyond the Jordan, to whom you (AO)have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.”

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.

26 So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi,(AP) the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan,(AQ) is baptizing—and everyone is flocking to Him.”(AR)

26 so they went to John and told him, "Rabbi, the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan, the one about whom you testified look, he's baptizing, and everyone is going to him!"

26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi (Teacher), the Man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan [at the Jordan River crossing]—and to whom you have testified—look, He is baptizing too, and everyone is going to Him!”

27 John answered and said, “(AP)A man can receive nothing unless it (AQ)has been given him from heaven.

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

27 John responded, “No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven.

27 John replied, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to them from heaven.

27 John replied, “A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing at all] unless it has been granted to him from heaven [for there is no other source than the sovereign will of God].

28 You yourselves (g)are my witnesses that I said, ‘(AR)I am not the (h)Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’

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

28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah,(AS) but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.’(AT)

28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, "I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.'

28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I stated, ‘I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ but, ‘I have [only] been sent ahead of Him [as His appointed forerunner and messenger to announce and proclaim His coming].’(E)

29 He who has the bride is (AS)the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this (AT)joy of mine has been made full.

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.

29 He who has the bride(AU) is the groom. But the groom’s friend, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly(o) at the groom’s voice. So this joy(AV) of mine is complete.

29 It is the bridegroom who gets the bride, yet the bridegroom's friend, who merely stands by and listens for him, is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom's voice. That's why this joy of mine is now complete.

29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this pleasure and joy of mine is now complete.(F)

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

30 He must become more important, but I must become less important."

30 He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease.(G)

The One From Heaven

31 (AU)He who comes from above is above all, (AV)he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. (AW)He who comes from heaven is above all.

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.

31 The One who comes from above(AW) is above all. The one who is from the earth is earthly and speaks in earthly terms.(p) The One who comes from heaven is above all.(AX)

31 The one who comes from above is superior to everything. The one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is superior to everything.

31 “He who comes from [heaven] above is above all others; he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks [about things] of the earth [his viewpoint and experience are earthly]. He who comes from heaven is above all.

32 What He has seen and heard, of that He (AX)testifies; and (AY)no one receives His testimony.

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

32 He testifies(AY) to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.

32 He testifies about what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony.

32 What He has [actually] seen and heard, of that He testifies; and yet no one accepts His testimony [as true].

33 He who has received His testimony (AZ)has set his seal to this, that God is true.

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

33 The one who has accepted His testimony has affirmed that God is true.(AZ)

33 The person who has accepted his testimony has acknowledged that God is truthful.

33 Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal [of approval] to this: God is true [and he knows that God cannot lie].

34 For He whom God has (BA)sent speaks the words of God; (i)(BB)for He gives the Spirit without measure.

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

34 For God sent Him, and He speaks God’s words, since He(q) gives the Spirit(BA) without measure.

34 The one whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God does not give the Spirit in limited measure to him.

34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaiming the Father’s own message]; for God gives the [gift of the] Spirit without measure [generously and boundlessly]!(H)

35 (BC)The Father loves the Son and (BD)has given all things into His hand.

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

35 The Father loves the Son(BB) and has given all things into His hands.(BC)

35 The Father loves the Son and has put everything in his hands.

35 The Father loves the Son and has given and entrusted all things into His hand.(I)

36 He who (BE)believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who (BF)does not (j)obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

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.

36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.(BD)

36 The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who disobeys the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath of God remains on him.

36 He who believes and trusts in the Son and accepts Him [as Savior] has eternal life [that is, already possesses it]; but he who does not believe the Son and chooses to reject Him, [disobeying Him and denying Him as Savior] will not see [eternal] life, but [instead] the wrath of God hangs over him continually.”(J)

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