Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Marvel not, etc.—If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable.
Ye must—"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. After those universal propositions, about what "a man" must be, to "enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5) —this is remarkable, showing that our Lord meant to hold Himself forth as "separate from sinners."
That which is born, etc.—A great universal proposition; "That which is begotten carries within itself the nature of that which begat it" [OLSHAUSEN].
flesh—Not the mere material body, but all that comes into the world by birth, the entire man; yet not humanity simply, but in its corrupted, depraved condition, in complete subjection to the law of the fall (Romans 8:1-9). So that though a man "could enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born," he would be no nearer this "new birth" than before (Job 14:4; Psalms 51:5).
is spirit—"partakes of and possesses His spiritual nature."
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing John 3:7:
Job 33:25-28
Song of Solomon 3:4
Matthew 10:41
1 Corinthians 15:48
Revelation 12:12
Revelation 13:6
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