John 15:1–4: “I am the true vineyard, and my Father is the vinegrower.2Every vine in me that doesn’t bear fruit—he takes it away. And every vine that does bear [fruit]—he cleans [= prunes] it in order that it may bear more fruit. 3You’re already clean because of the word that I’ve spoken to you. 4Abide in me, and I [will abide] in you. Just as the vine can’t bear fruit on its own, [that is, just as it can’t bear fruit] unless it abides in the vineyard, so neither can you [bear fruit] if you don’t abide in me.” Traditionally, translations of this passage speak of a vine and its branches rather than of a vineyard and its vines. By the time John wrote, however, the words for a vine and its branches had come also and commonly to mean a vineyard and its vines. And since “cleans” means “prunes,” it makes better viticultural sense to settle for a vineyard and its vines. For you prune a vine by cutting off its nonbearing branches. You don’t prune branches by cutting off their twigs. 1 Column Content Background Color White Ali...