G'day

I'd like to ask your opinion on an aspect of viticulture.

Bruce Wilkenson, a well-known christian writer, wrote a book called
"Secrets of the Vine" in which he attempts to explain some statements
made by Jesus Christ shortly before his death. Jesus was comparing
something (possibly his followers or alternatively his people) with a
vine. Jesus said:

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every
branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear
fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."

The original passage is written in old Greek. Ironically, the Greek
word for "cut off" can also mean "lift up". Mr Wilkonson claims that
most English translations of the text incorrectly translates this word
as "cut off" but that in reality it should be translated as "lift up".
This is his rationale:

An American winegrower told him that when a branch does not bear fruit
(grapes) it is often because it fell off the frame or wire. This
branch gets less sun and gathers more dust. The winegrower then
"lifts up" the branch, ties it back to the frame or wire, and cleans
the leaves of the dust. He does not cut it off. Mr Wilkenson
believes that Jesus' statement referred to this action of lifting and
cleaning, and not to the act of cutting off.

What are your comments on this? Do you (or winegrowers in your area)
cut off branches that don't bear fruit? Is the lifting a common
practice? How often is not bearing fruit the result of a fallen
branch? Is such lifting also practiced (or relevant) to
non-trellissed vineyards? Does anyone know when the trellissing of
vines was first invented or practice and whether it could probably
have been common practice in the Middle-East or old Europe two
thousand years ago?

Any other comments appreciated. Also, if you're willing, please tell
me your location.

Thanks in advance.
Samuel Murray
Johannesburg, South Africa