John 15:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

John 15:6 is a solemn warning from Jesus, delivered as part of His profound "Vine and Branches" discourse. This verse underscores the critical importance of a living, continuous connection with Him for spiritual vitality and ultimate destiny. It vividly illustrates the consequences of spiritual disconnection, contrasting with the promise of fruitfulness for those who remain.

Context

This verse is nestled within Jesus' teachings in the Upper Room, just before His crucifixion. In John 15:1-5, Jesus declares Himself the "true vine" and His Father the "husbandman" (vinedresser). Disciples are the "branches." The central metaphor emphasizes absolute dependence on Christ for spiritual life, growth, and fruitfulness. John 15:6 directly addresses the fate of a branch that does not maintain this vital union, serving as a stark contrast to the life-giving connection discussed in the preceding verses.

Key Themes

  • The Necessity of Abiding: The conditional "If a man abide not in me" highlights that a superficial or temporary connection is insufficient. True discipleship requires a deep, continuous dwelling in Christ.
  • Spiritual Withering: A branch separated from the vine cannot receive nourishment and will inevitably wither. This symbolizes a loss of spiritual vitality, fruitfulness, and life. Without Christ, there is no spiritual sustenance.
  • Rejection and Judgment: Withered branches are useless for bearing fruit; they are "cast forth" and ultimately "burned." This imagery points to divine judgment for those who do not maintain a saving and living relationship with Jesus. It's a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of spiritual barrenness and disconnection from the source of life. This echoes the warning in Matthew 7:19 about unfruitful trees being cut down and cast into the fire.

Linguistic Insights

The key Greek word in this verse is meno (μένω), translated as "abide." It signifies to remain, dwell, continue, or persist. It implies a deep, ongoing, and intentional relationship, not merely a transient visit or superficial acquaintance. For a branch to meno 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.

Practical Application

John 15:6 serves as a powerful call to self-examination and spiritual vigilance. It prompts believers to ask:

This verse is not meant to instill fear in genuine believers but to emphasize the life-giving necessity of a vibrant, continuous relationship with Jesus Christ. It underscores that salvation is not merely a one-time event but a call to ongoing communion and faithful discipleship, ensuring spiritual life and avoiding the barrenness that leads to ultimate destruction.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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