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People

Nicodemus

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council who had several encounters with Jesus.

The name Nicodemus means “victory of the people”

MaleNew Testament eraNew Testament1 book11 verses

Summary

A man living at the time of the New Testament, first mentioned at John 3:1; only referred to as Nicodemus (Νικόδημος).

Profile

Nicodemus was a respected Jewish Pharisee (John 3:1) and a prominent member of the high council. He seems to have become a follower of Jesus. The Gospel of John is the only place where he is mentioned.

Nicodemus was curious about the authority of Jesus and the miracles he did. So, Nicodemus visited Jesus secretly at night to learn more about him. Jesus told Nicodemus he must be born again to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:1–8). The Gospel does not reveal Nicodemus's response.

Later, in contrast to others on the Jewish high council, he argued strongly that Jesus deserved a fair trial (John 7:50–51). After Jesus died on the cross, he purchased seventy-five pounds of expensive perfumed ointment for the burial. He took it to the tomb and helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (John 19:39–42). Thus, Nicodemus seems to be a Pharisee who came to believe in Jesus and was willing to show his commitment publicly after Jesus died.

Passages for Further Study

John 3:1–9; 7:50; 19:39–42

Events

Dates are approximate

Glossary entries

Nicodemus

Alternative names

Mentions

Includes 6 verses that refer to Nicodemus without naming them, as “he”, “she”, or the subject of a verb.

  1. John 3:1
    Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.
  2. John 3:4
    “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?”
  3. John 3:5Referred to, not named
    Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
  4. John 3:7Referred to, not named
    Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’
  5. John 3:8Referred to, not named
    The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
  6. John 3:9
    “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
  7. John 3:10Referred to, not named
    “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things?
  8. John 3:11Referred to, not named
    Truly, truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, and yet you people do not accept our testimony.
  9. John 7:50
    Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who himself was one of them, asked,
  10. John 7:52Referred to, not named
    “Aren’t you also from Galilee?” they replied. “Look into it, and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”
  11. John 19:39
    Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.