What is the meaning of “born of water” in John 3:5?
In John 3, Jesus’ dialogue with Nicodemus about rebirth includes the phrase, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The term ‘water’ here is considered theologically ambiguous by some and is subject to various interpretations.
The statement in question came after Nicodemus’ query about re-entering his mother’s womb to be reborn. There are three interpretations which I will briefly consider.
- Physical Birth: ‘Born of water’ could refer to a physical birth. The first birth is the natural birth of water (amniotic fluid), and the second birth is the spiritual birth of the spirit. Jesus contrasts the two saying: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” This statement delineates the natural from the spiritual.
- Symbolic Cleansing: In Scripture, water is often used to represent purification and cleansing. Ephesians 5:26 speaks of Christ cleansing the church by “the washing of water by the word.” Similarly, Ezekiel 36:25-27 says: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean….and a new spirit will I put within you.” The use of ‘water’ and ‘spirit’ as in John 3:5 could both symbolize spiritual realities. Jesus said in John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word…” Paul also spoke of Christians having been “washed”
(1 Corinthians 6:11). Born again is being born from above, which would indicate that the water and spirit in question would both be agencies of God of a spiritual nature. Hence, the born-again experience would come by the spiritual cleansing of the Word and the Spirit of God. - Misinterpretation of Baptism: A third view incorrectly equates ‘born of water’ with Christian baptism, suggesting baptism is necessary for salvation. However, this contradicts the principle that salvation is a divine act, not a human work. Scripturally, baptism is an outward work of man testifying to the inward work of God. The unbaptized thief on the cross who was promised paradise is a practical proof that this does not refer to water baptism.
