Bible Strands
John 3:1
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Introduces Nicodemus, a man belonging to the Pharisees and holding leadership among the Jews, before his nocturnal visit to Jesus (John 3:2).
The words — Ἦν (Ēn) literally translates to "there was," marking Nicodemus as an established figure in the narrative, while ὄνομα (onoma) specifies his personal name.
The thread — His status as a Pharisee and teacher resurfaces when Jesus challenges his comprehension (John 3:10), and he later appears bringing myrrh and aloes for Jesus’ burial (John 19:39).
Why it lands — It grounds the subsequent dialogue in a specific social reality, requiring the reader to acknowledge that a recognized religious authority initiates the conversation rather than an outsider.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Cross-references
- John 19:39 Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
- John 3:10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things?
- John 7:47 “Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.
- Luke 23:13 Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,