King James Bible
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?"
This introduces Jesus's response to Nicodemus, who has just expressed confusion about spiritual rebirth. The formal phrasing emphasizes the authoritative nature of Jesus's forthcoming rebuke. Jesus identifies Nicodemus as a recognized teacher (literally 'the teacher') among the Jewish religious elite. This title underscores Nicodemus's responsibility to understand spiritual truths from the Hebrew Scriptures. The rhetorical question expresses surprise that someone of Nicodemus's stature lacks understanding of spiritual rebirth—a concept foreshadowed in passages like Ezekiel 36:25-27. This gentle rebuke challenges the Pharisees' claim to spiritual expertise while missing fundamental kingdom realities.