John 15:6

KJV

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

KJV (with Strong's)

If {G3362} a man {G5100} abide {G3306} not {G3362} in {G1722} me {G1698}, he is cast {G906} forth {G1854} as {G5613} a branch {G2814}, and {G2532} is withered {G3583}; and {G2532} men gather {G4863} them {G846}, and {G2532} cast {G906} them into {G1519} the fire {G4442}, and {G2532} they are burned {G2545}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up.

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.

American Standard Version

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 15:6 delivers a solemn and profound warning from Jesus within His "Vine and Branches" discourse, emphasizing the absolute necessity of a living, continuous union with Him for spiritual vitality, fruitfulness, and eternal destiny. It starkly illustrates the dire consequences of spiritual disconnection, portraying the fate of a branch that fails to abide in the vine as one of separation, desiccation, and ultimate destruction by fire, serving as a powerful call to steadfast communion with Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' final discourse to His disciples in the Upper Room, immediately preceding His arrest and crucifixion. It directly follows the foundational metaphor established in [John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus, the True Vine"), where Jesus identifies Himself as "the true vine," His Father as "the vinedresser," and His disciples as "the branches." The preceding verses stress the absolute dependence of the branches (disciples) on the vine (Christ) for life, nourishment, and the ability to bear fruit. [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - The Consequences of Not Abiding") serves as the stark counterpoint to this promise of fruitfulness, detailing the inevitable outcome for any branch that does not maintain this vital, life-giving connection, thereby reinforcing the urgency and critical importance of abiding.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of the vine and branches would have been deeply familiar and resonant to Jesus' Jewish audience. Viticulture (grape cultivation) was a prominent agricultural practice in ancient Israel, and the vine itself was a rich and frequent symbol in the Old Testament, often representing Israel (e.g., [Psalm 80:8-16](/psalms/80-8-16 "Psalm 80:8-16 - The Vine of Israel"); [Isaiah 5:1-7](/isaiah/5-1-7 "Isaiah 5:1-7 - The Song of the Vineyard")). However, these Old Testament references often depicted Israel as a failed or unfruitful vine. By declaring Himself "the true vine," Jesus redefines this ancient symbol, presenting Himself as the true source of spiritual life and fruitfulness, distinct from the nation of Israel's past failures. The practice of pruning (as mentioned in [John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it")) and the disposal of withered, unproductive branches by burning them for fuel were common and practical aspects of viticulture, making Jesus' warning vivid and easily understood by His listeners.
* **Key Themes:** [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - The Warning of Disconnection") contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the Gospel of John and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the **necessity of abiding** (or remaining) in Christ, which is presented not as an option but as the sole condition for spiritual life and fruitfulness. This theme underscores the **absolute dependence** of believers on Jesus for every aspect of their spiritual existence, echoing themes of life found only in Him (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The verse also highlights the theme of **divine judgment** and the consequences of spiritual barrenness, contrasting sharply with the promise of glorifying God through bearing much fruit ([John 15:8](/john/15-8 "John 15:8 - Fruitfulness Glorifies God")). It implicitly touches upon the theme of **true discipleship**, distinguishing between a superficial association and a genuine, life-transforming union with Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abide (Greek, _ménō_):** This primary verb signifies "to stay, dwell, continue, endure, be present, remain." In the context of John 15, _ménō_ implies a deep, continuous, and intentional relationship—not merely a transient visit or superficial acquaintance. For a branch to _ménō_ in the vine means it is organically connected, drawing life and sustenance moment by moment. This active and continuous abiding is foundational to the entire discourse, as it's the prerequisite for fruitfulness and avoiding the fate described in this verse.
* **branch (Greek, _klēma_):** Derived from a word meaning "to break," _klēma_ refers to a limb or shoot, specifically a vine branch. This word emphasizes the inherent dependence of the branch on the vine for its very existence and vitality. A branch has no independent life; its life is entirely derived from its connection to the main vine. This highlights the believer's complete reliance on Christ.
* **withered (Greek, _xēraínō_):** This verb means "to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature." In this context, it vividly describes the process of drying up and losing all vitality. A branch separated from its life source (the vine) inevitably withers, symbolizing the spiritual decay and loss of life that occurs when one is disconnected from Christ. It represents the cessation of spiritual nourishment and the inability to produce fruit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man abide not in me":** This conditional clause sets the premise for the dire consequences that follow. The phrase "abide not" (Greek: _eàn mḗ ménō_) emphasizes a failure to maintain a continuous, living union with Jesus. It implies a departure from or a lack of genuine, sustained connection to Christ as the source of spiritual life, rather than merely a temporary lapse.
* **"he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered":** This describes the immediate and inevitable result of not abiding. "Cast forth" (Greek: _bállō éxō_) signifies expulsion or removal from the vine, indicating a separation from the life-giving source. Once separated, the branch "is withered" (Greek: _xēraínō_), meaning it dries up, loses all vitality, and becomes spiritually barren and useless, incapable of bearing fruit.
* **"and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned":** This final clause portrays the ultimate, irreversible destiny of the withered, unfruitful branch. "Men gather them" (Greek: _synágō autós_) refers to the common practice of collecting dead wood. The subsequent action, "cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (Greek: _bállō eis pŷr, kaíō_), symbolizes divine judgment and destruction. The fire represents the ultimate end for that which is spiritually useless and devoid of life in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
John 15:6 is rich with **Metaphor**, specifically the **Vine and Branches** imagery, which is the central organizing principle of the entire discourse. Jesus uses this common agricultural practice to illustrate profound spiritual truths about the relationship between Himself and His followers. The **Imagery** of a withered branch being cast out and burned is particularly vivid and serves as a powerful warning, appealing directly to the listener's understanding of natural processes to convey spiritual consequences. The verse also employs **Contrast**, setting the fate of the non-abiding branch against the promise of fruitfulness for those who remain in Christ ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding for Fruitfulness")). Furthermore, the conditional "If" clause introduces a clear **Warning** and **Exhortation**, urging disciples to examine their spiritual state and ensure their continuous connection to the life-giving Vine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 15:6 underscores a critical theological truth: genuine spiritual life and fruitfulness are entirely dependent on a living, continuous union with Jesus Christ. It implicitly addresses the nature of true discipleship, suggesting that a mere outward profession or initial connection is insufficient; rather, it demands an ongoing, vital relationship. The verse's stark imagery of being "cast forth" and "burned" speaks to the severe consequences of spiritual barrenness and ultimate separation from the source of life, aligning with broader biblical themes of divine judgment for those who do not bear the fruit of righteousness. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while salvation is by grace through faith, true faith manifests in an abiding relationship that produces spiritual fruit, without which there is no spiritual life.

* [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.")
* [Hebrews 6:7-8](/hebrews/6-7-8 "Hebrews 6:7-8 - Land that bears thorns and thistles is rejected and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.")
* [Romans 11:17-22](/romans/11-17-22 "Romans 11:17-22 - The Warning Against Boasting Over Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 15:6 is a profound call to self-examination and spiritual vigilance for every believer. It compels us to honestly assess the depth and continuity of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Are we merely attached to the vine in name, or are we truly drawing life, nourishment, and direction from Him moment by moment? This "abiding" is not passive; it involves intentional engagement through consistent prayer, diligent study and obedience to His Word, and active fellowship with His body. The warning of spiritual barrenness and ultimate judgment should not incite fear in the genuinely abiding believer, but rather a renewed commitment to cultivate a vibrant, dependent relationship with Christ. It reminds us that spiritual vitality is not a given, but a sustained outcome of our union with the True Vine, leading to a life that bears fruit for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways am I actively "abiding" in Christ daily?**
* **What "fruit" (e.g., love, joy, peace, righteousness, service) is evident in my life, and what might a lack of fruit indicate about my connection to the Vine?**
* **How does the warning in this verse motivate me to deepen my spiritual disciplines and dependence on Jesus?**
* **Am I allowing anything to hinder my continuous flow of spiritual life from Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does John 15:6 imply that a true believer can lose their salvation?**

Answer: The interpretation of [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - The Consequences of Not Abiding") regarding the security of salvation is a complex theological discussion. Some interpret the "branches" that do not abide and are "cast forth" as those who had a superficial or professing connection to Christ but were never truly regenerated, thus demonstrating they were not genuinely part of the "true vine" in the first place. From this perspective, the verse serves as a warning against false professions of faith, emphasizing that genuine faith is characterized by an enduring, fruitful relationship with Christ. Others view it as a warning to true believers about the severe consequences of spiritual backsliding and unfruitfulness, though not necessarily implying a loss of salvation but perhaps a loss of reward or a severe chastening. Regardless of one's specific theological stance on eternal security, the verse undeniably highlights the critical importance of a living, continuous, and fruitful relationship with Jesus Christ as the essential mark of true discipleship. It calls all who claim to follow Christ to examine their lives for the fruit of genuine abiding.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 15:6, while a solemn warning, ultimately points to Christ as the sole source of life and the one who offers the means to avoid such a dire fate. The "fire" into which the withered branches are cast foreshadows the ultimate judgment for all who remain outside of Christ, unable to bear the fruit of righteousness. However, Jesus Himself, as the "true vine," is the one who took upon Himself the judgment and burning wrath of God on the cross, becoming the ultimate sacrifice for sin. He is the one who, through His death and resurrection, provides the living connection by which humanity can "abide" and receive eternal life. Those who are "in Him" are not cast forth but are eternally united to the source of life, cleansed and pruned by the Father to bear even more fruit ([John 15:2](/john/15-2 "John 15:2 - Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it")). Thus, the warning of [John 15:6](/john/15-6 "John 15:6 - The Consequences of Not Abiding") serves to magnify the grace and indispensable role of Christ, urging all to cling to Him, the one who delivers from the fire and offers abundant life and fruitfulness through His indwelling Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). He is the one who ensures that those truly united to Him will never perish ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me")).

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

Matthew 7:19

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Hebrews 6:7

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

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.

Matthew 13:41

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;

Matthew 3:10

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.

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.