Vine (Gephen)
גֶּפֶן (gephen)
The fruit-bearing plant — symbolizing Israel, fruitfulness, and dependence on God.
Gephen is the Hebrew word for vine, one of Scripture's richest agricultural metaphors. Israel is God's vine planted and tended with care, and Jesus declares Himself the true vine in whom believers must abide to bear 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
Psalm 80:8
“Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.”Read in context
Isaiah 5:2
“And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H1612 — Vine (Gephen) (גֶּפֶן (gephen))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where גֶּפֶן (gephen) appears.
Open Strong's H1612Etymology and Original Meaning
Gephen means 'vine' — specifically the grapevine, one of the most important crops in ancient Israel. Vineyards required years of careful cultivation before producing fruit, making them symbols of long-term investment, patient care, and eventual reward. Wine — the vine's product — symbolized joy, abundance, and covenant celebration. The vine captured Israel's agricultural imagination like no other plant.
Israel as God's Vine
Multiple prophets picture Israel as God's vine: 'Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt' (Psalm 80:8). Isaiah's Song of the Vineyard (Isaiah 5:1-7) describes God's careful planting and bitter disappointment when the vine produced wild grapes instead of good fruit. The vine metaphor carries both privilege (God's tender care) and responsibility (the expectation of fruit).
Jesus, the True Vine
Jesus declared, 'I am the true vine' (John 15:1) — the fulfillment of everything Israel's vine was meant to be. Where Israel failed to produce fruit, Jesus succeeds. He is the source of life, and believers are branches who must 'abide' (remain connected) to Him. The key insight: fruitfulness comes not from effort but from connection. Apart from Christ, believers 'can do nothing' (15:5).
Abiding and Fruitfulness
Jesus' vine teaching (John 15:1-17) establishes that spiritual fruitfulness depends entirely on abiding — maintaining living connection with Christ. Branches that abide produce fruit; branches that disconnect wither. The Father is the vinedresser who prunes fruitful branches to increase productivity and removes fruitless ones. Fruitfulness is the evidence of genuine connection; it is also its natural result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the vine symbolize in the Bible?
The vine (gephen) symbolizes Israel as God's chosen people and ultimately Christ as the true vine. It represents fruitfulness through connection — branches must remain attached to the vine to produce fruit.
What does it mean to abide in Christ?
Abiding in Christ (John 15) means maintaining living, dependent connection with Him through faith, prayer, obedience, and love. It is not occasional visits but continuous dwelling — the branch drawing life from the vine moment by moment.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Vine (Gephen)"?
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 Psalm 80:8, Isaiah 5:2.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Vine (Gephen)" matter?
Gephen means 'vine' — specifically the grapevine, one of the most important crops in ancient Israel. English uses one word, "Vine (Gephen)", where the Hebrew גֶּפֶן (gephen) carries the fuller sense: the fruit-bearing plant — symbolizing israel, fruitfulness, and dependence on god.
Related Words
Related Reading
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Vine (Gephen) (גֶּפֶן (gephen))
The fruit-bearing plant — symbolizing Israel, fruitfulness, and dependence on God.
Strong's H1612 — Vine (Gephen)
גֶּפֶן (gephen) • The fruit-bearing plant — symbolizing Israel, fruitfulness, and dependence on God.
Vine (גֶּפֶן (Gephen) / ἄμπελος (Ampelos))
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Where to go next
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