“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.
Good morning Zebras,
I recently heard a pastor say the easiest thing you can do to improve your understanding of the Bible is to read multiple translations. If you are like me you have your favorite version and that is what you tend to read but his point was that even if you don’t know Hebrew or Greek you can gain greater insight into God’s Word by reading the work of others who do.
Today’s verse, John 15:2, is the perfect example.
This is a pretty popular verse and one most of us have learned, but to be honest it is one I have always struggled with. Because of my own inability to garden the words “cut” and “prune” strike fear in my heart.
The idea of God coming after me with an electric bush trimmer cutting and hacking away at everything that does not bear fruit is disturbing.
But look how another translation says it:
John 15:2 (ISV)
He removes every branch in me that does not produce fruit, and he cleanses every branch that does produce fruit so that it might produce more fruit.
The Greek word that been translated “prunes” means, according the Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament, to cause something to become clean; to make clean
Now that I like. Cleaning involves soft cloths and nice smelling products. Cleaning involves gently removing the dirt from items that we cherish. Occasionally we may have to use a scrub brush on a particularly difficult stain, but for the most part cleaning is a gentle activity. And that fits with the context of the passage.
Jesus, as we abide in Him cleans and prunes us, not in a violent hostile manner but with loving care so that we will bear more fruit (NOT do more work) which brings glory not only to Him but to our Heavenly Father.
Love,
Jill
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