Jesus speaks of "born of water " as recorded in John 3:5. 

> John 3:5 ( NIV)
> 
> Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom
> of God unless they are **born of water** and the Spirit.

What is this water? Is it literal water or a figurative expression?

Regenerative water in John 3:5

**Literal H20 ?** 


**or**

**Metaphorical H20 ?**


The interesting fact is that the Bible never speaks of a literal water as the source of the new birth. Rather, other texts shows that the it is only the Triune God who makes someone born again by grace through faith alone in Christ by hearing the word about Christ (i.e. the Good News).This is ***monergism*** in itself.

> Titus 3:4-6 (NIV)
> 
> 4 But when the kindness and love of **God our Savior** appeared,5 *he saved us*, not because of righteous things we had done, but
> because of his mercy. *He saved us through* **the washing of rebirth** and
> renewal **by the Holy Spirit**, 6 *whom he poured out on us* generously
> **through Jesus Christ our Savior**,
> 
> Ephesians 5:26 (NIV)
> 
> to make her holy, **cleansing her by the washing with water through
> the word,**
> 
> Romans 10:17 (NIV)
> 
> Consequently, **faith comes from hearing the message, and the message
> is heard through the word about Christ.**
> 
> Galatians 3:2 (NIV)
> 
> I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did **you receive the
> Spirit** by the works of the law, or **by believing what you heard**?

According to the context of the text in question, the water Jesus speaks of is not a literal water because he is talking about a spiritual birth.

> John 3:5-6 (NIV)
> 
> 5Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom
> of God unless they are **born of water** and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives
> birth to flesh, but **the Spirit gives birth to spirit.**

Water does not give birth to anything.The Holy Spirit effectuates the rebirth, new birth or regeneration.

***Conclusion***

Therefore, the expression "born of water" in John 3:5 should mean a mere abstract symbol of spiritual cleansing which is in actuality, a concrete work of God in a believer. 

> Colossians 2:12 (NIV)
> 
> 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also
> raised with him **through your faith in the working of God**, who raised
> him from the dead.