2814. kléma

Lexicon

kléma: Branch

Original Word: κλῆμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: kléma
Pronunciation: KLAY-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (kaly'-mah)
Definition: Branch
Meaning: a branch, shoot, twig.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

branch.

From klao; a limb or shoot (as if broken off) -- branch.

see GREEK klao

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from klaó
Definition
a vine branch
NASB Translation
branch (3), branches (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2814: κλῆμα

κλῆμα, κληματος, τό (from κλάω, which see), equivalent to κλάδος, a tender and flexible branch; specifically, the shoot or branch of a vine, a vine-sprout: John 15:2-6 (so Aristophanes eccles. 1031; Aeschines in Ctesias (), p. 77, 2; Theophrastus, h. pl. 4, 13, 5; ἀμπέλου κλῆμα, Plato, rep. i., p. 353 a.; the Sept., Ezekiel 15:2; Ezekiel 17:6; Joel 1:7).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb κλάω (klaō), meaning "to break" or "to break off."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κλῆμα, the concept of branches in a vine can be related to Hebrew terms such as זְמוֹרָה (zemorah), meaning "branch" or "vine branch," as seen in passages like Ezekiel 15:2. This term similarly conveys the idea of a branch as part of a larger plant, often used metaphorically in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe Israel's relationship with God.

Usage: The term κλῆμα is used in the New Testament to describe branches, specifically in the context of a vine and its branches. It is metaphorically used to illustrate the relationship between Jesus and His followers.

Context: The Greek word κλῆμα appears in the New Testament primarily in the context of viticulture, the cultivation of grapevines. It is most notably used in John 15:1-6, where Jesus employs the imagery of a vine and its branches to convey spiritual truths about the relationship between Himself and His disciples. In this passage, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that bears no fruit, He takes away; and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:1-2, BSB).

The metaphor of the vine and branches emphasizes the necessity of remaining connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit. The branches (κλῆμα) represent believers who must abide in Christ, the source of life and sustenance. The passage underscores the importance of spiritual union with Christ, as branches cannot bear fruit by themselves unless they remain in the vine. This imagery highlights themes of dependence, growth, and the consequences of separation from Christ.

The use of κλῆμα in this context reflects the agricultural practices of the time, where vine cultivation was common, and the care of the branches was essential for a fruitful harvest. The pruning process mentioned in the passage symbolizes the divine discipline and guidance that believers undergo to enhance their spiritual productivity.

Forms and Transliterations

κλημα κλήμα κλῆμα κληματα κλήματα κλήματά κληματίδας κληματίς κλημάτων klema klêma klēma klē̂ma klemata klēmata klḗmata

Englishman's Concordance

John 15:2 N-ANS
GRK: πᾶν κλῆμα ἐν ἐμοὶ
NAS: Every branch in Me that does not bear
KJV: Every branch in me
INT: Every branch in me

John 15:4 N-NNS
GRK: καθὼς τὸ κλῆμα οὐ δύναται
NAS: Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot
KJV: you. As the branch cannot bear
INT: As the branch not is able

John 15:5 N-NNP
GRK: ὑμεῖς τὰ κλήματα ὁ μένων
NAS: the vine, you are the branches; he who abides
KJV: ye [are] the branches: He that abideth
INT: you [are] the branches He that abides

John 15:6 N-NNS
GRK: ὡς τὸ κλῆμα καὶ ἐξηράνθη
NAS: away as a branch and dries
KJV: forth as a branch, and is withered;
INT: as the branch and is dried up

Strong's Greek 2814
4 Occurrences

κλῆμα — 3 Occ.
κλήματα — 1 Occ.