John 15:1-4

John 15:1-4
Narrative Lectionary

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1 “I am the trueA vine,B and my Father is the vinegrower.C 

Notes on verse 1

A “true” = alethinos. From alethes (true, unconcealed; true because it is in concert with fact and reality – attested; literally, what cannot be hidden; truth stands up to the test and scrutiny and is undeniable, authentic); {from a (not) + lanthano (concealed, hidden, unnoticed; to shut one’s eyes to, unwittingly, unawares)}. This is literally made of truth – that which is true or real, authentic. Something that is true from its source and has integrity.
B “vine” = ampelos. 9x in NT. Perhaps from the base of amphoteros (both, all); {from amphi (around) + halon (the threshing floor where grain is rolled to separate from the chaff); {from halos (threshing floor); probably from helisso (to roll up, coil, wrap)}}. This is vine or grapevine as that which coils around.
C “vinegrower” = georgos. 19x in NT. From ge (earth, land, soil, region, country, the inhabitants of an area) + ergon (word, task, action, employment); {from ergo (to work, accomplish) or from erdo (to do)}. This is wine-dresser, farmer, someone who works the land. It is also where the name “George” comes from.

He removesD every branchE in me that bearsF no fruit.G Every branch that bears fruit he prunesH to make it bear more fruit. 

Notes on verse 2

D “removes” = airo. This is to lift up in a literal or figurative sense. So, it could mean to lift, carry, or raise. It could also imply lifting something in order to take it away or remove it. Figuratively, this can be used for raising the voice or level of suspense. It can mean sailing off as raising the anchor. It can also correspond to a Hebrew expression for atonement of sin (lift/remove sin).
E “branch” = klema. 4x in NT – all in this passage. From klao (to break, to break in pieces as one breaks bread). This is a shoot or branch as something broken off.
F “bears” = phero. This is to bear, bring, lead, or make known publicly. It is to carry in a literal or figurative sense
G “fruit” = karpos. Perhaps from harpazo (to seize by force, snatch away); from haireo (to choose, take). This is a fruit or vegetable, through sometimes it refers to an animal. Figuratively, it is deeds, results, profits, or gain.
H “prunes” = kathairo. 1x in NT. From katharos (clean, clear, pure, unstained; clean in a literal, ritual, or spiritual sense; so, also guiltless, innocent or upright; something that is pure because it has been separated from the negative substance or aspect; spiritually clean because of God’s act of purifying). This is to cleanse, purge, or prune. It is to purify by removing what is unwanted. Figuratively, it is to expiate.

You have already been cleansedI by the wordJ that I have spoken to you. AbideK in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 

Notes on verses 3-4

I “cleansed” = katharos. Related to “prunes” in v2. See note H above.
J “word” = logos. From lego (to speak, tell, mention). This is word, statement, speech, analogy. It is a word that carries an idea or expresses a thought, a saying. It could refer to a person with a message or reasoning laid out in words. By implication, this could be a topic, line of reasoning, or a motive. It can be used for a divine utterance or as Word – Christ.
K “abide” = meno. This is to stay, remain, wait, await, continue, abide, endure. It can mean to literally stay in a place or to remain in a condition or to continue with hope and expectation.


Image credit: “Scope of the master of the months, grape harvest scene, 1220-1260” from the Museo della Cattedrale in San Romano, Italy.

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