John 15:4
ESV
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
NIV
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
NASB
Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself but must remain in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me.
CSB
Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.
NLT
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
KJV
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
NKJV
Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
What does John 15:4 mean?
John uses the concept of "abiding" in Christ in slightly different ways, but always includes the idea of someone who expresses saving faith and "holds fast" to that belief (Hebrews 4:14; 10:23). Mostly, as in this case, emphasis is on those who submit to Christ's power to enable their spiritual lives. That implies obedience (John 14:15; 15:10) and perseverance (Hebrews 2:1). For a person to be spiritually fruitful, they first must be connected to the source of life: Jesus, the True Vine.To move from barrenness, to spiritual fruit, to "much fruit," Christians must lovingly obey Christ (John 15:9–10). The more intimately we are connected to our spiritual Life-giver, the more effective and productive we will be. It's crucial to note that none of these references are about material wealth, success, reputation, or ease. The fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22 speaks of our attitudes and behaviors, not our bank accounts and accolades.
