John 3:5

Jesus answered: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Unless a man be born again, etc... By these words our Saviour hath declared the necessity of baptism; and by the word water it is evident that the application of it is necessary with the words. Matt. 28. 19.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner, 1752)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

4Nicodemus saith 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 again?

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

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Cross References

Ezekiel 36:25And I will pour upon you clean water, and you shall be cleansed from all your filthiness, and I will cleanse you from all your idols.

Matthew 5:20For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. The scribes and Pharisees... The scribes were the doctors of the law of Moses: the Pharisees were a precise set of men, making profession of a more exact observance of the law: and upon that account greatly esteemed among the people.

Matthew 28:19Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 13:3No, I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish.

Luke 13:24Strive to enter by the narrow gate: for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter and shall not be able. Shall seek, etc... Shall desire to be saved; but for want of taking sufficient pains, and being thoroughly in earnest, shall not attain to it.

John 3:3Jesus answered and said to him: Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Matthew Henry on John 3:2-22

Christ's Interview with Nicodemus. 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 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. 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. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time… Read the whole commentary →

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