“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is highlighting that outward actions (the "fruit") are an inevitable indicator of the inner reality, not just a possible one. He's saying it's impossible for a truly good person to consistently produce bad results, or for a genuinely bad person to consistently produce good ones; the very nature of the "tree" determines its fruit.
“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just spoken about judging others, warning against hypocrisy. Immediately following this, he uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to illustrate that genuine character, whether good or bad, will always be revealed by its actions. A truly good person, like a good tree, cannot help but produce good, and a bad person, like a bad tree, will always produce bad.
Ever wonder why some people seem to consistently do good, while others struggle? Jesus uses a simple, natural image to reveal a deep truth about our inner selves.
Jesus states a clear, unbreakable principle: 'For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit.' This isn't just about plants; it's a powerful metaphor for human character.
The Inseparable Connection
This means our actions, words, and attitudes are not random. They are the natural outflow of who we are at our core. What we produce on the outside is a direct reflection of the state of our inner
How can we truly know what's in someone's heart? Jesus points to something undeniable, something that can't be faked or hidden for long.
Jesus uses the agricultural reality that the type of fruit tells you the type of tree. You can't mistake an apple for a thornbush once the fruit appears. This same certainty applies to discerning people and their intentions.
Knowing by What Appears
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Jesus isn't asking us to guess. He's telling us to observe the consistent patterns of behavior and speech. This is how we can discern true character, whether in ourselves or in others.
Understand the original words
karpos · Greek Noun
That which is produced or yielded; the outward expression or consequence of one's internal nature. Biblically, fruit represents the visible evidence—whether righteous or sinful—of an individual's spiritual state.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching, explaining that people will be known by their 'fruits,' reinforcing the idea that true nature will always reveal itself through actions and character.
Matthew 7:17This verse expands on the tree and fruit analogy, specifically stating that 'every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit,' which is a direct echo of the principle taught in Luke.
Galatians 5:19-23This passage contrasts the 'works of the flesh' with the 'fruit of the Spirit,' showing how the inner nature (like a tree) produces outward manifestations (fruits) that are distinctly identifiable as either harmful or beneficial.
Jeremiah 17:7-8This Old Testament passage speaks of the blessedness of trusting in the Lord and describes such a person as being like a tree planted by water, consistently producing fruit and flourishing, illustrating the inherent productivity of a right inner state.
Romans 6:22This verse describes the outcome of being set free from sin and becoming servants of God, stating that the 'fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life,' highlighting the positive and purifying result of a transformed nature.
calvinLuke 6:43-45: "For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
- But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16. From their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17. So every good tree yields good fruits, and a rotten tree yields bad fruits. 18. A good tree cannot yield evil fruits, nor can a rotten tree yield good fruits. 19. Every tre…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
Jesus is highlighting that outward actions (the "fruit") are an inevitable indicator of the inner reality, not just a possible one. He's saying it's impossible for a truly good person to consistently produce bad results, or for a genuinely bad person to consistently produce good ones; the very nature of the "tree" determines its fruit.
Jesus has just spoken about judging others, warning against hypocrisy. Immediately following this, he uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to illustrate that genuine character, whether good or bad, will always be revealed by its actions. A truly good person, like a good tree, cannot help but produce good, and a bad person, like a bad tree, will always produce bad.
Jesus has just spoken about judging others, warning against hypocrisy. Immediately following this, he uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to illustrate that genuine character, whether good or bad, will always be revealed by its actions. A truly good person, like a good tree, cannot help but produce good, and a bad person, like a bad tree, will always produce bad.
"“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush." — Jesus is highlighting that outward actions (the "fruit") are an inevitable indicator of the inner reality, not just a possible one. He's saying it's impossible for a truly good person to consistent…
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Last reviewed October 2026