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.

JOHN 15:16KJV
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John 15:16 (KJV)

What does John 15:16 mean?

John 15:16 means that Jesus is telling his disciples they did not choose him on their own, but rather, he chose and appointed them for a purpose: to go out, produce lasting results ("fruit"), and have a relationship with God where their prayers in Jesus’ name are answered. The verse highlights Jesus’ initiative and the ongoing purpose he gives to his followers.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to his closest followers during his final teachings before his arrest. He emphasizes that their role as his disciples is not by their own doing, but because he selected them for a mission. The “fruit” refers to the lasting impact of their lives and actions, and Jesus connects this calling with a promise that God the Father will respond to their requests made in Jesus’ name.

The Greek behind John 15:16

  • ἐξελεξάμην (exelexamēn, “I have chosen”): This word stresses that Jesus took the initiative in choosing the disciples, not the other way around. It carries the sense of a deliberate, purposeful selection.
  • ἔθηκα (ethēka, “ordained” or “appointed”): This Greek word means to set in place or assign a role. Jesus is saying he has given them a specific task or position, not just chosen them in a general sense.
  • καρπός (karpos, “fruit”): In this context, “fruit” often refers to the results or outcomes of a person’s life—such as good deeds, character, or influence—that are meant to last.
  • μένῃ (menē, “remain”): This word means to stay, continue, or endure. Jesus is emphasizing that the results of the disciples’ work are meant to be lasting, not temporary.

Why John 15:16 matters

  • John 15:16 clears up the idea that following Jesus is based on human initiative; instead, it highlights Jesus’ active role in choosing and sending his followers.
  • The verse connects the disciples’ mission (“bearing fruit”) with prayer, showing that their effectiveness comes from a relationship with God through Jesus.
  • This verse ties into the larger theme of John 15, where Jesus talks about abiding in him and bearing fruit, making it clear that lasting impact comes from being rooted in him and his purpose.

Where else these words appear

“have” Greek G1586 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
  • John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

“fruit” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Mark 12:2 And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard.
  • Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

“forth” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

“ask” Greek G154 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
  • Mark 15:8 And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.
  • Acts 3:2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;