John 15:2

κλῆμα. Occurs here only (John 15:2-6) in N.T. In classical Greek it is specially used of the vine. Κλάδος (Matthew 13:32; Matthew 21:8; Matthew 24:32; Mark 4:32; Mark 13:28; Luke 13:9; Romans 11:16-21) is the smaller branch of any tree. So that κλῆμα itself, independently of the context, fixes the meaning of the allegory. Every vine-branch, every one who is by origin a Christian, if he continues such by origin only, and bears no fruit, is cut off. The allegory takes no account of the branches of other trees: neither Jews nor heathen are included. These could not be called κλήματ ἐν ἐμοῖ. Note the casus pendens in both clauses. Comp. John 6:39; John 7:38; 1 John 2:24; 1 John 2:27; Revelation 2:26; Revelation 3:12; Revelation 3:21.

καθαίρει. He cleanseth it. Mark the connexion with καθαροί in John 15:3. The play between αἴρει and καθαίρει is perhaps intentional; but cannot be reproduced in English. Καθαίρειν means freeing from excrescences and useless shoots which are a drain on the branch for nothing. The Eleven are now to be cleansed by suffering.