I am: See study note on 6:35. The vine and the vineyard have traditionally represented God’s people. He "plants and tends" them in Israel (Psalm 80:8–18; Isaiah 5:1–7; Jeremiah 2:21; 12:10–11; Ezekiel 15:1–5; Hosea 10:1–2). When Jesus used this image, he made an important change. He declared that he is the true vine and that a relationship with God requires attachment to him.