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.

JOHN 15:2KJV
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John 15:2 (KJV)

What does John 15:2 mean?

John 15:2 says that every branch connected to Jesus that does not produce fruit is removed, while every branch that does bear fruit is pruned so it can be even more fruitful. The verse uses the image of a vine and its branches to describe how God deals with people who are united with Jesus.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples shortly before his arrest, using the familiar example of a vineyard. He presents himself as the "true vine," his followers as the branches, and God as the gardener. The verse highlights both the seriousness of not bearing fruit (being taken away) and the care God takes to help fruitful followers become even more productive.

The Greek behind John 15:2

  • ἄμπελος (ampelos, "branch"): The word for "branch" here refers to a shoot or limb that is part of a vine, emphasizing the close connection between Jesus and his followers.
  • καθαίρει (kathairei, "purgeth"/"prunes"): This word means to clean or prune, suggesting that even fruitful followers undergo a process of being refined or improved by God so they can bear more fruit.
  • αἴρει (airei, "taketh away"): This word means to lift up or remove. Some readers note that it can mean either to take away or to lift up, which has led to different interpretations about whether unfruitful branches are simply removed or given another chance.

Why John 15:2 matters

  • John 15:2 clarifies that being connected to Jesus is not enough by itself; there is an expectation of visible results or "fruit" in a person's life.
  • The verse shows that even those who are already fruitful are not left alone but are lovingly refined by God for greater growth.
  • This verse sets up the rest of the chapter, where Jesus continues to explain what it means to "abide" in him and the importance of ongoing relationship and growth.

Where else these words appear

“purgeth” Greek G2508 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

“branch” Greek G2814 · used in 4 verses

  • John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
  • 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.
  • 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.

“more” Greek G4119 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
  • Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

“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;