Dictionary of Biblical Words:
This word is figuratively used of Christ (Zech. 3:8), of Israel (Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:17), the king of Babylon (Satan) (Isa. 14:19), the righteous (Prov. 11:28), and outward disciples of Christ, both true and false (John 15). The figure in John denotes profession, an outward relationship on earth conditional on fruit bearing, not union with Christ (which is in heaven, where there is neither pruning nor purging). The “branch” may or may not have eternal life, the proof on earth is the fruit. In Rom. 11 The figure is used dispensationally as to Jew and Gentile, the former being cut off, and the latter grafted in, who will, however, in their turn be cut off if they continue not in God’s goodness.
Concise Bible Dictionary:
A title of the Lord Jesus, which He will bear in connection with Israel in the future (Isa. 4:2; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; Zech. 6:12-13). In two of the passages the words “unto David” are added, which coincides with the Lord Jesus being the “offspring” (which is a similar word to “branch”) as well as the “root” of David. He will be a “righteous Branch and a King.” He will “build [or advance in honor] the temple of Jehovah; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both” (Compare Psa. 85 and 87). It is a description of the Lord Jesus in the millennium.