Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 15:2

"Every 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." — John 15:2 (ASV)

A third emphasis is on pruning. Two aspects are noted: the removal of dead wood and the trimming of live wood so that its potential for fruitbearing will be improved. Pruning is necessary for any vine. Dead wood is worse than fruitlessness, for dead wood can harbor disease and decay. An untrimmed vine will develop long rambling branches that produce little fruit because most of the strength of the vine is given to growing wood. The gardener is concerned that the vine be healthy and productive. This caring process is a picture of God’s dealings with humans. He removes the dead wood from his church and disciplines the lives of believers so that they are directed into fruitful activity.