John 1:13

“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

This verse is a part of the prologue to the Gospel of John, where the author introduces the person and divinity of Jesus Christ. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning in context.

"Which were born":The "which" here refers to those who received Jesus and believed in His name, as mentioned in the previous verse, John 1:12. This verse is emphasizing the spiritual birth or regeneration that occurs when individuals believe in Jesus.

"Not of blood":This phrase suggests that the new birth is not based on physical descent or lineage. In other words, it is not a result of being born into a particular family or heritage.

"Nor of the will of the flesh":This phrase indicates that the new birth is not a result of human desire or human effort. It is not something that can be attained through human works or personal merits.

"Nor of the will of man":This phrase further emphasizes that the new birth is not a result of human decision or human authority. It is not something that can be obtained by the will of another person, regardless of their position or influence.

"But of God":This phrase highlights the divine origin of the new birth. It emphasizes that the spiritual transformation, the new birth, is initiated and brought about by God alone. It is a supernatural work of God’s grace and not something that can be achieved by human means.

In summary, John 1:13 teaches that the new birth, or spiritual regeneration, is not based on physical lineage, human effort, human desire, or human authority. It is a divine work initiated by God Himself. This verse emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our spiritual rebirth is a gift from God, made possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

It is important to note that different Bible translations may have slight variations in wording, but the overall meaning and message of the verse remain consistent.