6. The meaning of γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν is still further explained by an analogy. What man inherits from his parents is a body with animal life and passions; what he receives from above is a spiritual nature with heavenly capabilities and aspirations: what is born of sinful human nature is human and sinful; what is born of the Holy Spirit is spiritual and divine.

There is an interesting interpolation here. The old Latin and old Syriac Versions insert quia Deus spiritus est et de Deo natus est. No Greek MS. contains the words, which are obviously a gloss. But S. Ambrose (De Spir. III. 59) charges the Arians with effacing quia Deus spiritus est from their MSS. see on John 1:13.

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Old Testament