Q: What does "born of water" mean in John 3:5? Two interpretations: (1) physical birth (water/amniotic fluid) vs. spiritual birth — two births, not three; (2) "water and spirit" as one birth in Greek, referring to the spiritual reality baptism represents, not literal water baptism. Cornelius (Acts 10) proves baptism isn't required for salvation.

Option 1: born of water = physical birth (amniotic fluid); born of spirit = spiritual rebirth. Supports Jesus' "you must be born twice" teaching. Option 2: Greek structure may treat "water and spirit" as one thing — the spiritual cleansing baptism symbolizes. Either way, baptism isn't salvific: Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before baptism (Acts 10:44-48).