Did Jesus really say "ye must be born again" to Nicodemus?

Question

In that chapter of John, Nicodemus says he is puzzled by Jesus' statement that "Ye must be born again," because as Nic asks, "How can a man reenter his mother's womb?" The entire conversation in that late Gospel is in Greek, and Nic's puzzlement can be attributed to the fact that the Greek word translated as "again" is a word with a double meaning in the Greek language, because it can also mean "again" or "a second time" or "from above." But the Jews in that day and age spoke Aramaic, not Greek, and in Aramaic the word would NOT have had a double meaning and Nicodemus would not have been puzzled, nor had to ask "how can a man reenter his mother's womb." That raises questions as to the authenticity of that late appearing dialogue.

white horse- In Aramec, there is a word for "spirutally reborn", and Nicodemus wouldn't have had to ask how a man could re enter the womb.

Ok- this isn't a personal issue people..it's an ACADEMIC QUESTION.

If two Jews (jesus and nicodemus) were talking to each other in Greek, then Jesus saying "you need to be reborn" would prompt Nicodemus asking "how can you be reborn of a mother"

But since they were TALKING IN ARAMEC, the word for reborn spiritually is clear, and Nicodemus wouldn't have had to ask the question.

angeltres- that is by far the most valid response, but your argument would be strengthened by asserting that Nicodemus spoke Hebrew, as a pharisee of that period would have probably spoke.

There is no way Nicodemus or Jesus spoke Greek to one another.

angeltres- I am not trying to cast doubt, or shake people's faith. Right now, I am exploring apparent biblical inconsistencies. I have no personal agenda.

Answer 1

That's a very good question.
I wonder how many modern readers of the Bible know enough about the differences in the languages to have any idea what you are actually talking about.
I wonder how many will take the time to think it over.
I wonder how so many people are so sure they know so much about the lives and customs of people who lived over 2000 years ago...especially when so many people question whether the people under discussion here actually lived at all....
I wonder...since the entire world had been inundated with Greek culture for some time now, and most educated people spoke Greek, and Nicodemus was a man of some importance...could they have been speaking in Greek? (Being God, Jesus would have been able to speak Greek...or any other language that has ever been or ever will be spoken, complete with all the different dialects). It is possible, I suppose...
I wonder why you are asking this question in this forum? Is it to cast doubt on the faith Christians have in Jesus? It amazes me the lengths people will go to to try to "prove" that the Bible must be wrong, or somehow, not "authentic".
I wonder...suppose you are mistaken? Suppose the Bible really is just as it claims to be...The Word of God???????


I just wonder......

Answer 2

Rebirth is a process by which you make changes to your inner being, your personality, your soul and spirit. It starts by an official baptism, which clears you of all your past sins. This can only be delivered to you by an authorized agent of God. This baptism serves as an appeal to God for a clean conscience. It is the beginning of a man's desire to serve God through sacrifice, fasting, prayer, reading and studying the Word of God, and avoiding all of the passions of the world. It is also a way of life, which was known in Jesus' time as "The Way." Rebirth is a process that takes time, because it does take some time to get rid of all the corrupt bad habits and other sinful ways that we all pick up over the course of our lives. And if Jesus told us that we must be reborn before we can enter the Kingdom of God, and that is your goal, and that is why you have posed this question to the masses, then bear in mind, that rebirth is much more than just uttering a few words and claiming you are reborn. It is ultimately a demonstration to God that you want to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ, you want to live forever, and that you are willing to give up many of the things you do now for that opportunity. How else can you prove to God that you are serious about your choice? It is certainly not with words. It has been said - Actions speak louder than words." and as it is written, "Little children, let us not love in word or speech but in deed and in truth." Proverbs 1:22 How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge

Answer 3

Even if Jesus had said "ye must be reborn spiritually", Nicodemus still would have asked what that meant, and Jesus still would have replied in the same way - that it means being reborn in the spirit through the waters of baptism. So it really doesn't matter which word Jesus used in the initial statement.

Answer 4

There was no misunderstanding because of language. Nicodemus was a teacher and understood very well what He heard about being born again. He just needed to be taught the spiritual reality which Jesus then taught about the work of the Spirit. What is taught here is taught clearly elsewhere so no doubt about it exists.

Answer 5

“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."

Church leaders often ignorant of Salvation by Grace. Nicodemus is told about the new birth and at once exclaims, “How can these things be?” The Religious ignorance so common as on the work of the Holy Ghost.

Answer 6

I;m not sure I understand what you are talking about. I have said to many people in the modern day that they must be born again, and often times their response has been exactly the same as that of Nicodemus.

Edit: Thanks for the clarification. But it seems pretty clear that Jesus did not specify "spiritually reborn" as he often led people to understand the revelation without spelling it out for them...and so Nicodemus' reponse seems logical for one who had not yet come to that spiritual understanding.

Answer 7

Yes Jesus really said "ye must be born again" to Nicodemus. Everything in the Bible is true. If you don't want to believe us, believe your pastor.

Answer 8

Some do not understand that statement- it is being born of the Spirit of God- and as a human it puzzled him. But Jesus tells us that is being born of the Spirit of God- washed clean from sin- born again, renewed, new in Jesus Christ. That is by confessing he is Lord and repenting of sin. Seeking His forgiveness, knowing that salvation is only through Him. --you are then saved (born again) and justified and sanctified in the Holy Spirit.. as it says in Ephesians 1.

Answer 9

Yes he sure did.

You must be born again of water (baptism) and of spirit (holy spirit renewing your heart through Jesus) to enter the kingdom of God.

If these things have not been accomplished in your life, please pray to receive the holy spirit. Once you do, GET Baptized!

Blessings,
David

Answer 10

You know, it's so much easier to take the bible at its word. Try it. You will receive peace, truth, wisdom and knowledge.