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.
John 1:13 (KJV)
Context
John 1:13 belongs to the prologue of the Gospel of John, where the apostle introduces Jesus Christ as the eternal Word (Logos) who was with God and through whom all things were made. The verse directly follows John 1:12, which declares that to all who received Jesus and believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. The word “which” at the start of verse 13 points back to those believers, explaining the nature of their spiritual birth.
Meaning
The phrase “which were born” refers to spiritual regeneration, the new birth that takes place when a person believes in Jesus. This birth is not physical but spiritual, and it is entirely the work of God.
“Not of blood” means the new birth is not based on physical descent, lineage, or heritage. It is not inherited from Jewish ancestry, religious parents, or any human family line. “Nor of the will of the flesh” rules out human impulse, natural desire, or personal effort. “Nor of the will of man” further excludes human decision, plan, or even a husband’s desire to have a child. The verse then culminates with “but of God,” affirming that believers are born of God alone.
Thus, becoming a child of God has nothing to do with human parents, human choice, or human achievement. It is solely because of what God does. Salvation is not by human will or power but by God’s will and power. This truth applies to all people equally: regardless of social status or religious background, everyone must be born of God to be saved.
Biblical connections
The Greek term for “born” in this verse denotes the change often called regeneration or conversion. This teaching aligns with John 3:3, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. Both passages emphasize the divine initiative in the new birth.
Application
This verse humbles us by removing every ground for boasting. We cannot earn salvation through family background, good works, or personal resolve. Our spiritual rebirth is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It also gives assurance: because God is the one who gives new life, that life is secure and supernatural, not dependent on our fluctuating feelings or efforts.
Reflection
Have you trusted in Christ alone for your new birth? If so, you can rest in the truth that your salvation rests on God’s work, not your own. If you have not yet believed, this verse invites you to receive Jesus and be born of God.
