Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 15:3

"Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you." — John 15:3 (ASV)

“Clean” (GK 2754) recalls Jesus’ statement to the disciples at the footwashing (13:10), where he singled out Judas as one who was not clean. “Clean” should not be equated with “perfect” but with sincere devotion that unites others to Jesus as branches are united to the vine. Judas was an example of a branch that was cut off.

The means by which pruning or cleaning is done is the Word of God. It condemns sin; it inspires holiness; it promotes growth. As Jesus applies the words God gave him to the lives of the disciples, they undergo a pruning process that removes evil from them and conditions them for further service.