καρπός

From the study of John 15:2

Range of meaning

Fruit or crop. As a metaphor, the result or outcome that something produces: deeds, consequences, people won.

Against the English

'Fruit' is accurate. Modern readers sometimes narrow it to inner virtues only, on the model of Galatians 5:22.

Used elsewhere in the period

In Isaiah 5:1–7 God's vineyard, Israel, was expected to produce grapes and yielded wild ones. Psalm 80, Jeremiah 2:21 and Hosea 10:1 use the vine image for Israel. The Baptist calls for 'fruit worthy of repentance' (Matt 3:8). In John, fruit is linked to harvest and mission (4:36; 12:24; 15:16 'go and bear fruit, fruit that remains') and to love and keeping commands (15:8–12).

From the study of John 15:16

Range of meaning

Literally fruit or produce of plants. Figuratively, the outcome or result of something: deeds that show character (Matt 7:16–20), the results of work (Phil 1:22), offspring ('fruit of the womb').

Against the English

English 'fruit' keeps the image well. The risk is narrowing it to one modern application, either 'converts' or a list of personal virtues, when the chapter defines it more broadly.

How it drifted

Modern church vocabulary often hears 'bear fruit' as either 'win converts' or 'show the fruit of the Spirit' (Gal 5:22). Each captures part of it; neither is the whole picture John builds.

Used elsewhere in the period

Israel as God's vine expected to bear fruit is a standard Old Testament image: Isa 5:1–7 (God looked for grapes and found wild ones), Ps 80:8–16, Jer 2:21, Hos 10:1, Ezek 15; 19:10–14. Within John 15 itself, fruit is linked to abiding (15:4–5), glorifying the Father and proving to be disciples (15:8), keeping commands and love (15:10–12, 17). John 4:36 and 12:24 use the image of harvest or many grains from one, where people coming to life are in view.

From the study of John 15:4

Range of meaning

"To bear fruit": the normal phrase for a plant yielding a crop. Used figuratively, it means the results or outcome of a life or action, often in a moral sense (the "fruit" of righteousness, of repentance).

Against the English

English "bear fruit" keeps the picture. Modern church usage often narrows "fruit" to one thing: either converts and ministry results, or a list of inner virtues (borrowed from Galatians 5:22). John's own setting is broader.

Used elsewhere in the period

Isaiah 5:2–7: God looked for grapes, meaning justice and righteousness, and got wild grapes. John the Baptist demands "fruit worthy of repentance" (Matthew 3:8). John 12:24: the grain of wheat that dies "bears much fruit". In John 15 itself, fruit glorifies the Father and shows true discipleship (15:8). It is tied to keeping commands and loving one another (15:10–12), and to being sent out: "I appointed you to go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (15:16).