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John 3:7
ESV Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
NIV You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
NASB Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
CSB Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.
NLT So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’
KJV Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
NKJV Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

What does John 3:7 mean?

Earlier, Jesus stated that a person had to be "born again" to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Then He clarified that this is because of the difference between "the flesh" and "the Spirit" (John 3:6).

The term "flesh" is often used in the Bible as a reference to our human nature. All people are, by default, opposed to God and disobedient to Him. It is impossible for those who have a nature of "the flesh" to relate to God. It is also impossible for the flesh to change its own nature. The only way for a person to change his nature is through a rebirth—this means being reborn through the Spirit of God.

This is why Jesus says Nicodemus should not be surprised. Flesh cannot change itself. It is the same since birth. Yet flesh cannot be part of the kingdom of God. So, logically, a person must be given a new nature—"born again"—to make this change.
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