Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless one is “born again” (or “born from above”), he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). He describes this as being “born of water and the Spirit” and contrasts flesh and Spirit (John 3:5–6).
In John 3:1–7, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader, comes to Jesus at night and acknowledges that Jesus’ signs point to God’s presence. Jesus responds by shifting the topic from signs to entry into God’s kingdom: a person must be “born anew.” Nicodemus takes this as a literal second birth and questions how it could happen. This scene follows reports that many in Jerusalem were impressed by Jesus’ signs, yet Jesus did not entrust himself to them because he knew what was in people (John 2:23–25).
Nicodemus is presented as an informed, socially respected Jewish leader who approaches Jesus seriously, using Jesus’ signs as evidence that God is with him (verses 1–2). Jesus does not stay on the topic of signs.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with John 3:3, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
3Jesus answered him, "Most assuredly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can`t see the kingdom of God."