ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for John 3

John 3:1 Ruler of the Jews refers to a member of the Sanhedrin, the court of the Jews.

John 3:2 By night symbolizes spiritual darkness elsewhere in John (9:4; 11:10; 13:30; but not 21:3). Rabbi (meaning “teacher”) implies respect, especially since Jesus had no formal rabbinic training (see 7:15).

John 3:3–6 Born of water and the Spirit refers to spiritual birth, which cleanses from sin and brings spiritual transformation. The background for “water” is probably Ezek. 36:25–27. born again. See John 1:12–13; 8:39–58; 11:51–52. The kingdom of God, a major topic in the other Gospels, is mentioned in John only in 3:3, 5 (compare 18:36).

John 3:7–8 The change from singular to plural in I said to you [singular], “You [plural] must be born again,” probably is meant to include Nicodemus and his fellow Sanhedrin members (compare “we” in v. 2). The plural also carries broader application to all people: everyone “must be born again.” Wind and Spirit translate the same Greek and Hebrew words.

John 3:10 See Deut. 30:6; Jer. 31:33; and Ezek. 36:26.

John 3:11–12 Earthly things probably refers to Jesus’ teaching about the new birth, which takes place in a person’s life on earth. You is plural in the second instance in v. 11 and all four times in v. 12.

John 3:13 Ascended into heaven probably means “entered into God’s heavenly council and remained there.” When Jesus descended from heaven he did not lose all fellowship with the Father. Rather, the focus of his activity became his earthly life.

John 3:14 lifted up. The first of three “lifted up” sayings in John (see also 8:28; 12:32). All three have a double meaning (see notes on 4:10; 8:24; 19:19), referring to both Jesus’ death and his resurrection and exaltation. serpent in the wilderness. See Num. 21:9.

John 3:16 For connects to v. 15 and explains what happened to make it possible that someone can “have eternal life” (v. 15). God so loved the world. God’s love for “the world” made it possible for “whoever” (v. 15) believes in Christ, not just Jews alone, to have eternal life. gave his only Son. God sent Jesus to earth as a man (v. 17) to suffer and die and thereby bear the penalty for sins (see note on 1 John 2:2; see Rom. 3:25). On “only Son,” see note on John 1:14. whoever believes in him. That is, whoever personally trusts in him (see note on 11:25). Not perish means not perish in eternal judgment. eternal life. The life of abundant joy and blessing in the presence of God forever, which a believer begins to experience during earthly life.

John 3:17 send his Son. See also vv. 34–36; 5:19–26; 6:40; 8:35–36; 14:13; 17:1. It was a common idea in Jewish thought that the messenger is like the sender himself (see 13:20). Being sent implies that the message is given by the sender. This verse refers to Christ’s first coming. He will return to judge the world at his second coming (5:27–29).

John 3:18 Those who do not believe in Christ do not have a neutral standing before God. They stand condemned already. This refutes the idea that a sincere person following any religion can have eternal life (see 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5–6).

John 3:19–21 loved the darkness. See 1:5, 10–11.

John 3:22 Jesus was baptizing, that is, overseeing his disciples (see 4:2) as they continued administering John’s baptism of repentance (see note on 1:28).

John 3:28 sent before. See Mal. 3:1; Matt. 11:10; Mark 1:2; and Luke 7:27.

John 3:29 John the Baptist’s reference to Jesus as the bridegroom (see Matt. 9:15 and parallels; see Eph. 5:25–27; Rev. 19:7–8) identifies Jesus as Israel’s long-awaited King and Messiah. In the OT, Israel is frequently depicted as God’s “bride” (e.g., Isa. 62:4–5; Jer. 2:2; Hos. 2:16–20). John the Baptist’s role is that of the bridegroom’s friend, who selflessly rejoices with the groom (see John 1:6–9, 15, 19–36).

John 3:32–33 What he has seen and heard refers to Jesus’ eternal existence in heaven and his knowledge of God. No one receives his testimony likely means that very few people (at least to that point) had received it (but some had: whoever receives). sets his seal. See note on 6:27.

John 3:34 See 1:32–33. The Father gives Jesus the Spirit without measure. All true believers are empowered by the Spirit to some degree, but Jesus had an unlimited anointing.

John 3:35 The Father . . . has given all things into his hand indicates the supreme authority of the Father within the Trinity. He gives authority over the whole created universe to the Son (1:3; 3:16; 17; 5:22; 6:38; 14:16; 28; Acts 2:33; 1 Cor. 15:28; Heb. 1:2–3; 1 Pet. 3:22).

John 3:36 has eternal life. See note on v. 16. the wrath of God remains on him. Compare vv. 19–21; Rom. 1:18–25.