Nicodemus
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nicodemus in the Bible?
A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who conducted a private theological discussion with Jesus, later defended Jesus' legal rights before the Sanhedrin, and provided spices for his burial.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nicodemus's progression from cautious inquiry to public defense and burial assistance reveals the gradual nature of faith development and the social risks involved in aligning with Jesus during the first century.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nicodemus reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nicodemus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nicodemus clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nicodemus." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nicodemus/