“Born of water” in the Bible, particularly referenced in John 3:5, is often interpreted as a metaphor for baptism and spiritual cleansing. It signifies the necessity of both physical birth and spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.
Scripture
1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 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?”
5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things?
11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony.
12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,
15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.
20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.
“Born of Water” Meaning in the Bible
The phrase “born of water” in John 3:5, where Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit,” conveys a dual significance that intertwines physical and spiritual realms. On one level, it points to the natural process of physical birth, as water is often a symbol of the amniotic fluid surrounding a fetus. However, the phrase is predominantly understood as an allegory for baptism, an important sacrament in Christian faith representing purification and new beginnings. This interpretation is further supported by Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to baptize all nations, indicating the sacramental importance of water in the process of introducing individuals into the community of believers.
On a deeper theological level, “born of water and the Spirit” emphasizes the necessity of spiritual cleansing alongside physical birth to fully realize one’s identity as a follower of Christ. The water of baptism symbolizes not just outward cleansing but also an inward renewal, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life as outlined in Titus 3:5, which states that “he saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Thus, the phrase encapsulates the essential Christian belief that entering the Kingdom of God requires a twofold experience: the natural birth that makes one a part of humanity and a spiritual rebirth that reconnects the individual with God, allowing them to live in accordance with His will and grace.
The concept of being “born of water” can also be reflected upon in the context of the Old Testament and its rich symbolism. Water has long been associated with life, renewal, and divine blessing in biblical narratives. For instance, the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea represents both a physical and spiritual rebirth as they transition from slavery in Egypt to the freedom of the Promised Land. This foundational event is often viewed as a baptismal moment, where the people of Israel are immersed in water and emerge transformed, signifying the commencement of a covenant relationship with God. This theme of water as a means of deliverance foreshadows the later Christian understanding of baptism, reinforcing the notion of cleansing and rebirth that the New Testament emphasizes.
Moreover, the prophetic literature of the Bible often utilizes water as a metaphor for spiritual purification and a fresh start. In Ezekiel 36:25-26, the Lord speaks of cleansing His people with “clean water” and giving them a new heart and spirit. This promise of renewal through water parallels the New Testament’s emphasis on the baptismal rite, suggesting a continuity in God’s plan for redemption throughout Scripture. The interplay of water as a physical element that brings life, coupled with its spiritual implications in the process of sanctification and repentance, deepens the understanding of what it truly means to be “born of water.” It highlights the cooperative work of God in the believer’s journey, where the tangible act of baptism signifies profound spiritual realities that align one’s life with divine purpose and community.
Symbol of Spiritual Cleansing
The phrase “born of water” can be understood as a symbol of spiritual cleansing and purification. In biblical contexts, water often represents the act of washing away sin and impurities. This notion is prevalent in various rituals and practices, such as baptism, which signifies a believer’s commitment to a new life in Christ. The act of being “born of water” thus emphasizes the necessity of spiritual renewal and the transformative power of God’s grace in the life of a believer.
Connection to Physical Birth
Another interpretation of “born of water” relates to the physical aspect of birth. In this context, water symbolizes the amniotic fluid that surrounds a fetus in the womb, highlighting the natural process of being born into the world. This understanding underscores the duality of human existence—being born both physically and spiritually. It suggests that just as one must be born into the physical realm, there is also a need for a spiritual rebirth to fully enter into the Kingdom of God.
Initiation into the Community of Faith
“Born of water” can also signify initiation into the community of faith. Water is often associated with baptism, which serves as a rite of passage for believers. This act not only represents an individual’s personal commitment to follow Christ but also marks their entry into the larger body of believers. In this sense, being “born of water” reflects the communal aspect of faith, emphasizing the importance of belonging to a community that supports and nurtures spiritual growth.
How to Embrace Spiritual Renewal for a Stronger Faith
Embracing spiritual renewal is a beautiful journey that can profoundly strengthen your faith and deepen your relationship with God. Start by carving out intentional time for prayer and reflection, allowing yourself to be still in His presence; this quiet space can reveal insights and stir your heart in ways you might not expect. Dive into Scripture with fresh eyes, seeking not just knowledge but transformation—ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate passages that resonate with your current struggles or joys. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you, as fellowship can ignite a passion for growth. Finally, don’t shy away from serving others; acts of kindness and love can be powerful catalysts for renewal, reminding you of Christ’s heart and purpose. Remember, this journey is not about perfection but about progress, so be gentle with yourself as you seek to embrace the newness that God offers each day.
Bible References to “Born of Water”:
Titus 3:3-7: 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Ephesians 5:25-27: 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
1 Peter 3:18-22: 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,
20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.
Romans 6:1-4: What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?
2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Acts 2:37-41: 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Matthew 3:11-17: 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.
14 But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;
17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:4-11: 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:15-22: 15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ,
16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.
18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.
19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done,
20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened,
3:22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
Colossians 2:11-12: 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.