John 3:3-5 Womb

Understanding that the term “born again” referred to a conversion to Judaism sheds light on the conversation between Yeshua (Jesus) and the sage Nicodemus in the Book of Yochanan (John).

Nicodemus wondered, “How can a man be born when he is old?  He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”  (John 3:4)

From his Jewish perspective, Nicodemus essentially asked, “How can I convert to Judaism if I am already a Jew?”

Yeshua answered, “A man must be born of water and spirit.”  (John 3:5)

He was explaining to Nicodemus that we cannot rely on our “Jewishness” (or any other heritage) to enter the kingdom of heaven.  A conversion of our spiritual condition is necessary for salvation.