John 15:3
What does John 15:3 mean?
A plain-English look at John 15:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 15:3 means
Jesus declares that His disciples are already "clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you." This cleansing is not a reference to future pruning for greater fruitfulness, but an immediate spiritual purification and setting apart through His teaching and their acceptance of it. It signifies their ready state for further instruction and for bearing fruit, having been made holy by His truth. This highlights the transformative power of Jesus' words in the lives of His followers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You are clean, even now, through the teaching which I have given you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862already ye are clean, because of the word that I have spoken to you;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now you are clean, by reason of the word which I have spoken to you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Ye are already clean by reason of the word which I have spoken to you.
Context
Following the discussion of the Father's pruning work on fruitful branches, Jesus reassures His disciples of their present spiritual state. This verse bridges the idea of divine cleansing with the practical command to abide in Him, directly addressed in the next verses. It affirms their current position of grace before moving to the responsibility of continued connection.
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.
v.3This passage
v.4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:
- Ephesians 5:26
that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,
- John 13:10
Jesus saith to him, He that is bathed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
- John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.
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.