John 15.1-8 Translations and Notes (RCL 5th Sunday of Easter Year B)

Grapes at Greek Orthodox Church, Capernaum, Israel

I continue sharing a comparison of English translations of the Gospel texts for the upcoming Sunday. This coming Sunday (2 May 2021, RCL 5th Sunday of Easter) the text is John 15.1-8. As is common with John, once again a 'spiraling' effect of repetition that does progress to new insights. Some things to keep in mind with this text:

• What does Jesus mean exactly by "bearing (abundant) fruit"?
• What is meant by the unfruitful branches being "pruned, trimmed, cleaned up"?
  
• What does it mean to "abide in, remain, stay connected with" Jesus?
• In what way can verse 7 actually be true?

Translations and Notes John 15.1-8