Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 15:6

"If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." — John 15:6 (ASV)

Failure to maintain a vital connection brings its own penalty—rejection and uselessness. Since the Greek text literally reads “the branch,” there may be a reference here to Judas Iscariot (cf. 17:12). In any case, Jesus intends to show that fruitfulness is normal for believers. An absolutely fruitless life is prima facie evidence that one is not a believer. Jesus leaves no place among his followers for fruitless disciples. The only option for such people is to be thrown away and burned.