John 3:16 in the original Greek
John 3:16 is probably the best-known verse in the New Testament. This page gives it in its setting, the night-time conversation with Nicodemus, along with the wedding at Cana that comes before it. Scroll down to Jesus and Nicodemus for the famous line.
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The text and translation
Καὶ τῇ ⸂ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ⸃ γάμος ἐγένετο ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ ἦν ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐκεῖ·
The third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.
Word by word
- Καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τῇ
- the
- ⸂ἡμέρᾳ
- a day
- τῇ
- the
- τρίτῃ⸃
- third
- γάμος
- a marriage, wedding, wedding-feast
- ἐγένετο
- to come into being, be born
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- Κανὰ
- Cana
- τῆς
- the
- Γαλιλαίας
- Galilee
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- ἡ
- the
- μήτηρ
- a mother
- τοῦ
- the
- Ἰησοῦ
- Jesus
- ἐκεῖ
- there, yonder, thither
ἐκλήθη δὲ καὶ ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν γάμον.
Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the wedding.
Word by word
- ἐκλήθη
- to call, invite, name
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οἱ
- the
- μαθηταὶ
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸν
- the
- γάμον
- a marriage, wedding, wedding-feast
καὶ ὑστερήσαντος οἴνου λέγει ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ πρὸς αὐτόν· Οἶνον οὐκ ἔχουσιν.
When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.”
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ὑστερήσαντος
- to be lacking, fall short, suffer need
- οἴνου
- wine
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- ἡ
- the
- μήτηρ
- a mother
- τοῦ
- the
- Ἰησοῦ
- Jesus
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- αὐτόν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Οἶνον
- wine
- οὐκ
- no, not
- ἔχουσιν
- to have, hold, possess
⸀καὶ λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, γύναι; οὔπω ἥκει ἡ ὥρα μου.
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.”
Word by word
- ⸀καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- αὐτῇ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- Τί
- any one, some one
- ἐμοὶ
- I
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- σοί
- you
- γύναι
- a woman, wife, my lady
- οὔπω
- not yet
- ἥκει
- to have come, be present
- ἡ
- the
- ὥρα
- an hour, season
- μου
- I
λέγει ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ τοῖς διακόνοις· ⸂Ὅ τι⸃ ἂν λέγῃ ὑμῖν ποιήσατε.
His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.”
Word by word
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- ἡ
- the
- μήτηρ
- a mother
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- τοῖς
- the
- διακόνοις
- a waiter, servant, administrator
- ⸂Ὅ
- who, which, what, that
- τι⸃
- any one, some one
- ἂν
- (would; marks a condition or possibility)
- λέγῃ
- to say, speak
- ὑμῖν
- you
- ποιήσατε
- to do, make
ἦσαν δὲ ἐκεῖ ⸂λίθιναι ὑδρίαι⸃ ἓξ ⸂κατὰ τὸν καθαρισμὸν τῶν Ἰουδαίων κείμεναι⸃, χωροῦσαι ἀνὰ μετρητὰς δύο ἢ τρεῖς.
Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.
Word by word
- ἦσαν
- to be, exist
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἐκεῖ
- there, yonder, thither
- ⸂λίθιναι
- made of stone
- ὑδρίαι⸃
- a water pot
- ἓξ
- six
- ⸂κατὰ
- down from, against, according to, thr...
- τὸν
- the
- καθαρισμὸν
- cleansing, purifying, purification
- τῶν
- the
- Ἰουδαίων
- Jewish
- κείμεναι⸃
- to lie, recline, be laid
- χωροῦσαι
- to make room, go, receive
- ἀνὰ
- and, apiece, by, each, every, in, thr...
- μετρητὰς
- a measure, amphora
- δύο
- two
- ἢ
- or, than
- τρεῖς
- three
λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Γεμίσατε τὰς ὑδρίας ὕδατος· καὶ ἐγέμισαν αὐτὰς ἕως ἄνω.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
Word by word
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- αὐτοῖς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- Γεμίσατε
- to fill, load
- τὰς
- the
- ὑδρίας
- a water pot
- ὕδατος
- water
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐγέμισαν
- to fill, load
- αὐτὰς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ἕως
- until, as far as
- ἄνω
- up, above, things above, heaven
καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ἀντλήσατε νῦν καὶ φέρετε τῷ ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ· ⸂οἱ δὲ⸃ ἤνεγκαν.
He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it.
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- αὐτοῖς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Ἀντλήσατε
- to draw, draw out
- νῦν
- now, already, at present
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- φέρετε
- to carry, bear, bring, lead
- τῷ
- the
- ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ
- master of the feast
- ⸂οἱ
- the
- δὲ⸃
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἤνεγκαν
- to carry, bear, bring, lead
ὡς δὲ ἐγεύσατο ὁ ἀρχιτρίκλινος τὸ ὕδωρ οἶνον γεγενημένον, καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει πόθεν ἐστίν, οἱ δὲ διάκονοι ᾔδεισαν οἱ ἠντληκότες τὸ ὕδωρ, φωνεῖ τὸν νυμφίον ὁ ἀρχιτρίκλινος
When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom
Word by word
- ὡς
- as, like as, how, while, so that
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἐγεύσατο
- to taste, experience
- ὁ
- the
- ἀρχιτρίκλινος
- master of the feast
- τὸ
- the
- ὕδωρ
- water
- οἶνον
- wine
- γεγενημένον
- to come into being, be born
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οὐκ
- no, not
- ᾔδει
- to know, remember
- πόθεν
- whence
- ἐστίν
- to be, exist
- οἱ
- the
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- διάκονοι
- a waiter, servant, administrator
- ᾔδεισαν
- to know, remember
- οἱ
- the
- ἠντληκότες
- to draw, draw out
- τὸ
- the
- ὕδωρ
- water
- φωνεῖ
- to crow, shout, summon
- τὸν
- the
- νυμφίον
- a bridegroom
- ὁ
- the
- ἀρχιτρίκλινος
- master of the feast
καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· Πᾶς ἄνθρωπος πρῶτον τὸν καλὸν οἶνον τίθησιν, καὶ ὅταν ⸀μεθυσθῶσιν τὸν ἐλάσσω· σὺ τετήρηκας τὸν καλὸν οἶνον ἕως ἄρτι.
and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!”
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Πᾶς
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ἄνθρωπος
- a man, one of the human race
- πρῶτον
- first, before
- τὸν
- the
- καλὸν
- beautiful, good, worthy
- οἶνον
- wine
- τίθησιν
- to put, place
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ὅταν
- when, whensoever
- ⸀μεθυσθῶσιν
- to be drunk
- τὸν
- the
- ἐλάσσω
- less, smaller, inferior
- σὺ
- you
- τετήρηκας
- to keep, guard, observe
- τὸν
- the
- καλὸν
- beautiful, good, worthy
- οἶνον
- wine
- ἕως
- until, as far as
- ἄρτι
- now, just now
ταύτην ⸀ἐποίησεν ἀρχὴν τῶν σημείων ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας καὶ ἐφανέρωσεν τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς αὐτὸν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ.
This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Word by word
- ταύτην
- this, he, she, it
- ⸀ἐποίησεν
- to do, make
- ἀρχὴν
- ruler, beginning
- τῶν
- the
- σημείων
- a sign, miracle, indication
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- Κανὰ
- Cana
- τῆς
- the
- Γαλιλαίας
- Galilee
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐφανέρωσεν
- to make clear, visible, or manifest
- τὴν
- the
- δόξαν
- honor, renown, glory splendor
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐπίστευσαν
- to believe, have faith in
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- αὐτὸν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- οἱ
- the
- μαθηταὶ
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
Μετὰ τοῦτο κατέβη εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ αὐτὸς καὶ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ καὶ οἱ ⸀ἀδελφοὶ καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐκεῖ ἔμειναν οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας.
After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.
Word by word
- Μετὰ
- with, after
- τοῦτο
- this, he, she, it
- κατέβη
- to go down, come down
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- Καφαρναοὺμ
- Capernaum
- αὐτὸς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἡ
- the
- μήτηρ
- a mother
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οἱ
- the
- ⸀ἀδελφοὶ
- a brother
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οἱ
- the
- μαθηταὶ
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐκεῖ
- there, yonder, thither
- ἔμειναν
- to remain, abide
- οὐ
- no, not
- πολλὰς
- much, many, often
- ἡμέρας
- a day
Καὶ ἐγγὺς ἦν τὸ πάσχα τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καὶ ἀνέβη εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα ὁ Ἰησοῦς.
The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Word by word
- Καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐγγὺς
- near
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- τὸ
- the
- πάσχα
- the feast of Passover, the Passover lamb
- τῶν
- the
- Ἰουδαίων
- Jewish
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἀνέβη
- to go up, mount, ascend
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- Ἱεροσόλυμα
- Jerusalem
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
καὶ εὗρεν ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ τοὺς πωλοῦντας βόας καὶ πρόβατα καὶ περιστερὰς καὶ τοὺς κερματιστὰς καθημένους,
He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εὗρεν
- to find
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τῷ
- the
- ἱερῷ
- sacred, holy
- τοὺς
- the
- πωλοῦντας
- to sell
- βόας
- an ox
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- πρόβατα
- a sheep
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- περιστερὰς
- a dove
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τοὺς
- the
- κερματιστὰς
- a money-changer
- καθημένους
- to sit, be seated
καὶ ποιήσας φραγέλλιον ἐκ σχοινίων πάντας ἐξέβαλεν ἐκ τοῦ ἱεροῦ τά τε πρόβατα καὶ τοὺς βόας, καὶ τῶν κολλυβιστῶν ἐξέχεεν ⸂τὰ κέρματα⸃ καὶ τὰς τραπέζας ⸀ἀνέστρεψεν,
He made a whip of cords and drove all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables.
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ποιήσας
- to do, make
- φραγέλλιον
- a scourge, lash
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- σχοινίων
- a cord, rope
- πάντας
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ἐξέβαλεν
- to throw, cast, put out, banish, bring...
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τοῦ
- the
- ἱεροῦ
- sacred, holy
- τά
- the
- τε
- and, both
- πρόβατα
- a sheep
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τοὺς
- the
- βόας
- an ox
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τῶν
- the
- κολλυβιστῶν
- a money-changer
- ἐξέχεεν
- to pour out, shed
- ⸂τὰ
- the
- κέρματα⸃
- a small coin
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τὰς
- the
- τραπέζας
- a table for food or business
- ⸀ἀνέστρεψεν
- to overturn, turn upside down, return,...
καὶ τοῖς τὰς περιστερὰς πωλοῦσιν εἶπεν· Ἄρατε ταῦτα ἐντεῦθεν, μὴ ποιεῖτε τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου οἶκον ἐμπορίου.
To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!”
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τοῖς
- the
- τὰς
- the
- περιστερὰς
- a dove
- πωλοῦσιν
- to sell
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- Ἄρατε
- to raise, lift up
- ταῦτα
- this, he, she, it
- ἐντεῦθεν
- hence, from this place, on this side...
- μὴ
- not, lest
- ποιεῖτε
- to do, make
- τὸν
- the
- οἶκον
- a house, household
- τοῦ
- the
- πατρός
- father, Father, ancestor
- μου
- I
- οἶκον
- a house, household
- ἐμπορίου
- market, market-house
⸀ἐμνήσθησαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ὅτι γεγραμμένον ἐστίν· Ὁ ζῆλος τοῦ οἴκου σου καταφάγεταί με.
His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.”
Word by word
- ⸀ἐμνήσθησαν
- to remember, recall
- οἱ
- the
- μαθηταὶ
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- γεγραμμένον
- to write
- ἐστίν
- to be, exist
- Ὁ
- the
- ζῆλος
- eagerness, zeal, rivalry
- τοῦ
- the
- οἴκου
- a house, household
- σου
- you
- καταφάγεταί
- to eat till it is finished
- με
- I
ἀπεκρίθησαν οὖν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῷ· Τί σημεῖον δεικνύεις ἡμῖν, ὅτι ταῦτα ποιεῖς;
The Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?”
Word by word
- ἀπεκρίθησαν
- to answer
- οὖν
- therefore, then
- οἱ
- the
- Ἰουδαῖοι
- Jewish
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπαν
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Τί
- any one, some one
- σημεῖον
- a sign, miracle, indication
- δεικνύεις
- to point out, show
- ἡμῖν
- I
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ταῦτα
- this, he, she, it
- ποιεῖς
- to do, make
ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Λύσατε τὸν ναὸν τοῦτον καὶ ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις ἐγερῶ αὐτόν.
Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
Word by word
- ἀπεκρίθη
- to answer
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- αὐτοῖς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Λύσατε
- to loose, untie, release, destroy
- τὸν
- the
- ναὸν
- a temple, shrine
- τοῦτον
- this, he, she, it
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τρισὶν
- three
- ἡμέραις
- a day
- ἐγερῶ
- to wake, arouse, raise up
- αὐτόν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
εἶπαν οὖν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι· Τεσσεράκοντα καὶ ἓξ ἔτεσιν οἰκοδομήθη ὁ ναὸς οὗτος, καὶ σὺ ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις ἐγερεῖς αὐτόν;
The Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?”
Word by word
- εἶπαν
- to say, speak
- οὖν
- therefore, then
- οἱ
- the
- Ἰουδαῖοι
- Jewish
- Τεσσεράκοντα
- forty
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἓξ
- six
- ἔτεσιν
- a year
- οἰκοδομήθη
- to build, build up, edify
- ὁ
- the
- ναὸς
- a temple, shrine
- οὗτος
- this, he, she, it
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- σὺ
- you
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τρισὶν
- three
- ἡμέραις
- a day
- ἐγερεῖς
- to wake, arouse, raise up
- αὐτόν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
ἐκεῖνος δὲ ἔλεγεν περὶ τοῦ ναοῦ τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ.
But he spoke of the temple of his body.
Word by word
- ἐκεῖνος
- that, that one there, yonder
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἔλεγεν
- to say, speak
- περὶ
- about, concerning, around
- τοῦ
- the
- ναοῦ
- a temple, shrine
- τοῦ
- the
- σώματος
- body, flesh
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
ὅτε οὖν ἠγέρθη ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἐμνήσθησαν οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ὅτι τοῦτο ἔλεγεν, καὶ ἐπίστευσαν τῇ γραφῇ καὶ τῷ λόγῳ ⸀ὃν εἶπεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς.
When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
Word by word
- ὅτε
- when
- οὖν
- therefore, then
- ἠγέρθη
- to wake, arouse, raise up
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- νεκρῶν
- dead, a corpse
- ἐμνήσθησαν
- to remember, recall
- οἱ
- the
- μαθηταὶ
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- τοῦτο
- this, he, she, it
- ἔλεγεν
- to say, speak
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐπίστευσαν
- to believe, have faith in
- τῇ
- the
- γραφῇ
- a writing, passage of scripture, the...
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τῷ
- the
- λόγῳ
- word, message; the Word
- ⸀ὃν
- who, which, what, that
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
Ὡς δὲ ἦν ἐν τοῖς Ἱεροσολύμοις ἐν τῷ πάσχα ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ, πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, θεωροῦντες αὐτοῦ τὰ σημεῖα ἃ ἐποίει·
Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did.
Word by word
- Ὡς
- as, like as, how, while, so that
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τοῖς
- the
- Ἱεροσολύμοις
- Jerusalem
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τῷ
- the
- πάσχα
- the feast of Passover, the Passover lamb
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τῇ
- the
- ἑορτῇ
- a festival, feast
- πολλοὶ
- much, many, often
- ἐπίστευσαν
- to believe, have faith in
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸ
- the
- ὄνομα
- name, character, reputation
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- θεωροῦντες
- to behold, look at, experience
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- τὰ
- the
- σημεῖα
- a sign, miracle, indication
- ἃ
- who, which, what, that
- ἐποίει
- to do, make
αὐτὸς ⸀δὲ Ἰησοῦς οὐκ ἐπίστευεν ⸀αὑτὸν αὐτοῖς διὰ τὸ αὐτὸν γινώσκειν πάντας
But Jesus didn’t entrust himself to them, because he knew everyone,
Word by word
- αὐτὸς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ⸀δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- οὐκ
- no, not
- ἐπίστευεν
- to believe, have faith in
- ⸀αὑτὸν
- himself, herself, itself
- αὐτοῖς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- διὰ
- through, on account of
- τὸ
- the
- αὐτὸν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- γινώσκειν
- to come to know, learn, realize
- πάντας
- all, the whole, every kind of
καὶ ὅτι οὐ χρείαν εἶχεν ἵνα τις μαρτυρήσῃ περὶ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐγίνωσκεν τί ἦν ἐν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ.
and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- οὐ
- no, not
- χρείαν
- need, necessity, business
- εἶχεν
- to have, hold, possess
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- τις
- any one, some one
- μαρτυρήσῃ
- to witness, testify
- περὶ
- about, concerning, around
- τοῦ
- the
- ἀνθρώπου
- a man, one of the human race
- αὐτὸς
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- γὰρ
- for
- ἐγίνωσκεν
- to come to know, learn, realize
- τί
- any one, some one
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τῷ
- the
- ἀνθρώπῳ
- a man, one of the human race
Ἦν δὲ ἄνθρωπος ἐκ τῶν Φαρισαίων, Νικόδημος ὄνομα αὐτῷ, ἄρχων τῶν Ἰουδαίων·
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
Word by word
- Ἦν
- to be, exist
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἄνθρωπος
- a man, one of the human race
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τῶν
- the
- Φαρισαίων
- a Pharisee
- Νικόδημος
- Nicodemus
- ὄνομα
- name, character, reputation
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ἄρχων
- a ruler, prince, leader
- τῶν
- the
- Ἰουδαίων
- Jewish
οὗτος ἦλθεν πρὸς αὐτὸν νυκτὸς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ῥαββί, οἴδαμεν ὅτι ἀπὸ θεοῦ ἐλήλυθας διδάσκαλος· οὐδεὶς γὰρ ⸂δύναται ταῦτα τὰ σημεῖα⸃ ποιεῖν ἃ σὺ ποιεῖς, ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ ὁ θεὸς μετ’ αὐτοῦ.
He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.”
Word by word
- οὗτος
- this, he, she, it
- ἦλθεν
- to come, go
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- αὐτὸν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- νυκτὸς
- the night, night-time
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Ῥαββί
- Rabbi, my master, teacher
- οἴδαμεν
- to know, remember
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ἀπὸ
- from, away from
- θεοῦ
- God, a god
- ἐλήλυθας
- to come, go
- διδάσκαλος
- a teacher
- οὐδεὶς
- no one, none, nothing
- γὰρ
- for
- ⸂δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- ταῦτα
- this, he, she, it
- τὰ
- the
- σημεῖα⸃
- a sign, miracle, indication
- ποιεῖν
- to do, make
- ἃ
- who, which, what, that
- σὺ
- you
- ποιεῖς
- to do, make
- ἐὰν
- if
- μὴ
- not, lest
- ᾖ
- to be, exist
- ὁ
- the
- θεὸς
- God, a god
- μετ’
- with, after
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
⸀ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, ἐὰν μή τις γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν, οὐ δύναται ἰδεῖν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ.
Jesus answered him, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.”
Word by word
- ⸀ἀπεκρίθη
- to answer
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Ἀμὴν
- verily, truly, amen, so let it be
- ἀμὴν
- verily, truly, amen, so let it be
- λέγω
- to say, speak
- σοι
- you
- ἐὰν
- if
- μή
- not, lest
- τις
- any one, some one
- γεννηθῇ
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- ἄνωθεν
- from above, from the beginning, again
- οὐ
- no, not
- δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- ἰδεῖν
- to see, look upon, experience
- τὴν
- the
- βασιλείαν
- kingship, sovereignty, authority, rul...
- τοῦ
- the
- θεοῦ
- God, a god
λέγει πρὸς αὐτὸν ⸀ὁ Νικόδημος· Πῶς δύναται ἄνθρωπος γεννηθῆναι γέρων ὤν; μὴ δύναται εἰς τὴν κοιλίαν τῆς μητρὸς αὐτοῦ δεύτερον εἰσελθεῖν καὶ γεννηθῆναι;
Nicodemus said 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?”
Word by word
- λέγει
- to say, speak
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- αὐτὸν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ⸀ὁ
- the
- Νικόδημος
- Nicodemus
- Πῶς
- how, in what manner
- δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- ἄνθρωπος
- a man, one of the human race
- γεννηθῆναι
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- γέρων
- an old man
- ὤν
- to be, exist
- μὴ
- not, lest
- δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὴν
- the
- κοιλίαν
- belly, womb, the inner man
- τῆς
- the
- μητρὸς
- a mother
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- δεύτερον
- second, in the second place, for the...
- εἰσελθεῖν
- to go in, come in, enter
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- γεννηθῆναι
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
⸀ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς· Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι, ἐὰν μή τις γεννηθῇ ἐξ ὕδατος καὶ πνεύματος, οὐ δύναται εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ.
Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
Word by word
- ⸀ἀπεκρίθη
- to answer
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- Ἀμὴν
- verily, truly, amen, so let it be
- ἀμὴν
- verily, truly, amen, so let it be
- λέγω
- to say, speak
- σοι
- you
- ἐὰν
- if
- μή
- not, lest
- τις
- any one, some one
- γεννηθῇ
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- ἐξ
- from out, out from among, from
- ὕδατος
- water
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- πνεύματος
- wind, breath, spirit
- οὐ
- no, not
- δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- εἰσελθεῖν
- to go in, come in, enter
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὴν
- the
- βασιλείαν
- kingship, sovereignty, authority, rul...
- τοῦ
- the
- θεοῦ
- God, a god
τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τῆς σαρκὸς σάρξ ἐστιν, καὶ τὸ γεγεννημένον ἐκ τοῦ πνεύματος πνεῦμά ἐστιν.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Word by word
- τὸ
- the
- γεγεννημένον
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τῆς
- the
- σαρκὸς
- flesh, body
- σάρξ
- flesh, body
- ἐστιν
- to be, exist
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τὸ
- the
- γεγεννημένον
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τοῦ
- the
- πνεύματος
- wind, breath, spirit
- πνεῦμά
- wind, breath, spirit
- ἐστιν
- to be, exist
μὴ θαυμάσῃς ὅτι εἶπόν σοι Δεῖ ὑμᾶς γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν.
Don’t marvel that I said to you, ‘You must all be born anew.’
Word by word
- μὴ
- not, lest
- θαυμάσῃς
- to wonder, admire
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- εἶπόν
- to say, speak
- σοι
- you
- Δεῖ
- to bind
- ὑμᾶς
- you
- γεννηθῆναι
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- ἄνωθεν
- from above, from the beginning, again
τὸ πνεῦμα ὅπου θέλει πνεῖ, καὶ τὴν φωνὴν αὐτοῦ ἀκούεις, ἀλλ’ οὐκ οἶδας πόθεν ἔρχεται καὶ ποῦ ὑπάγει· οὕτως ἐστὶν πᾶς ὁ γεγεννημένος ἐκ τοῦ πνεύματος.
The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Word by word
- τὸ
- the
- πνεῦμα
- wind, breath, spirit
- ὅπου
- where, whither
- θέλει
- to will, wish, desire
- πνεῖ
- to blow
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τὴν
- the
- φωνὴν
- a sound, noise, voice
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ἀκούεις
- to hear, listen
- ἀλλ’
- but, except
- οὐκ
- no, not
- οἶδας
- to know, remember
- πόθεν
- whence
- ἔρχεται
- to come, go
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ποῦ
- somewhere
- ὑπάγει
- to go away, depart
- οὕτως
- thus, so
- ἐστὶν
- to be, exist
- πᾶς
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ὁ
- the
- γεγεννημένος
- to beget, bring forth, give birth to
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τοῦ
- the
- πνεύματος
- wind, breath, spirit
ἀπεκρίθη Νικόδημος καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Πῶς δύναται ταῦτα γενέσθαι;
Nicodemus answered him, “How can these things be?”
Word by word
- ἀπεκρίθη
- to answer
- Νικόδημος
- Nicodemus
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Πῶς
- how, in what manner
- δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- ταῦτα
- this, he, she, it
- γενέσθαι
- to come into being, be born
ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Σὺ εἶ ὁ διδάσκαλος τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ ταῦτα οὐ γινώσκεις;
Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and don’t understand these things?
Word by word
- ἀπεκρίθη
- to answer
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Σὺ
- you
- εἶ
- to be, exist
- ὁ
- the
- διδάσκαλος
- a teacher
- τοῦ
- the
- Ἰσραὴλ
- Israel
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ταῦτα
- this, he, she, it
- οὐ
- no, not
- γινώσκεις
- to come to know, learn, realize
ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω σοι ὅτι ὃ οἴδαμεν λαλοῦμεν καὶ ὃ ἑωράκαμεν μαρτυροῦμεν, καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἡμῶν οὐ λαμβάνετε.
Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know and testify of that which we have seen, and you don’t receive our witness.
Word by word
- ἀμὴν
- verily, truly, amen, so let it be
- ἀμὴν
- verily, truly, amen, so let it be
- λέγω
- to say, speak
- σοι
- you
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ὃ
- who, which, what, that
- οἴδαμεν
- to know, remember
- λαλοῦμεν
- to speak, say
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ὃ
- who, which, what, that
- ἑωράκαμεν
- to see, look upon, experience
- μαρτυροῦμεν
- to witness, testify
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τὴν
- the
- μαρτυρίαν
- witness, evidence, testimony
- ἡμῶν
- I
- οὐ
- no, not
- λαμβάνετε
- to receive, take
εἰ τὰ ἐπίγεια εἶπον ὑμῖν καὶ οὐ πιστεύετε, πῶς ἐὰν εἴπω ὑμῖν τὰ ἐπουράνια πιστεύσετε;
If I told you earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
Word by word
- εἰ
- if
- τὰ
- the
- ἐπίγεια
- earthly
- εἶπον
- to say, speak
- ὑμῖν
- you
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οὐ
- no, not
- πιστεύετε
- to believe, have faith in
- πῶς
- how, in what manner
- ἐὰν
- if
- εἴπω
- to say, speak
- ὑμῖν
- you
- τὰ
- the
- ἐπουράνια
- heavenly, celestial
- πιστεύσετε
- to believe, have faith in
καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ⸀ἀνθρώπου.
No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οὐδεὶς
- no one, none, nothing
- ἀναβέβηκεν
- to go up, mount, ascend
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸν
- the
- οὐρανὸν
- the sky, the heaven
- εἰ
- if
- μὴ
- not, lest
- ὁ
- the
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τοῦ
- the
- οὐρανοῦ
- the sky, the heaven
- καταβάς
- to go down, come down
- ὁ
- the
- υἱὸς
- a son, descendent
- τοῦ
- the
- ⸀ἀνθρώπου
- a man, one of the human race
καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσεν τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου,
As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- καθὼς
- just as, as
- Μωϋσῆς
- Moses
- ὕψωσεν
- to lift up, exalt
- τὸν
- the
- ὄφιν
- a serpent
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τῇ
- the
- ἐρήμῳ
- deserted, desolate, a desert
- οὕτως
- thus, so
- ὑψωθῆναι
- to lift up, exalt
- δεῖ
- to bind
- τὸν
- the
- υἱὸν
- a son, descendent
- τοῦ
- the
- ἀνθρώπου
- a man, one of the human race
ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ⸂ἐν αὐτῷ⸃ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.
that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Word by word
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- πᾶς
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ὁ
- the
- πιστεύων
- to believe, have faith in
- ⸂ἐν
- in, on, among
- αὐτῷ⸃
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ἔχῃ
- to have, hold, possess
- ζωὴν
- life
- αἰώνιον
- eternal, unending
Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον ὥστε τὸν ⸀υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλὰ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
Word by word
- Οὕτως
- thus, so
- γὰρ
- for
- ἠγάπησεν
- to love
- ὁ
- the
- θεὸς
- God, a god
- τὸν
- the
- κόσμον
- the world, universe
- ὥστε
- so that, therefore
- τὸν
- the
- ⸀υἱὸν
- a son, descendent
- τὸν
- the
- μονογενῆ
- only, only-begotten, unique
- ἔδωκεν
- to offer, give
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- πᾶς
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ὁ
- the
- πιστεύων
- to believe, have faith in
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- αὐτὸν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- μὴ
- not, lest
- ἀπόληται
- to destroy, lose, be perishing
- ἀλλὰ
- but, except
- ἔχῃ
- to have, hold, possess
- ζωὴν
- life
- αἰώνιον
- eternal, unending
οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν ⸀υἱὸν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ’ ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι’ αὐτοῦ.
For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.
Word by word
- οὐ
- no, not
- γὰρ
- for
- ἀπέστειλεν
- to send forth, send, send away, dismiss
- ὁ
- the
- θεὸς
- God, a god
- τὸν
- the
- ⸀υἱὸν
- a son, descendent
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸν
- the
- κόσμον
- the world, universe
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- κρίνῃ
- to judge, decide, think good
- τὸν
- the
- κόσμον
- the world, universe
- ἀλλ’
- but, except
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- σωθῇ
- to save, heal
- ὁ
- the
- κόσμος
- the world, universe
- δι’
- through, on account of
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν οὐ κρίνεται· ὁ ⸀δὲ μὴ πιστεύων ἤδη κέκριται, ὅτι μὴ πεπίστευκεν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ μονογενοῦς υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ.
He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God.
Word by word
- ὁ
- the
- πιστεύων
- to believe, have faith in
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- αὐτὸν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- οὐ
- no, not
- κρίνεται
- to judge, decide, think good
- ὁ
- the
- ⸀δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- μὴ
- not, lest
- πιστεύων
- to believe, have faith in
- ἤδη
- now, already
- κέκριται
- to judge, decide, think good
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- μὴ
- not, lest
- πεπίστευκεν
- to believe, have faith in
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸ
- the
- ὄνομα
- name, character, reputation
- τοῦ
- the
- μονογενοῦς
- only, only-begotten, unique
- υἱοῦ
- a son, descendent
- τοῦ
- the
- θεοῦ
- God, a god
αὕτη δέ ἐστιν ἡ κρίσις ὅτι τὸ φῶς ἐλήλυθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον καὶ ἠγάπησαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι μᾶλλον τὸ σκότος ἢ τὸ φῶς, ἦν γὰρ ⸂αὐτῶν πονηρὰ⸃ τὰ ἔργα.
This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil.
Word by word
- αὕτη
- this, he, she, it
- δέ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἐστιν
- to be, exist
- ἡ
- the
- κρίσις
- judging, divine judgment
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- τὸ
- the
- φῶς
- light, a source of light
- ἐλήλυθεν
- to come, go
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸν
- the
- κόσμον
- the world, universe
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἠγάπησαν
- to love
- οἱ
- the
- ἄνθρωποι
- a man, one of the human race
- μᾶλλον
- more, rather
- τὸ
- the
- σκότος
- darkness
- ἢ
- or, than
- τὸ
- the
- φῶς
- light, a source of light
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- γὰρ
- for
- ⸂αὐτῶν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- πονηρὰ⸃
- evil, bad, wicked
- τὰ
- the
- ἔργα
- work, labor, action, deed
πᾶς γὰρ ὁ φαῦλα πράσσων μισεῖ τὸ φῶς καὶ οὐκ ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ φῶς, ἵνα μὴ ἐλεγχθῇ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ·
For everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.
Word by word
- πᾶς
- all, the whole, every kind of
- γὰρ
- for
- ὁ
- the
- φαῦλα
- worthless, wicked, base
- πράσσων
- to do, fare, require
- μισεῖ
- to hate, detest
- τὸ
- the
- φῶς
- light, a source of light
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οὐκ
- no, not
- ἔρχεται
- to come, go
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- τὸ
- the
- φῶς
- light, a source of light
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- μὴ
- not, lest
- ἐλεγχθῇ
- to rebuke, expose
- τὰ
- the
- ἔργα
- work, labor, action, deed
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
ὁ δὲ ποιῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ φῶς, ἵνα φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα ὅτι ἐν θεῷ ἐστιν εἰργασμένα.
But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.”
Word by word
- ὁ
- the
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ποιῶν
- to do, make
- τὴν
- the
- ἀλήθειαν
- truth
- ἔρχεται
- to come, go
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- τὸ
- the
- φῶς
- light, a source of light
- ἵνα
- in order that, so that
- φανερωθῇ
- to make clear, visible, or manifest
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- τὰ
- the
- ἔργα
- work, labor, action, deed
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- θεῷ
- God, a god
- ἐστιν
- to be, exist
- εἰργασμένα
- to word, trade, do
Μετὰ ταῦτα ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν γῆν, καὶ ἐκεῖ διέτριβεν μετ’ αὐτῶν καὶ ἐβάπτιζεν.
After these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them and baptized.
Word by word
- Μετὰ
- with, after
- ταῦτα
- this, he, she, it
- ἦλθεν
- to come, go
- ὁ
- the
- Ἰησοῦς
- Jesus
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- οἱ
- the
- μαθηταὶ
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὴν
- the
- Ἰουδαίαν
- Jewish
- γῆν
- the earth, soil, land
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐκεῖ
- there, yonder, thither
- διέτριβεν
- to tarry, continue, stay
- μετ’
- with, after
- αὐτῶν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐβάπτιζεν
- to dip, submerge, baptize
ἦν δὲ καὶ ⸀ὁ Ἰωάννης βαπτίζων ἐν Αἰνὼν ἐγγὺς τοῦ Σαλείμ, ὅτι ὕδατα πολλὰ ἦν ἐκεῖ, καὶ παρεγίνοντο καὶ ἐβαπτίζοντο·
John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came and were baptized;
Word by word
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ⸀ὁ
- the
- Ἰωάννης
- John
- βαπτίζων
- to dip, submerge, baptize
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- Αἰνὼν
- Aenon
- ἐγγὺς
- near
- τοῦ
- the
- Σαλείμ
- Salim
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ὕδατα
- water
- πολλὰ
- much, many, often
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- ἐκεῖ
- there, yonder, thither
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- παρεγίνοντο
- to appear, come, arrive at
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐβαπτίζοντο
- to dip, submerge, baptize
οὔπω γὰρ ἦν βεβλημένος εἰς τὴν φυλακὴν ⸀ὁ Ἰωάννης.
for John was not yet thrown into prison.
Word by word
- οὔπω
- not yet
- γὰρ
- for
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- βεβλημένος
- to cast, throw, rush, put, place, drop
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὴν
- the
- φυλακὴν
- a watching, guard, prison, imprisonment
- ⸀ὁ
- the
- Ἰωάννης
- John
Ἐγένετο οὖν ζήτησις ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν Ἰωάννου μετὰ Ἰουδαίου περὶ καθαρισμοῦ.
Therefore a dispute arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jews about purification.
Word by word
- Ἐγένετο
- to come into being, be born
- οὖν
- therefore, then
- ζήτησις
- a question, debate, controversy
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τῶν
- the
- μαθητῶν
- a learner, disciple, pupil
- Ἰωάννου
- John
- μετὰ
- with, after
- Ἰουδαίου
- Jewish
- περὶ
- about, concerning, around
- καθαρισμοῦ
- cleansing, purifying, purification
καὶ ἦλθον πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην καὶ εἶπαν αὐτῷ· Ῥαββί, ὃς ἦν μετὰ σοῦ πέραν τοῦ Ἰορδάνου, ᾧ σὺ μεμαρτύρηκας, ἴδε οὗτος βαπτίζει καὶ πάντες ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτόν.
They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, he baptizes, and everyone is coming to him.”
Word by word
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἦλθον
- to come, go
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- τὸν
- the
- Ἰωάννην
- John
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπαν
- to say, speak
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- Ῥαββί
- Rabbi, my master, teacher
- ὃς
- who, which, what, that
- ἦν
- to be, exist
- μετὰ
- with, after
- σοῦ
- you
- πέραν
- over, beyond
- τοῦ
- the
- Ἰορδάνου
- the Jordan
- ᾧ
- who, which, what, that
- σὺ
- you
- μεμαρτύρηκας
- to witness, testify
- ἴδε
- See! Lo! Behold! Look!
- οὗτος
- this, he, she, it
- βαπτίζει
- to dip, submerge, baptize
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- πάντες
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ἔρχονται
- to come, go
- πρὸς
- to, towards, with
- αὐτόν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
ἀπεκρίθη Ἰωάννης καὶ εἶπεν· Οὐ δύναται ἄνθρωπος λαμβάνειν ⸂οὐδὲ ἓν⸃ ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ.
John answered, “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.
Word by word
- ἀπεκρίθη
- to answer
- Ἰωάννης
- John
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- εἶπεν
- to say, speak
- Οὐ
- no, not
- δύναται
- to be powerful, be able
- ἄνθρωπος
- a man, one of the human race
- λαμβάνειν
- to receive, take
- ⸂οὐδὲ
- neither, nor, not even
- ἓν⸃
- one
- ἐὰν
- if
- μὴ
- not, lest
- ᾖ
- to be, exist
- δεδομένον
- to offer, give
- αὐτῷ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τοῦ
- the
- οὐρανοῦ
- the sky, the heaven
αὐτοὶ ὑμεῖς ⸀μοι μαρτυρεῖτε ὅτι ⸀εἶπον· Οὐκ εἰμὶ ἐγὼ ὁ χριστός, ἀλλ’ ὅτι Ἀπεσταλμένος εἰμὶ ἔμπροσθεν ἐκείνου.
You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’
Word by word
- αὐτοὶ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- ὑμεῖς
- you
- ⸀μοι
- I
- μαρτυρεῖτε
- to witness, testify
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ⸀εἶπον
- to say, speak
- Οὐκ
- no, not
- εἰμὶ
- to be, exist
- ἐγὼ
- I
- ὁ
- the
- χριστός
- anointed, the Messiah, the Christ
- ἀλλ’
- but, except
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- Ἀπεσταλμένος
- to send forth, send, send away, dismiss
- εἰμὶ
- to be, exist
- ἔμπροσθεν
- in front, before the face
- ἐκείνου
- that, that one there, yonder
ὁ ἔχων τὴν νύμφην νυμφίος ἐστίν· ὁ δὲ φίλος τοῦ νυμφίου ὁ ἑστηκὼς καὶ ἀκούων αὐτοῦ, χαρᾷ χαίρει διὰ τὴν φωνὴν τοῦ νυμφίου. αὕτη οὖν ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ πεπλήρωται.
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore my joy is made full.
Word by word
- ὁ
- the
- ἔχων
- to have, hold, possess
- τὴν
- the
- νύμφην
- a bride, daughter-in-law
- νυμφίος
- a bridegroom
- ἐστίν
- to be, exist
- ὁ
- the
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- φίλος
- friendly, a friend
- τοῦ
- the
- νυμφίου
- a bridegroom
- ὁ
- the
- ἑστηκὼς
- to cause to stand, stand
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἀκούων
- to hear, listen
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- χαρᾷ
- joy, gladness
- χαίρει
- to rejoice, be glad
- διὰ
- through, on account of
- τὴν
- the
- φωνὴν
- a sound, noise, voice
- τοῦ
- the
- νυμφίου
- a bridegroom
- αὕτη
- this, he, she, it
- οὖν
- therefore, then
- ἡ
- the
- χαρὰ
- joy, gladness
- ἡ
- the
- ἐμὴ
- mine
- πεπλήρωται
- to fill, fulfill, complete
ἐκεῖνον δεῖ αὐξάνειν, ἐμὲ δὲ ἐλαττοῦσθαι.
He must increase, but I must decrease.
Word by word
- ἐκεῖνον
- that, that one there, yonder
- δεῖ
- to bind
- αὐξάνειν
- to cause to increase, become greater,...
- ἐμὲ
- I
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἐλαττοῦσθαι
- to make less, make inferior
Ὁ ἄνωθεν ἐρχόμενος ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν. ὁ ὢν ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐκ τῆς γῆς ἐστιν καὶ ἐκ τῆς γῆς λαλεῖ· ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐρχόμενος ἐπάνω πάντων ἐστίν·
“He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.
Word by word
- Ὁ
- the
- ἄνωθεν
- from above, from the beginning, again
- ἐρχόμενος
- to come, go
- ἐπάνω
- on the top, above, superior to
- πάντων
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ἐστίν
- to be, exist
- ὁ
- the
- ὢν
- to be, exist
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τῆς
- the
- γῆς
- the earth, soil, land
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τῆς
- the
- γῆς
- the earth, soil, land
- ἐστιν
- to be, exist
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τῆς
- the
- γῆς
- the earth, soil, land
- λαλεῖ
- to speak, say
- ὁ
- the
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- τοῦ
- the
- οὐρανοῦ
- the sky, the heaven
- ἐρχόμενος
- to come, go
- ἐπάνω
- on the top, above, superior to
- πάντων
- all, the whole, every kind of
- ἐστίν
- to be, exist
⸀ὃ ἑώρακεν καὶ ἤκουσεν τοῦτο μαρτυρεῖ, καὶ τὴν μαρτυρίαν αὐτοῦ οὐδεὶς λαμβάνει.
What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness.
Word by word
- ⸀ὃ
- who, which, what, that
- ἑώρακεν
- to see, look upon, experience
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- ἤκουσεν
- to hear, listen
- τοῦτο
- this, he, she, it
- μαρτυρεῖ
- to witness, testify
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- τὴν
- the
- μαρτυρίαν
- witness, evidence, testimony
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- οὐδεὶς
- no one, none, nothing
- λαμβάνει
- to receive, take
ὁ λαβὼν αὐτοῦ τὴν μαρτυρίαν ἐσφράγισεν ὅτι ὁ θεὸς ἀληθής ἐστιν.
He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true.
Word by word
- ὁ
- the
- λαβὼν
- to receive, take
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
- τὴν
- the
- μαρτυρίαν
- witness, evidence, testimony
- ἐσφράγισεν
- to set a seal upon
- ὅτι
- that, since, because
- ὁ
- the
- θεὸς
- God, a god
- ἀληθής
- unconcealed, true
- ἐστιν
- to be, exist
ὃν γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ θεοῦ λαλεῖ, οὐ γὰρ ἐκ μέτρου ⸀δίδωσιν τὸ πνεῦμα.
For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure.
Word by word
- ὃν
- who, which, what, that
- γὰρ
- for
- ἀπέστειλεν
- to send forth, send, send away, dismiss
- ὁ
- the
- θεὸς
- God, a god
- τὰ
- the
- ῥήματα
- a thing spoken
- τοῦ
- the
- θεοῦ
- God, a god
- λαλεῖ
- to speak, say
- οὐ
- no, not
- γὰρ
- for
- ἐκ
- from out, out from among, from
- μέτρου
- a measure, measuring rod
- ⸀δίδωσιν
- to offer, give
- τὸ
- the
- πνεῦμα
- wind, breath, spirit
ὁ πατὴρ ἀγαπᾷ τὸν υἱόν, καὶ πάντα δέδωκεν ἐν τῇ χειρὶ αὐτοῦ.
The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
Word by word
- ὁ
- the
- πατὴρ
- father, Father, ancestor
- ἀγαπᾷ
- to love
- τὸν
- the
- υἱόν
- a son, descendent
- καὶ
- and, even, also, namely
- πάντα
- all, the whole, every kind of
- δέδωκεν
- to offer, give
- ἐν
- in, on, among
- τῇ
- the
- χειρὶ
- a hand
- αὐτοῦ
- he, she, it, they, them, same
ὁ πιστεύων εἰς τὸν υἱὸν ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον· ὁ δὲ ἀπειθῶν τῷ υἱῷ οὐκ ὄψεται ζωήν, ἀλλ’ ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ θεοῦ μένει ἐπ’ αὐτόν.
One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Word by word
- ὁ
- the
- πιστεύων
- to believe, have faith in
- εἰς
- into, in, among, till, for
- τὸν
- the
- υἱὸν
- a son, descendent
- ἔχει
- to have, hold, possess
- ζωὴν
- life
- αἰώνιον
- eternal, unending
- ὁ
- the
- δὲ
- but, on the other hand, and
- ἀπειθῶν
- to disobey, rebel, be disloyal
- τῷ
- the
- υἱῷ
- a son, descendent
- οὐκ
- no, not
- ὄψεται
- to see, look upon, experience
- ζωήν
- life
- ἀλλ’
- but, except
- ἡ
- the
- ὀργὴ
- anger, wrath, passion
- τοῦ
- the
- θεοῦ
- God, a god
- μένει
- to remain, abide
- ἐπ’
- on, to, against, on the basis of, at
- αὐτόν
- he, she, it, they, them, same
What to notice
- Οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον is “for God so loved the world”. Οὕτως usually means “in this way”, not “so much”, which changes how many readers hear the verse.
- τὸν μονογενῆ is “only born”, or “one and only”. The older “only begotten” comes from Latin versions of this word.
- ζωὴν αἰώνιον is “eternal life”. Αἰών, “age”, is where English gets aeon.
- γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν means “born anew”, and ἄνωθεν can also mean “from above”. Nicodemus takes it the wrong way, and the double meaning drives the conversation. Small raised marks in the text show where manuscripts differ.
Read it yourself
Urling teaches the words in this text first, so that when you reach it you can read it in Ancient Greek. It uses short lessons, and nothing has to be memorised from a list.
Learn to read this in Ancient Greek
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Sources
SBL Greek New Testament with MorphGNT tagging. English: World English Bible, which follows the Majority Text and may add words this edition does not have.
Text licence: Text CC BY 4.0 (SBLGNT); tagging CC BY-SA 3.0 (MorphGNT).
Language pack licence: Text CC BY 4.0 (SBLGNT); tagging CC BY-SA 3.0 (MorphGNT); glosses CC0.
Text: The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition, Copyright 2010 Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software (CC BY 4.0). Lemmas and parsing: MorphGNT (James Tauber et al., CC BY-SA 3.0). Glosses: Dodson Greek-English Lexicon (CC0), with AI-written corrections (marked "ai"). English: World English Bible (public domain, eBible.org); it translates the Majority Text, so a verse’s English sometimes has words this Greek edition does not (e.g. the end of the Lord’s Prayer).
The introduction and notes on this page were written by Claude (AI). Word glosses are AI-assisted, and so is the English unless the source above names another translator.