3:12a

If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as earthly things refers to things that happen here on earth. In this context Jesus probably meant what he had just been talking about with Nicodemus. Even though the new birth comes from heaven, it is something that happens on earth.

If I have told you about earthly things: Jesus was saying that this was what he had done. He was not suggesting it as a possibility only. So it may be natural to translate this clause in one of these ways:

• Use a statement without the conditional If. For example:

I have told you about things here on earth…. (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a clause that assumes the truth of the condition. For example:

because I have told you earthly things…

3:12b

how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?: This is a rhetorical question. It emphasizes a statement that implies a rebuke. Jesus was saying that Nicodemus (and others) would not believe if he spoke of heavenly things.

There are two ways to translate this rebuke:

• Use a rhetorical question. For example:

how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? (New Living Translation (2004))

• Use a statement. For example:

So you will not believe me if I tell you about things of heaven. (Contemporary English Version)

Translate this rebuke in a way that is most natural in your language.

you: This is a plural form. Jesus was probably again referring to the same group of Pharisees that Nicodemus talked about in 3:2b.

heavenly things: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as heavenly things refers to truths or ideas relating to God and the spiritual world. These truths would include the ones in the following verses.

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