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Joh 3:4. Πῶς) This how and why are often obstacles to faith: Joh 3:9, “How can these things be?” ch. Joh 6:52, [The Jews object] “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” Nicodemus ‘marvels,’ as Joh 3:7 implies. It is well that he simply asks the question.[51]-ΓΕΝΝΗΘῆΝΑΙ, be born) Nicodemus ought to have taken into account the ἄνωθεν, from above: that he passes by: therefore he says δεύτερον, a second time.-γέρων) an old man, not merely a grown-up man. Nicodemus therefore being an old man, asks the question on his own account;[52] and had come to Jesus, who was much his junior.-ΜῊ ΔΎΝΑΤΑΙ; can he [num potest; requiring a negative answer: Surely he cannot?]) Nicodemus objects rather vehemently, [and in such a way, that his words appear not far removed from derision. Hence it is that Jesus frames His succeeding answer as well a little more distinct, as also somewhat more paradoxical and severe.-V. g.]
[51] As an inquirer, not a doubter.-E. and T.
[52] And so puts it in that form which applied to his own case.-E. and T.