Reclaiming Jesus’ Teaching of Spiritual Rebirth

Among the most quoted phrases in evangelical Christianity is Jesus’ declaration to Nicodemus: “You must be born again.” This verse has become a cornerstone of evangelical identity, often associated with dramatic conversion experiences, emotional testimonies, and the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus. Yet, when read in its original context and language, Jesus’ statement carries a depth that has often been overlooked or flattened into a formula.

This essay seeks to revisit the idea of being “born again,” not to dismiss its importance, but to recover its original richness — a spiritual rebirth that Jesus himself describes as mysterious, transformative, and beyond religious categorization.

The Greek Word: Anōthen — “Again” or “From Above”?

The phrase “born again” appears in the Gospel of John, chapter 3, during Jesus’ nocturnal conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus says:

Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born anōthen. (John 3:3)

The Greek word anōthen carries a double meaning. It can mean “again,” but it can also mean “from above.” Nicodemus interprets it literally, asking, “Can someone enter their mother’s womb a second time?” But…