Lexical Summary Nikodémos: Nicodemus Original Word: Νικόδημος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nicodemus. From nikos and demos; victorious among his people; Nicodemus, an Israelite -- Nicodemus. see GREEK nikos see GREEK demos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nikos and démos Definition Nicodemus, an Isr. NASB Translation Nicodemus (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3530: ΝικόδημοςΝικόδημος (νίκη and δῆμος (i. e. 'conqueror of the people')). Νικοδημου, ὁ, Nicodemus (rabbinical Hebrew נַקְדִימון), a member of the Sanhedrin who took the part of Jesus: John 3:1, 4, 9; John 7:50; John 19:39. Topical Lexicon Overview Nicodemus is introduced in the Gospel according to John as a Pharisee of notable stature who moves from cautious inquiry to courageous identification with Jesus Christ. His journey, traced through five verses (John 3:1, 3:4, 3:9, 7:50, 19:39), offers a rare glimpse into the transformation of a religious elite whose heart was awakened to truth. Occurrences in the New Testament • John 3:1 – His initial appearance as “a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews.” Historical Background As a Pharisee and “leader of the Jews,” Nicodemus likely sat on the Sanhedrin, the seventy-one–member ruling council. This body balanced civil authority under Rome with meticulous guardianship of Jewish religious life. Pharisees prized precise observance of the Law and oral tradition; thus Nicodemus’ respectful approach to Jesus—an uncredentialed Galilean rabbi—signals genuine spiritual hunger rather than mere academic curiosity. The Nighttime Conversation (John 3:1-21) Nicodemus meets Jesus “at night,” perhaps seeking privacy or symbolizing spiritual darkness. Jesus immediately directs the discussion to the necessity of being “born again.” Nicodemus responds, “How can a man be born when he is old?” (John 3:4). Key themes emerge: Voice of Justice (John 7:50-52) Months later, temple guards report to the Sanhedrin that they could not arrest Jesus because “Never has anyone spoken like this man!” (John 7:46). Amid rising hostility Nicodemus interjects: “Does our law convict a man without first hearing from him to determine what he has done?” (John 7:51). Though rebuffed, his insistence on due process reflects integrity and an emerging willingness to be identified, however cautiously, with Jesus. Courage at the Cross (John 19:38-42) After the crucifixion, Nicodemus joins Joseph of Arimathea in providing “a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” (John 19:39). The quantity exceeds typical burial customs, resembling royal honors and signaling Nicodemus’ full allegiance. Public association with an executed “blasphemer” risked expulsion from the synagogue and political reprisals, yet Nicodemus’ faith now expresses itself in costly devotion. Theological Significance 1. Progressive Revelation: His account illustrates how initial curiosity can mature into bold discipleship as truth is embraced. Lessons for Ministry • Engage Seekers Respectfully: Jesus received Nicodemus without compromising truth, modeling patient, Scripture-saturated dialogue. Legacy in Christian Tradition Early Christian writings (e.g., the apocryphal “Gospel of Nicodemus”) attest to his enduring reputation as a believer. Liturgical calendars in both Eastern and Western streams commemorate him as a saint. His name has become synonymous with earnest seekers and late-blooming disciples, reminding the church that God’s grace penetrates every social stratum and faithfully completes the work He begins. Forms and Transliterations Νικοδημος Νικόδημος Nikodemos Nikodēmos Nikódemos NikódēmosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 3:1 N-NMSGRK: τῶν Φαρισαίων Νικόδημος ὄνομα αὐτῷ NAS: named Nicodemus, a ruler KJV: named Nicodemus, a ruler INT: the Pharisees Nicodemus name to him John 3:4 N-NMS John 3:9 N-NMS John 7:50 N-NMS John 19:39 N-NMS |
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