Vine (Ampelos)
ἄμπελος (ampelos)
A fruitful plant symbolizing connection to Christ and spiritual productivity.
Ampelos is the Greek word for vine, used by Jesus in His famous 'I am the vine' metaphor. It symbolizes the vital, life-giving connection between Christ and His followers that produces spiritual fruit.
"I 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 15:5 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 15:5
“I 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.”Read in context
Isaiah 5:7
“For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G288 — Vine (Ampelos) (ἄμπελος (ampelos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἄμπελος (ampelos) appears.
Open Strong's G288Etymology and Original Meaning
Ampelos simply means 'grapevine' — the most important cultivated plant in ancient Israel. Vineyards represented prosperity, peace, and God's blessing. A man sitting under his own vine and fig tree was the picture of security and contentment (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4). The vine required careful tending: pruning, training, and patient cultivation.
Israel as God's Vine
The Old Testament frequently pictures Israel as God's vine. God planted Israel as a choice vine (Jeremiah 2:21), tended His vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7), and expected good fruit. Tragically, the vine often produced wild, sour grapes — spiritual unfaithfulness. Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard is a poignant parable of God's investment in a people who failed to bear fruit.
Jesus, the True Vine
Jesus declared, 'I am the true vine' (John 15:1) — the vine Israel was meant to be but never fully became. Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeds. The Father is the vinedresser who prunes branches for greater fruitfulness. Believers are branches — their ability to bear fruit depends entirely on remaining connected to the vine. Apart from Christ, they can do nothing.
Abiding and Bearing Fruit
John 15 uses the word 'abide' (menō) eleven times — emphasizing continuous, intimate connection. Abiding means remaining in Christ through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and love. The result is fruit: transformed character, loving relationships, effective witness, and answered prayer (John 15:7-8). Fruitfulness is not the product of striving but of staying connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the vine represent in the Bible?
The vine represents life-giving connection. Israel was God's vine in the Old Testament. Jesus declared Himself the 'true vine' (John 15:1), and believers are branches who bear fruit by remaining connected to Him.
What does it mean to abide in the vine?
Abiding means maintaining a continuous, intimate connection with Christ through prayer, obedience, Scripture, and love. It is the source of all spiritual fruitfulness — 'without me ye can do nothing' (John 15:5).
Which Bible verse uses the word "Vine (Ampelos)"?
John 15:5 — "I 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" (KJV). It also appears in John 15:1, Isaiah 5:7.
Why does the Greek word behind "Vine (Ampelos)" matter?
Ampelos simply means 'grapevine' — the most important cultivated plant in ancient Israel. English uses one word, "Vine (Ampelos)", where the Greek ἄμπελος (ampelos) carries the fuller sense: a fruitful plant symbolizing connection to christ and spiritual productivity.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Vine (גֶּפֶן (Gephen) / ἄμπελος (Ampelos))
A metaphor for God's people and for Christ as the source of spiritual life
Vine (Ampelos) (ἄμπελος (ampelos))
A fruitful plant symbolizing connection to Christ and spiritual productivity.
Strong's G288 — Vine (Ampelos)
ἄμπελος (ampelos) • A fruitful plant symbolizing connection to Christ and spiritual productivity.
Strong's H1612 — Vine (Gephen)
גֶּפֶן (gephen) • The fruit-bearing plant — symbolizing Israel, fruitfulness, and dependence on God.
John 15:5 — Meaning & Devotional
Abiding in Christ
John 15:5 — Meaning & Devotional
Abiding in Christ
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