John 15:3

KJV

Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G2235} ye {G5210} are {G2075} clean {G2513} through {G1223} the word {G3056} which {G3739} I have spoken {G2980} unto you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Right now, because of the word which I have spoken to you, you are pruned.

Berean Standard Bible

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

American Standard Version

Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 15:3, Jesus declares to His disciples that they are already spiritually pure, attributing this cleansing directly to the transformative power of the "word" He has spoken to them. This pivotal statement, nestled within the profound "Vine and Branches" discourse, underscores the immediate and ongoing sanctifying effect of Christ's teachings, preparing His followers for deeper communion and greater fruitfulness in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 15:3 is an integral part of Jesus' Farewell Discourse (John 13-17), delivered to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. It immediately follows Jesus' declaration in [John 15:1-2](/john/15-1-2 "John 15:1-2 - Jesus, the True Vine, and the Father, the Vinedresser") that He is the true Vine and His Father is the Vinedresser. The Father's work of "pruning" (καθαίρει, *kathairei*) in [John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - The Father's Pruning for Fruitfulness") is directly paralleled by the disciples being "clean" (καθαροί, *katharoi*) in [John 15:3](/john/15-3 "John 15:3 - Cleansed by the Word"). This linguistic connection emphasizes that the cleansing Jesus refers to is not merely for past sins, but an ongoing purification that enables greater spiritual productivity, setting the stage for the command to "abide" in Him in [John 15:4](/john/15-4 "John 15:4 - Abiding in Christ").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the vine and its branches would have been deeply familiar to Jesus' Jewish audience. Vineyards were a common sight in ancient Israel, and the cultivation of grapes was a significant agricultural practice. Furthermore, the vine was a prominent symbol for Israel throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8-16 "Psalm 80:8-16 - Israel as God's Vine"); [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard"); [Jeremiah 2:21](/jeremiah/2-21 "Jeremiah 2:21 - Israel, a Degenerate Vine")). By declaring Himself the "true Vine," Jesus redefines this national symbol, asserting that true Israel, and indeed true spiritual life, is found only in Him. The concept of "cleanness" also resonated with Jewish ceremonial laws, but Jesus elevates it from external ritual purity to an internal, spiritual state achieved through His divine word, a radical shift from the prevailing understanding.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. It highlights the **Sanctifying Power of Christ's Word**, demonstrating how Jesus' teachings are not merely information but active agents of transformation, purifying the hearts and minds of His followers. It reinforces the theme of **Intimate Discipleship**, showing that being "clean" is a prerequisite for and a result of close relationship with Jesus, enabling believers to bear fruit that glorifies God ([John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Glorifying God through Fruitfulness")). Furthermore, it subtly points to Jesus' **Divine Authority and Identity**, as only one with divine authority could declare His words capable of such profound spiritual cleansing, linking to His identity as the living Word of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clean (Greek, _katharós'_):** Derived from G2513, this word means "pure, unmixed, or free from defilement." In this context, it signifies a spiritual and moral purity, distinct from ceremonial or physical cleanliness. The disciples are not merely washed externally but are made internally pure, set apart for God's purposes, much like a vine branch is pruned to be free of unproductive growth and disease, ready to bear fruit.
* **through (Greek, _diá'_):** From G1223, this preposition denotes the channel or means by which an action occurs. Here, it explicitly states that the "word" is the instrument or agency through which the disciples' cleansing is accomplished. It emphasizes the active, instrumental role of Jesus' teachings in their purification, rather than their own efforts or external rituals.
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, this term encompasses "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic... reasoning... or motive." Crucially, "specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e., Christ)." While referring to Jesus' spoken teachings here, the use of *logos* in John's Gospel also subtly connects it to Jesus' very person as the incarnate Word of God, implying that the cleansing power is inherent in His divine revelation and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now ye are clean":** This phrase declares a present reality for the disciples. The "Now" (G2235, *ḗdē*) emphasizes that this state of spiritual purity is already accomplished. It's not something they need to strive for in the future, but a condition they presently possess. This "cleanness" is a spiritual state, a separation from defilement, making them fit for God's use and for intimate communion with Christ.
* **"through the word":** This identifies the precise means of their cleansing. It is not through ritual washing, self-effort, or adherence to the Law, but solely through the "word" (G3056, *lógos*). This highlights the unique and sufficient power of Jesus' divine revelation and teaching to purify the human heart and life. The word acts as a spiritual cleanser, exposing sin and imparting truth.
* **"which I have spoken unto you":** This specifies the source and authority of the cleansing word. It is Jesus' own words, His teachings, commands, and revelations, that have brought about this state of purity. This underscores His divine authority and the life-giving nature of His utterances, setting His words apart as uniquely sanctifying.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in John 15:3 is **Metaphor**, specifically an extension of the **Vine and Branches Metaphor** introduced in [John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine"). The concept of "cleanness" in verse 3 directly parallels the vinedresser's act of "pruning" (καθαίρει, *kathairei*) in [John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - The Father's Pruning for Fruitfulness"). Just as a physical vine branch is pruned to remove dead wood and make it more fruitful, the disciples are spiritually "cleansed" by Jesus' words. This creates a powerful **Analogy** between agricultural practice and spiritual transformation. Furthermore, there is **Symbolism** where "the word" functions as the spiritual pruning shears, the divine instrument that purifies and prepares the disciples for greater fruitfulness. The declaration of their present cleanness also functions as a **Declaration of State**, affirming their current standing with Christ and setting the stage for the subsequent command to abide.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 15:3 profoundly articulates the ongoing process of sanctification through the divine Word. It teaches that spiritual purity is not earned by human merit or ritual observance, but is a gracious gift received through engagement with Christ's teachings. This cleansing prepares believers for deeper fellowship with God and enables them to bear spiritual fruit. The verse underscores the active and transformative power of God's truth, which penetrates the heart, exposes sin, and conforms believers to the image of Christ. It is a continuous work, where the Word acts like a spiritual cleansing agent, removing defilement and setting apart for holy purposes.

* [John 17:17](/john/17-17 "John 17:17 - Sanctification by Truth")
* [Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Washing by the Word")
* [1 Peter 1:22](/1_peter/1-22 "1 Peter 1:22 - Purified by Obedience to the Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 15:3 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for believers today. It assures us that our spiritual purity is fundamentally rooted in Christ's work and His words, not our own perfect performance. This means that as we immerse ourselves in the Bible—reading, studying, meditating on, and obeying its truths—we are continually being purified. The Word of God acts as a spiritual mirror, revealing areas in our lives that need alignment with Christ, and as a spiritual cleanser, washing away impurities of thought, motive, and action. Embracing this truth frees us from the burden of self-justification and empowers us to live lives that genuinely reflect Christ's character. Our ongoing engagement with His spoken word is the primary means by which we are pruned, refined, and prepared to bear abundant spiritual fruit for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you experience the "cleansing" power of God's Word in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding that you are "clean through the word" impact your sense of spiritual identity and security in Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more intentionally immerse yourself in Jesus' words for ongoing purification and fruitfulness?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between being "clean" in John 15:3 and being forgiven of sins?**

Answer: While closely related, "cleanness" in [John 15:3](/john/15-3 "John 15:3 - Cleansed by the Word") refers more to an ongoing state of spiritual purity and readiness for service, whereas forgiveness primarily addresses the removal of guilt and penalty for past sins. Forgiveness is a foundational act of grace that brings us into right relationship with God, making us *justified*. Cleanness, in this context, speaks to the *sanctifying* work of Christ's word, which continues to purify us from defilement, refine our character, and prepare us for greater spiritual fruitfulness. It's about being set apart and made fit for God's purposes, much like a branch is pruned to be healthy and productive. So, while forgiveness deals with the legal standing before God, cleanness deals with the moral and spiritual condition for living in communion with Him and bearing fruit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 15:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself being the embodiment of the "Word" that cleanses. He is not merely the speaker of the purifying word but the living [Logos](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), through whom all things were made and by whom all things are sustained. The disciples are clean because they have believed in and followed Him, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His entire life, teachings, and ultimately His sacrificial death on the cross, constitute the "word" that purifies. It is His shed blood that truly cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus")), and His perfect obedience that makes us righteous. Thus, the cleansing spoken of in [John 15:3](/john/15-3 "John 15:3 - Cleansed by the Word") is not merely intellectual assent to teachings, but a transformative union with Christ, the source of all purity. Through His redemptive work, He has made us holy and blameless before God ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled to God")), and His Spirit continues to apply the sanctifying power of His truth to our lives, enabling us to walk in newness of life.

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 17:17

¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Ephesians 5:26

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently:

John 13:10

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.