You are already cleanThis phrase is spoken by Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper, a significant moment in the Gospel of John. The concept of being "clean" is rooted in Jewish purification rituals, which were essential for maintaining ceremonial purity. In the context of Jesus' ministry, being "clean" signifies spiritual purity and readiness to serve God. This statement follows Jesus' teaching on the vine and branches, emphasizing the disciples' connection to Him. The cleansing here is not through ritual but through the transformative power of Jesus' presence and teaching.
because of the word
The "word" refers to the teachings and revelations Jesus has imparted to His disciples. In the Gospel of John, the "word" is a central theme, beginning with the declaration that Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). This highlights the power of Jesus' teachings to purify and sanctify believers. The word of Christ is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and minds, setting apart His followers for God's purposes.
I have spoken to you
Jesus emphasizes the personal nature of His relationship with the disciples. The words He has spoken are not just general teachings but direct communications to those who follow Him. This personal interaction underscores the intimate relationship between Jesus and His disciples, a relationship that is foundational for their spiritual growth and mission. The spoken word of Jesus is authoritative and life-giving, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah who would teach and guide His people (Isaiah 61:1-2).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples during the Last Supper, imparting crucial teachings before His crucifixion.
2.
The DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' words, representing all believers who follow His teachings.
3.
The Last SupperThe setting of this discourse, a significant event where Jesus shares His final teachings and establishes the New Covenant through the breaking of bread and sharing of wine.
Teaching Points
The Power of the WordJesus emphasizes that His word has the power to cleanse and purify. Believers should immerse themselves in Scripture to experience spiritual renewal and growth.
Spiritual CleansingThe concept of being "clean" is not about physical cleanliness but spiritual purity. Regular engagement with God's word helps maintain this purity.
Abiding in ChristThis verse is part of a larger discourse on abiding in Christ. To remain spiritually clean, believers must stay connected to Jesus through His word.
The Role of ObedienceObedience to Jesus' teachings is crucial for spiritual cleanliness. Believers are called to not only hear the word but also to live it out in their daily lives.
Assurance of SalvationJesus assures His disciples of their cleanliness, providing comfort and confidence in their salvation. Believers can rest in the assurance that they are cleansed by His word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of John 15:3?
2.How does John 15:3 emphasize the importance of Jesus' words in our lives?
3.In what ways can we remain "clean" through Jesus' teachings today?
4.How does John 15:3 connect with Ephesians 5:26 about being cleansed by the Word?
5.What practical steps can we take to internalize Jesus' words daily?
6.How can John 15:3 inspire us to prioritize Scripture in our spiritual growth?
7.How does John 15:3 relate to the concept of spiritual cleansing through God's word?
8.What historical context influenced the message of John 15:3?
9.How does John 15:3 support the authority of Scripture in a believer's life?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 15?
11.Are you already clean?
12.How do branches remain fruitful in the vine?
13.Are you already clean?
14.What does "washing of water by the word" mean?What Does John 15:3 Mean
You– Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples, the eleven who remained after Judas departed (John 13:10–11).
– By extension, this “you” embraces every believer united to Christ (Romans 8:1;1 Peter 2:9).
– The personal address underscores relationship, not mere religion—He knows His own by name (John 10:3).
are already– The cleansing Jesus announces is a present, completed fact, not a future possibility (Romans 5:1;1 John 3:2).
– Salvation is settled at the moment of faith; abiding fruit comes afterward (Ephesians 2:8-10).
– This certainty steadies the heart in seasons of pruning that immediately follow in the passage (John 15:2).
clean– “Clean” points to full forgiveness and inner purity, something only God can provide (Psalm 51:7;Titus 3:5).
– In Christ, sin’s stain is washed away (1 Corinthians 6:11;Hebrews 10:22).
– The disciples still needed their feet washed (daily confession and growth,John 13:14), but their standing before God was already pure.
because of the word– The agent of cleansing is the word Jesus had spoken; His message carries divine power (Ephesians 5:26;James 1:21).
– That spoken word revealed who He is, called for faith, and imparted life to those who believed (John 5:24; 17:17).
– Regular exposure to Scripture continues to wash the believer’s mind, aligning thoughts and desires with God’s will (Psalm 119:9).
I have spoken to you– The emphasis is on Jesus’ own voice. He does not delegate cleansing to tradition or ritual but accomplishes it personally (Hebrews 1:2;John 6:63).
– His words are Spirit and life, and they remain active every time we open the Bible (Hebrews 4:12).
– Listening to Him is the ongoing posture of discipleship, the root of abiding (Revelation 3:20).
summaryJohn 15:3 assures true followers that they stand forgiven and purified right now, solely through the life-giving words of Christ they have received. This settled cleansing frees us to abide, bear fruit, and endure pruning, confident that our relationship with the Vine is secure and sustained by His living Word.
(3)
Now ye are clean.--Better,
Already are ye clean. The pronoun is emphatic. "Already are ye, as distinct from others who will become clean in the future." (Comp. Note on
John 13:10.)
Through the word which I have spoken unto you.--Better,on account of the word which I have spoken unto you. The word was the revelation of God to them, and by reason of its moral power they had been cleansed. We are not to limit the reference toJohn 13:10, but are to understand it of our Lord's whole teaching. (SeeJohn 5:24;John 8:31-32;John 12:48;John 17:10; and comp. Note onEphesians 5:26.) . . .
Verse 3. -
Now ye are clean - pruned, purged, cleansed, of the Divine Owner -
by reason of the word (
λόγον)
which I have spoken to you. The Father has been operating this cleansing process upon you by the whole of the
ῤήματά (see Ver. 7), which are gathered together into one mighty, quick, and active
Logos. As we find in
Hebrews 4:12, the Word is sharper than a two-edged sword, and capable of dealing summarily with "thoughts and intents of the heart." Augustine, on this passage, admits that it is the
Logos which gives all its value to the water of baptism. "This purifying, sanctifying process has been performed upon you," says Christ. Then since "he who sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all of one," this continuance remains as the gracious possibility. The vital sap proceeds from Christ alone, and not from our corrupted nature, which must be grafted into his life and become part of him. Many may seem to be a part of Christ, to be sacramentally or outwardly united to him, and even to be drawing some real advantages from the contact, and yet their end is fruitlessness, rottenness, removal, fire. The branches which bear fruit never bring forth all they might produce, never realize their ideal. The pruning, cleansing process must pass over every soul, that it may more adequately fulfill its destiny. The cleansing, searching power of the Word will be freely exercised by the Divine Husbandman.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Youὑμεῖς(hymeis)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.areἐστε(este)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.alreadyἤδη(ēdē)Adverb
Strong's 2235:Already; now at length, now after all this waiting. Apparently from e and de; even now.cleanκαθαροί(katharoi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2513:Clean.because ofδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.theτὸν(ton)Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wordλόγον(logon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056:From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.I have spokenλελάληκα(lelalēka)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.to you.ὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.
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NT Gospels: John 15:3 You are already pruned clean because (Jhn Jo Jn)