Nikodēmos is a Greek personal name meaning 'victory of the people,' from nikē (victory) + dēmos (people). In the New Testament, Nicodemus is a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who came to Jesus by night.
Nicodemus appears three times in John's Gospel, and his trajectory is one of the most profound conversion stories in Scripture. First (John 3): a curious, respected teacher who comes by night — drawn to Jesus but cautious, not yet ready for public commitment. Jesus' famous declaration 'You must be born again' is addressed to him — the necessity of spiritual rebirth. Second (John 7:50-51): Nicodemus speaks up among the Pharisees on Jesus' behalf, a small but costly act of advocacy. Third (John 19:38-40): Nicodemus brings 75 pounds of spices for Jesus' burial — a lavish, public act of devotion that could only damage his reputation. His arc from secret night visit to public costly service models the journey of authentic discipleship: from cautious curiosity to costly, open-handed love.