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Portrait of NicodemusPortrait · Nicodemus

Gospels · New Testament

Nicodemus

Teacher of Israel Who Sought Jesus at Night

Name meaning
Conqueror of the people
Name origin
Greek: Νικόδημος (Nikodemos), “victory of the people”

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Pharisee
  • Ruler and teacher in Israel
Birthplace
Jerusalem (residence inferred, not specified)
Modern-day location
His birthplace is not specified; Jerusalem is an inferred residence, not a confirmed birthplace.
Family
  • Member of the Jewish council (Sanhedrin)
First mention
John 3:1-2
Last mention
John 19:39
Key artifacts
  • Night visit lamp
  • Scroll of the Law
  • Spices for burial

Key verses

  • “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

    John 3:3

  • “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?”

    John 7:51

  • “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night.”

    John 19:39

Biography

Early Life

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and ruler among the Jews who came to Jesus by night, seeking to understand his teaching.

Defining Biblical Moments

Jesus taught him about being born again and God’s love for the world. Nicodemus later questioned an unfair judgment of Jesus and helped Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

Strengths

Nicodemus shows thoughtful inquiry and growing courage, moving from private conversation toward public acts of care.

Weaknesses & Lessons

His initial secrecy suggests the social risk of association; his later actions show that understanding can develop over time.

Life Lessons for Today

His initial secrecy suggests the social risk of association; his later actions show that understanding can develop over time.

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Nicodemus appears in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #51 in The Life of Jesus & The Early Church

The Life of Jesus & The Early Church front cover

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