John 3:9 web — Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?"

World English Bible

"Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?""

— John 3:9, World English Bible

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John 3:9 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

John 3 — Context

6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7

Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.'

8

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."

9

Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?"

10

Jesus answered him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things?

11

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.

12

If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

John 3:9 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does John 3:9 say?
John 3:9 in the World English Bible reads: “Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?"”
Where is John 3:9 in the Bible?
John 3:9 is found in the New Testament, in the book of John, chapter 3, verse 9.
Who wrote John?
John is traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, son of Zebedee. It was written c. AD 85–95.
What is the book of John about?
John's Gospel opens not in Bethlehem but "in the beginning," declaring Jesus to be the eternal Word made flesh. Through seven sign-miracles and seven "I AM" sayings, it presents Jesus as the bread, the light, the way, and the resurrection — that we might believe and have life in his name.
What are the major themes of John?
John explores themes including Word Made Flesh, Belief, Eternal Life, I AM, Love. These themes shape the meaning and context of John 3:9.
What translation should I read John 3:9 in?
John 3:9 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize John 3:9?
John 3:9 reads (WEB): “Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?"” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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