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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - John 15:2 - 15:2
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2. κλῆμα. Occurs here only (Joh 15:2-6) in N.T. In classical Greek it is specially used of the vine. Κλάδος (Mat 13:32; Mat 21:8; Mat 24:32; Mar 4:32; Mar 13:28; Luk 13:9; Rom 11:16-21) is the smaller branch of any tree. So that κλῆμα itself, independently of the context, fixes the meaning of the allegory. Every vine-branch, every one who is by origin a Christian, if he continues such by origin only, and bears no fruit, is cut off. The allegory takes no account of the branches of other trees: neither Jews nor heathen are included. These could not be called κλήματ ἐν ἐμοῖ. Note the casus pendens in both clauses. Comp. Joh 6:39, Joh 7:38; 1Jn 2:24; 1Jn 2:27; Rev 2:26; Rev 3:12; Rev 3:21.
καθαίρει. He cleanseth it. Mark the connexion with καθαροί in Joh 15:3. The play between αἴρει and καθαίρει is perhaps intentional; but cannot be reproduced in English. Καθαίρειν means freeing from excrescences and useless shoots which are a drain on the branch for nothing. The Eleven are now to be cleansed by suffering.