John Calvin Commentary John 15:1

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman." — John 15:1 (ASV)

I am the true Vine. The general meaning of this comparison is that we are, by nature, barren and dry, unless we have been grafted into Christ and draw from Him a power that is new and does not proceed from ourselves.

I have followed other commentators in translating ἄμπελος as vitis (a vine), and κλήματα as palmites (branches). Now, vitis (a vine) strictly denotes the plant itself, and not a field planted with vines, which Latin writers call vinea (a vineyard), although it is sometimes taken for vinea (a vineyard); for example, when Cicero mentions in the same breath, pauperum agellos et viticulas (the small fields and small vineyards of the poor). Palmites (branches) are what may be called the arms of the tree, which it sends out above the ground.

But as the Greek word κλῆμα sometimes denotes a vine, and ἄμπελος, a vineyard, I am more disposed to adopt the opinion that Christ compares Himself to a field planted with vines, and compares us to the plants themselves. On that point, however, I will not enter into a debate with any person; I only wish to remind the reader that he should adopt the view that appears to him to derive greater probability from the context.

First, let the reader remember the rule that should be observed in all parables: we should not examine minutely every property of the vine, but only take a general view of the object to which Christ applies that comparison. Now, there are three principal parts:

1. That we have no power of doing good except what comes from Him.
2. That we, having a root in Him, are cultivated and pruned by the Father.
3. That He removes the unfruitful branches, so that they may be thrown into the fire and burned.

Hardly anyone is ashamed to acknowledge that everything good he possesses comes from God; but, after making this acknowledgment, they imagine that universal grace has been given to them, as if it had been implanted in them by nature.

But Christ dwells principally on this: that the vital sap — that is, all life and strength — proceeds from Him alone.

Hence it follows that human nature is unfruitful and destitute of everything good, because no one has the nature of a vine until he is implanted in Him. But this is given to the elect alone by special grace.

So then, the Father is the first Author of all blessings, who plants us with His hand; but the commencement of life is in Christ, since we begin to take root in Him.

When He calls Himself the true vine, the meaning is, I am truly the vine. Therefore, people labor in vain seeking strength anywhere else, for useful fruit will proceed from none but the branches that will be produced by Me.