The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how baptism and rebirth are symbolically represented in the conversation with Nicodemus in the Gospel of John 3:1-21. The thesis examines how the deeper meaning of baptism is clarified through the symbolism that emerges. The Gospel of John is the gospel that most explicitly uses symbols to convey the author's intended message. The focus is not on recounting an event but rather on highlighting words and statements, often in symbolic form, that clarify the meaning of Jesus' teachings. With the help of mainly Craig R. Koesters (2003) methods of analyzing symbols in the Gospel of John, this thesis goes through several symbols which appear in the conversation with Nicodemus, such as water, light, darkness and night. It also analyzes the so called “misunderstandings” and “aporias” in the text as symbols in themselves. In John 3:1-21, Jesus develops thoughts on the relationship between humanity and God, and the path to what is referred to as the Kingdom of God. In the encounter with the enigmatic and confused Pharisee Nicodemus, Jesus is compelled to explain, through a series of symbols, what is central for humanity in relation to God and the Kingdom of Heaven. When we imagine the voice of God, we move beyond what is fully comprehensible. Symbols speak to us humans with a language that lies somewhere between words and images. They appear in all art forms and carry meanings across cultural boundaries. They appeal to logic, emotion, imagination, and intuition. Symbols have the capacity to create connections between the divine and the human. The symbolism of baptism is constantly challenging and ever relevant. We need symbols to be able to explain the meaning of baptism in practical situations. We need symbols to create images for ourselves of what baptism entails. Symbols have the ability to give our thoughts the freedom of inspiration and the guidance of the Spirit that is necessary to approach the mystery of baptism.