John 15:8
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Original Language Analysis
ἐδοξάσθη
glorified
G1392
ἐδοξάσθη
glorified
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
3 of 14
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατήρ
Father
G3962
πατήρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
5 of 14
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
πολὺν
much
G4183
πολὺν
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
9 of 14
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
φέρητε
ye bear
G5342
φέρητε
ye bear
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
10 of 14
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
καὶ
so
G2532
καὶ
so
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 8:31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;Matthew 5:16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.John 13:35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Isaiah 60:21Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.1 Corinthians 10:31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.1 Corinthians 6:20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words during the Last Supper discourse (John 13-17), after Judas departed but before Gethsemane. The vine imagery would resonate deeply with the disciples—Israel was frequently called God's vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:8-16), yet it failed to bear fruit. Jesus is now the true Vine, establishing a new covenant community whose fruitfulness glorifies the Father.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'fruit' in your life—love, obedience, righteousness, evangelism—gives evidence of abiding in Christ?
- How does understanding that God is glorified by your fruitfulness change your motivation for spiritual growth?
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Analysis & Commentary
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit (ἐν τούτῳ ἐδοξάσθη ὁ πατήρ μου)—The Father's glory is manifested through the fruitfulness of Christ's disciples. The aorist passive edoxasthē points to completed glorification already achieved through Jesus's obedience, yet continuing through disciples who abide in the Vine. Much fruit (καρπὸν πολύν) intensifies the earlier mention of 'fruit' (v.2) and 'more fruit' (v.5)—progressive sanctification is the evidence and aim of genuine discipleship.
So shall ye be my disciples (καὶ γένησθε ἐμοὶ μαθηταί)—The future subjunctive genēsthe doesn't mean 'become disciples for the first time' but 'prove yourselves to be' or 'show yourselves as' disciples. Fruitfulness isn't what makes one a disciple (that's grace through faith), but it's the authenticating mark. This echoes Jesus's teaching that true discipleship is verified by fruit (Matthew 7:16-20), by love (John 13:35), and by obedience (John 8:31).