dominant in v. 9.5 Borig has developed vv. 1–10 as a unit, partly on the basis of chiastic structures in vv. 9–10 and 4b–5.6 But the verb menein first appears as an imperative in v. 4, and recurs in various forms across vv. 1–11 (see v. 4 [three times], v. 5, v. 6, v. 7 [twice], v. 9, v. 10 [twice]).7 The metaphor is not an end in itself but serves as a vehicle to articulate the importance of abiding. To abide means to bear fruit and to live in the love of Jesus (see vv. 4a, 5, 7, 9, 10); not to