John 3:1

Modern

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.

Traditional

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

Literal

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, his name Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Latin

Erat autem homo ex pharisæis, Nicodemus nomine, princeps Judæorum.

Greek

English

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.

John connects 2:25 and 3:1 by using the same Greek word (anthrōpos) to refer to all of humanity and then to a specific man (Nicodemus).
Nicodemus had deep religious knowledge. He had also seen what Jesus was doing in Jerusalem (2:13–24). But he had not yet experienced spiritual rebirth (a new life that comes from God).
A Pharisee: See study note on 1:24. The Pharisees were a Jewish group who were careful to obey the law of Moses and their religious traditions.
Nicodemus belonged to this group. He was part of the religious leaders. He was respected for his knowledge of the Jewish law. He likely took pride in his careful obedience and moral purity.

Theme notes and profiles

John 19:39
Nicodemus, who had previously come to Jesus at night, also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.
John 7:47–50
“Have you also been deceived?” replied the Pharisees.
John 3:10
“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things?
Luke 23:13
Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province Nicodemus: Pharisee who visited Jesus Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy