The Identity and Outcome of the Branches in John 15:1-6

Historically, scholars have interpreted John 15:1–6 by translating the term αἴρω in verse 2 as ‘cut off’ or “removed” and viewing the harvest and fire imagery in verse 6 as a reference to eternal judgement. This paper challenges that reading by applying Conceptual Blending Metaphor and Allusion Theory to engage the text from a literary and historical perspective. It argues that αἴρω should be translated as ‘lifted up,’ identifying Peter and the disciples as the narrative referent of the unfruitful branches and that eternal judgement is not in view in verse 6. This argument is developed by situating the text within its OT allusions, examining the characterization of the disciples and Judas Iscariot, analyzing how “in me” functions in the text, and comparing the fire imagery in verse 6 with the synoptic judgement imagery with how judgement functions in John.