κλῆμα
a branch, shoot
Definition
κλῆμα (klēma) refers specifically to a branch or shoot of a vine, particularly one that is bearing fruit. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in John 15:2-6 within Jesus' allegory of the True Vine. Here, a κλῆμα is not just any branch but one that is organically connected to the main vine (Jesus) and is intended to bear fruit. The word emphasizes the dependent, life-sustaining connection between the branch and the vine, as a branch cut off from the vine withers and is burned (John 15:6).
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 15:2, 15:4, 15:5, and 15:6. All occurrences are within Jesus' 'I am the True Vine' discourse. The usage is entirely metaphorical, describing the relationship between Jesus (the vine) and his disciples (the branches). The context focuses on abiding, fruitfulness, and the consequences of separation.
Etymology
Derived from the verb κλάω (klaō, G2806), meaning 'to break off.' Thus, a κλῆμα is fundamentally something broken or cut off, like a shoot or slip taken for grafting. This root meaning subtly underscores the branch's origin from and dependence on the main plant.
Semantic Range
This word is central to the theology of union with Christ and spiritual fruitfulness. It vividly illustrates the doctrine that the believer's spiritual life and productivity are entirely dependent on a living, abiding connection to Jesus. Understanding κλῆμα enriches reading by highlighting that disciples are not just followers but are organically united to Christ; apart from this vital connection, they can do nothing (John 15:5).
In an agrarian society familiar with viticulture, a 'klēma' was a well-understood concept. Vine branches were not seen as independent entities but as completely reliant on the vine for nourishment and life. This cultural understanding makes Jesus' metaphor immediately powerful, contrasting with a modern, more abstract idea of 'connection.'
κλάδος (klados, G2798) — a general term for a branch or bough of any tree, not specifically a vine branch.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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