John 15
The vine and the branches
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 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. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. 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. 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 ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer": fruitful branches are pruned to bear more, and fruitless ones are cut off and burned. The disciples are to remain in him as branches remain in the vine, because apart from him they can do nothing. Remaining in his love means keeping his commandments.
What does this mean?
"Husbandman" (KJV) means farmer or vine-grower. "Purgeth" (KJV) or "prunes" (WEB) translates a Greek word that also means "cleanses", which links to "clean" in verse 3. "Abide" (KJV) or "remain" (WEB) is the key word of the passage.
Historical context
Vineyards were everywhere in the land of Israel, and pruning was essential to a good harvest. In the Old Testament Israel is often pictured as God's vine or vineyard, sometimes one that bears bad fruit, as in Isaiah 5 and Psalm 80. Calling himself the "true" vine may contrast Jesus with that image.
Why does it matter?
This is the last of the seven "I am" sayings with an image. "Fruit" is not defined here, but the surrounding verses connect it with love, obedience and joy. The language of mutual indwelling (he in them, they in him) is characteristic of John.
Editorial notes, not scripture.