John 15:2

Every branch The word for -branch" in these six verses occurs here only in N.T., and in classical Greek is specially used of the vine. The word used in the other Gospels (Matthew 13:32; Matthew 21:8; Matthew 24:32; Mark 4:32; Mark 13:28; Luke 13:9), and in Romans 11:16-21, is of the same origin (from -to break") but of more general meaning, the smaller branch of any tree. So that the very word used, independently of the context, fixes the meaning of the allegory. It is every vine-branch, i.e. every one who is by origin a Christian. If they continue such by origin only, and give forth no fruit, they are cut off. The allegory takes no account of the branches of other trees: neither Jews nor heathen are included. Christ would not have called them branches -in Me."

he taketh away Literally, He taketh it away; in both clauses we have a nominativus pendens.

he purgeth it Better, He cleanseth it, in order to bring out the connexion with -ye are clean" (John 15:3). The Greek words rendered -purgeth" and -clean" are from the same root. There is also a similarity of soundbetween the Greek words for -taketh away" and -cleanseth," like -bear and forbear" in English (aireiand kathairei). This may be intentional, but it cannot be reproduced in translation. By cleansing is meant freeing from excrescences and useless shoots which are a drain on the branch for nothing. The eleven were now to be cleansed by suffering.

bring forth Better, as before, bear.