John 15:2

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

Every {G3956} branch {G2814} in {G1722} me {G1698} that {G846} beareth {G5342} not {G3361} fruit {G2590} he taketh away {G142}: and {G2532} every {G3956} branch that beareth {G5342} fruit {G2590}, he purgeth {G2508} it {G846}, that {G2443} it may bring forth {G5342} more {G4119} fruit {G2590}.

Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit.

He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.

Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.

Commentary

John 15:2 is a pivotal verse within Jesus' profound "Vine and Branches" discourse, delivered to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. In this agricultural metaphor, Jesus identifies Himself as the true vine, God the Father as the "husbandman" or gardener, and His followers as the branches. This verse succinctly outlines God's active role in the spiritual lives of believers, distinguishing between those who bear fruit and those who do not.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' declaration in John 15:1, setting the stage for understanding the nature of spiritual life and productivity. It is part of Jesus' final teachings to His disciples, emphasizing their vital connection to Him as the source of life and fruitfulness. The imagery of a vine and branches would have been very familiar to His audience, conveying clear messages about dependency, growth, and purpose.

Key Themes

  • Divine Cultivation: God the Father is portrayed as the diligent gardener, actively involved in tending to the spiritual well-being of His people. His actions, whether removing or pruning, are purposeful and aimed at maximizing fruitfulness.
  • The Expectation of Fruitfulness: Jesus clearly expects His followers to produce spiritual fruit. This "fruit" encompasses Christ-like character (the fruit of the Spirit), righteous actions, and effective witness that brings glory to God.
  • Pruning for Greater Productivity: For branches that are already bearing fruit, God undertakes a process of "purging" or pruning. This often involves challenging circumstances, trials, or the removal of distractions and impurities in a believer's life. Though sometimes painful, this divine discipline is a loving act designed to refine and enable them to bear more and better fruit.
  • The Consequence of Barrenness: The solemn warning for "every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away" highlights the critical importance of genuine spiritual life evidenced by fruit. This refers to those who may have a superficial connection or profession of faith but lack true spiritual vitality and production.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "taketh away" is airo (αἴρω), which can mean to lift up, carry, or remove. In the context of an unfruitful branch, it clearly implies removal or cutting off from the vine. This is a severe consequence for a branch that fails to fulfill its purpose.

The word "purgeth" comes from kathairo (καθαίρω), meaning to cleanse, prune, or purify. It is closely related to katharos (καθαρός), meaning "clean," which Jesus uses in John 15:3: "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." This connection suggests that God's pruning often involves the purifying and cleansing power of His word and truth, removing anything that hinders deeper spiritual vitality and fruit-bearing.

Practical Application

John 15:2 offers profound insights for the Christian life:

  • Self-Examination: It prompts believers to honestly assess their lives for evidence of spiritual fruit. Is there growth in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Are our actions reflecting Christ?
  • Embracing Pruning: Understand that difficulties, trials, and periods of discomfort in life may be God's loving hand at work, pruning away impurities, unproductive habits, or misdirected affections. This process, though sometimes painful, is essential for deeper spiritual maturity and greater effectiveness in serving God.
  • Focus on Connection: Ultimately, the ability to bear fruit stems directly from remaining in Christ. Our primary focus should be on deepening our relationship with Him through prayer, consistent study of His word, and obedience to His commands, ensuring we are truly "in Him."
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 3:10 (73 votes)

    And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

  • Hebrews 12:10 (62 votes)

    For they verily for a few days chastened [us] after their own pleasure; but he for [our] profit, that [we] might be partakers of his holiness.

  • Hebrews 12:11 (62 votes)

    Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

  • Matthew 15:13 (49 votes)

    But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

  • Revelation 3:19 (34 votes)

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • John 15:8 (32 votes)

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • Luke 13:7 (29 votes)

    Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?