Book of John - Chapter 3 - Verse 7

When Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:7 that he must be born again, he is speaking of a spiritual rebirth rather than a physical one. This concept of being born again is central to the Christian faith and signifies a transformation of the heart and soul. It means letting go of our old ways of living and thinking, and embracing a new life in Christ. Through this spiritual rebirth, we are cleansed of our sins and become new creations in Christ. This process of being born again is essential for salvation and signifies a turning point in a person's life. It is a reminder that we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God and to walk in righteousness and holiness. So, when Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again, he is emphasizing the importance of spiritual renewal and transformation in order to inherit eternal life.

The theological interpretation of the verse 'Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.' is centered around the concept of spiritual rebirth. In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about the necessity of being born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. The phrase "born again" can also be translated as "born from above," emphasizing the divine nature of this rebirth. This passage is often understood as referring to a spiritual transformation that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and becomes a new creation in Him.

Word studies of the verse can shed further light on the meaning of 'born again.' The Greek word for "again" in this verse is 'anothen,' which can also mean "from above" or "anew." This reinforces the idea that the rebirth Jesus is talking about is not merely a physical birth, but a spiritual transformation initiated by God. The concept of being born again is a central theme in Christian theology, highlighting the importance of repentance, faith, and regeneration in the life of a believer.