John 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

I {G1473} am {G1510} the vine {G288}, ye {G5210} are the branches {G2814}: He that abideth {G3306} in {G1722} me {G1698}, and I {G2504} in {G1722} him {G846}, the same {G3778} bringeth forth {G5342} much {G4183} fruit {G2590}: for {G3754} without {G5565} me {G1700} ye can {G1410} do {G4160} nothing {G3756}{G3762}.

“I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you can’t do a thing.

I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing.

Commentary

John 15:5 is a central verse in Jesus' discourse about the vine and the branches, emphasizing the essential relationship between believers and Himself for spiritual life and fruitfulness. It follows the analogy set up in the preceding verses, where Jesus identifies Himself as the true vine and God the Father as the husbandman.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' final major teaching to His disciples in the Upper Room before His crucifixion. Found within chapters 13-17 of John's Gospel, this section is often referred to as the Farewell Discourse. Jesus is preparing His followers for His physical departure, explaining their future relationship with Him through the Holy Spirit, and giving them commands regarding love and unity. The imagery of the vine and branches is a powerful metaphor for the vital, life-giving connection between Christ and His followers, stressing dependence and fruitfulness.

Key Themes

  • Union with Christ: The verse highlights the profound, life-sustaining connection between Jesus ("the vine") and believers ("the branches"). This union is not merely symbolic but describes a spiritual reality where Christ's life flows into His followers.
  • Abiding: The key action required of the branches is to "abide" in the vine. This Greek word, menō, means to remain, dwell, or continue. It signifies a constant, conscious, and committed relationship with Jesus, staying connected through faith, obedience, and spiritual disciplines.
  • Fruitfulness: The natural result of a branch abiding in the vine is bearing "much fruit." This fruit can represent transformed character (the fruit of the Spirit), good works, winning others to Christ, or spiritual maturity. It is the outward evidence of an inward, living connection.
  • Absolute Dependence: The stark declaration "without me ye can do nothing" underscores the complete inability of believers to produce genuine spiritual fruit or accomplish God's purposes in their own strength. All spiritual life and effectiveness flow from Christ alone.

Linguistic Insights

The word "abideth" (Greek: menō) is crucial here, appearing multiple times in this chapter. It implies a continuous, mutual indwelling ("He that abideth in me, and I in him"). The term "fruit" (Greek: karpos) is used metaphorically throughout the New Testament to describe the outcome or result of a life, whether good or bad. Here, it is the positive result of a life connected to Christ. The phrase "can do nothing" (Greek: ouden dynasthe poiein) is a strong statement emphasizing utter incapacity apart from Christ.

Significance and Application

This verse serves as a foundational truth for Christian living. It teaches that our spiritual vitality and ability to live a life pleasing to God and impactful for His kingdom are entirely dependent on our ongoing relationship with Jesus. Trying to produce spiritual results through human effort, religious activity, or moral striving apart from a deep, abiding connection with Christ is futile. The call to "abide" is a call to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else, recognizing that it is only "through Christ which strengtheneth" us that we "can do all things" (see Philippians 4:13). It encourages a life of dependence, prayer, and drawing nourishment from the true Vine.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Philippians 4:13 (161 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Colossians 1:10 (131 votes)

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • John 15:16 (106 votes)

    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.

  • Galatians 5:22 (90 votes)

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Proverbs 11:30 (79 votes)

    ¶ The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:8 (53 votes)

    For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

  • John 5:19 (49 votes)

    Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.