Bible Strands
John 3:2
He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if God were not with him.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader, approaches Jesus at night to address him as Rabbi. This encounter occurs immediately after Jesus’ initial ministry and directly precedes his teaching on spiritual rebirth.
The words — νυκτὸς (nuktos) means “by night,” specifying the concealed timing of the visit. εἶπεν (eipen) translates “said,” framing the exchange as a direct verbal address.
The thread — The link between divine works and God’s presence runs through John 5:36, Acts 10:38, and Acts 2:22, where miracles consistently function as objective certification of divine authorization.
Why it lands — The text records Nicodemus observing Jesus’ signs and concluding God must be with him, requiring a reader to recognize that divine authority is established through visible action before doctrinal discussion begins.
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
The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Cross-references
- John 5:36 But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.
- Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
- Acts 2:22 Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.
- John 9:16 Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.
- John 9:30 “That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.
- Acts 4:16 “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.
- Matthew 22:16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance.
- John 1:38 Jesus turned and saw them following. “What do you want?” He asked. They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are You staying?”
- John 12:37 Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him.
- John 7:31 Many in the crowd, however, believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He perform more signs than this man?”