John 15:1
What does John 15:1 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:1 means
Jesus identifies Himself as the "true vine," contrasting Himself with Old Testament Israel, which often failed to live up to its symbolic representation as God's vine. His Father is the "husbandman" or vinedresser, the one who tends and cares for the vine and its branches. This imagery establishes a direct, organic relationship between God the Father, Jesus, and believers, emphasizing God's active involvement in the spiritual fruitfulness of His people. Jesus is the sole source of spiritual life and productivity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
KJV
King James Version · 1611I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I am the true vine: and my Father is the husbandman.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Context
This verse opens the profound metaphor of the vine and the branches, coming after Jesus’ challenging discourse in John 14 about His impending departure and the promise of the Holy Spirit. It introduces a vital analogy for sustained spiritual life and discipleship in His physical absence. This imagery establishes the foundational relationship explored in the subsequent verses.
v.1This passage
v.2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 27:2
In that day: A vineyard of wine, sing ye unto it.
- John 6:32
Jesus therefore said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, It was not Moses that gave you the bread out of heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread out of heaven.
- Matthew 20:1
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.
- Jeremiah 12:10
Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
- 1 John 2:8
Again, a new commandment write I unto you, which thing is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shineth.
- John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 15
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 15.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Abiding in Christ
Key scriptures reveal what it means to abide in Christ, emphasizing our continuous connection and dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.