John 15:16

KJV

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye {G5210} have {G1586} not {G3756} chosen {G1586} me {G3165}, but {G235} I {G1473} have chosen {G1586} you {G5209}, and {G2532} ordained {G5087} you {G5209}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} should go {G5217} and {G2532} bring forth {G5342} fruit {G2590}, and {G2532} that your {G5216} fruit {G2590} should remain {G3306}: that {G2443} whatsoever {G3739}{G302}{G3748} ye shall ask {G154} of the Father {G3962} in {G1722} my {G3450} name {G3686}, he may give it {G1325} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you.

Berean Standard Bible

You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

American Standard Version

Ye did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that ye should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 15:16, Jesus profoundly reveals the divine initiative behind His disciples' calling, asserting that their relationship with Him is not of their own choosing but a sovereign act of God. This election is not for passive privilege but for an active, purposeful mission: to bear abundant and lasting spiritual fruit. Furthermore, this divine appointment empowers them with a remarkable privilege in prayer, assuring them that their requests, made in His name and aligned with His purposes, will be granted by the Father.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a crucial part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), delivered to His disciples in the Upper Room on the eve of His crucifixion. It immediately follows the profound allegory of the True Vine (John 15:1-11), where Jesus emphasizes the vital necessity of abiding in Him as the source of life and fruitfulness. While the preceding verses focus on the disciples' responsibility to remain connected to the Vine, John 15:16 shifts the emphasis to God's prior and sovereign action, clarifying that the very capacity and mandate to bear fruit originate from Christ's divine choice. It sets the stage for the subsequent promises regarding the Holy Spirit and the nature of their future ministry in the world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, it was customary for disciples to choose their rabbi or teacher, seeking out those whose teachings resonated with them. Jesus' statement, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," radically subverts this cultural norm, asserting His divine authority and initiative. This highlights a fundamental aspect of the new covenant: salvation and service are not human achievements but divine gifts, rooted in God's sovereign grace. The imagery of "fruit" (Greek: _karpos_) would have been readily understood in an agrarian society, representing the natural outcome of a healthy plant, symbolizing the spiritual produce of a life connected to God, encompassing character, good works, and the expansion of the kingdom.
* **Key Themes:** [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Divine Election and Purpose") powerfully encapsulates several major theological themes prevalent in John's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **divine election and sovereignty**, revealing that God initiates the relationship and chooses His people for a specific purpose, a theme echoed in passages like [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World"). Secondly, it emphasizes **fruitfulness** as the intended outcome of discipleship, moving beyond mere adherence to a set of rules to a life that produces tangible spiritual results, a concept further developed in the [parable of the sower](/matthew/13 "Matthew 13 - The Parable of the Sower") and the [Fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"). Finally, the verse connects this divine calling and fruitfulness to **empowered prayer**, assuring believers that their prayers, when aligned with God's purposes and offered in Jesus' name, will be effective, a promise reinforced in [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name") and [John 16:23-24](/john/16-23-24 "John 16:23-24 - Further Promises about Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chosen (Greek, _eklégomai'_):** This verb, G1586, means "to select" or "to make choice." Its use here emphasizes the divine initiative and sovereignty of Jesus. It is not a mutual agreement or a human decision to follow, but a deliberate, purposeful act of selection by Christ. This choice is foundational, establishing the disciples' identity and mission.
* **Ordained (Greek, _títhēmi'_):** G5087 signifies "to place," "to appoint," or "to set (forth)." When Jesus says He "ordained" them, it implies a deliberate, authoritative commissioning and establishment for a specific purpose. It's not merely a selection but an active placement into a role or position, much like setting a plant in the ground to bear fruit.
* **Fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** G2590 refers to "fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively." In this context, "fruit" is multifaceted. It encompasses the spiritual transformation of character (e.g., the fruit of the Spirit), the good works that flow from a life connected to Christ, and the evangelistic outcome of bringing others to faith. The emphasis on it "remaining" (G3306, _ménō_) signifies its enduring quality and eternal significance, contrasting with fleeting human efforts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,"**: This opening clause directly challenges the conventional master-disciple relationship of the time. It asserts Jesus' absolute sovereignty and initiative in calling His followers. Their discipleship is not based on their merit, desire, or prior decision, but entirely on Christ's gracious and purposeful selection. This divine election is the foundation of their identity and mission.
* **"and ordained you,"**: Following the act of choosing, Jesus actively "ordained" or "appointed" them. This signifies a deliberate setting apart and commissioning for a specific purpose. It implies authority and intention behind their calling, not merely a passive selection but an active placement into a role with a clear mandate.
* **"that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:"**: This is the primary purpose clause stemming from their election and ordination. The "going" implies active engagement in the world, not static contemplation. The "fruit" refers to the spiritual produce of their lives – transformed character, righteous deeds, and the expansion of the Kingdom through evangelism. The crucial addition "that your fruit should remain" emphasizes the lasting, eternal impact of this spiritual harvest, distinguishing it from temporary human endeavors.
* **"that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."**: This final clause reveals a profound privilege linked to their divine election and purpose. The effectiveness of their prayer is directly connected to their being chosen and ordained to bear lasting fruit. Asking "in my name" means asking in alignment with Jesus' character, will, and redemptive purposes, reflecting the mission for which they were chosen. This promise assures them of the Father's provision for their Spirit-empowered ministry.

#### Literary Devices
John 15:16 employs several potent **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Contrast**, immediately established in the opening phrase, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." This stark antithesis highlights Jesus' divine authority and the sovereign nature of God's call, subverting the typical human-initiated relationship between student and teacher. **Metaphor** is central, with "fruit" serving as a rich symbol for the spiritual outcomes of a life connected to Christ—encompassing character transformation, good works, and evangelistic success. The phrase "go and bring forth fruit" functions as a **Purpose Clause**, clearly articulating the divine intention behind their election and ordination. Furthermore, the repetition of "fruit" and its connection to "remain" creates a sense of **Emphasis** on the enduring quality and eternal significance of their spiritual labor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 15:16 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christian discipleship and mission. It fundamentally establishes that our relationship with God is initiated by His sovereign grace, not by human merit or choice. This divine election is not an end in itself but a means to a glorious purpose: to bear lasting spiritual fruit that glorifies God and impacts the world. The promise of answered prayer, explicitly linked to this purpose, underscores that our access to the Father and the effectiveness of our petitions are mediated through Christ and aligned with His kingdom agenda. It assures believers that as they live out their calling to fruitfulness, they are empowered to draw upon divine resources through prayer, confirming God's commitment to His chosen ones and their mission.

* [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 15:16 offers profound comfort and clear direction for every believer. The initial declaration, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," is a powerful antidote to self-reliance and performance-based spirituality. It reminds us that our salvation and calling are rooted in God's unmerited favor, fostering deep humility and assurance. This understanding liberates us from the burden of earning God's love and empowers us to live from a place of secure identity in Christ. Furthermore, the verse clarifies our purpose: we are chosen and ordained to "go and bring forth fruit" that "should remain." This calls us to a life of active spiritual productivity—cultivating Christ-like character, engaging in good works, and participating in the Great Commission. Our fruitfulness is not optional but integral to our divine appointment. Finally, the promise concerning prayer provides immense confidence. When we align our desires and petitions with the purposes for which Christ has chosen and ordained us, we can approach the Father with boldness, knowing He delights to grant requests that advance His kingdom and enable us to bear more lasting fruit. This verse compels us to live purposefully, pray confidently, and rest securely in the sovereign love of our electing Savior.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that Jesus chose you, rather than you choosing Him, impact your sense of spiritual security and humility?**
* **What kind of "fruit" do you believe Jesus is calling you to bear in your current season of life, and how can you intentionally cultivate it?**
* **In what ways can your prayer life become more aligned with the purposes for which Christ has chosen and ordained you?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Jesus saying, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you?"**

Answer: This statement is profoundly significant because it reverses the typical master-disciple relationship of the time, where students would choose their rabbis. Jesus asserts His divine sovereignty and initiative. It means that the disciples' relationship with Him, and indeed their very calling and mission, originated entirely from His gracious and purposeful election, not from their own merit, desire, or effort. This underscores that salvation and service are gifts from God, rooted in His unmerited favor, as also seen in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ before the Foundation of the World"). It establishes that God is the initiator of the covenant relationship.

**What does "fruit" refer to in this verse, and why is it important that it "remain"?**

Answer: In John 15:16, "fruit" (Greek: _karpos_) is a rich metaphor encompassing several aspects of spiritual life. It refers to the **transformation of character** (e.g., the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")—love, joy, peace, etc.), **good works** that flow from a life connected to Christ, and the **evangelistic outcome** of bringing others to faith. The emphasis on the fruit "remaining" (Greek: _ménō_) is crucial. It signifies that the spiritual produce of a believer's life, when rooted in Christ, has eternal significance and lasting impact, unlike fleeting worldly achievements. It connects directly to the theme of "abiding" in Christ from earlier in [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - The True Vine"), implying that true, enduring fruit stems from a continuous and vital connection with the True Vine.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 15:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. He is the one who, by His divine prerogative, chooses and ordains His disciples, not based on their worthiness, but according to the Father's eternal plan. As the True Vine, Jesus is the very source of life and the enabler of all fruitfulness; without Him, we can do nothing ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). His choice of us is an act of sovereign grace, mirroring the Father's election of Him to be the Savior of the world ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). The "fruit" we are called to bear is ultimately the manifestation of His life within us, reflecting His character and extending His kingdom, for He is the perfect embodiment of God's will and purpose ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father")). Furthermore, the promise of answered prayer "in my name" is entirely Christ-centered. It is through His finished work on the cross and His ongoing intercession as our High Priest ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")) that we gain access to the Father. Our prayers are effective not because of our merit, but because they are offered in union with Him, aligning with His perfect will and redemptive purposes for which He chose and empowered us. Thus, [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Christ's Sovereign Choice and Our Purpose") powerfully declares that all divine initiative, all spiritual vitality, all purposeful mission, and all effective prayer flow from and through Jesus Christ, the one chosen by God to reconcile the world to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 15:19

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Jeremiah 1:7

But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I [am] a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Luke 6:13

And when it was day, he called [unto him] his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:17

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.