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)
This passage isn't just saying that bad people produce bad things. It highlights that only a fig tree can produce figs, and only a grapevine can produce grapes; the fruit is an inherent characteristic of the tree itself. This means our outward actions aren't just random choices, but an inevitable outflow of what's truly inside us.
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 wrapping up his teaching on true discipleship, which contrasts the superficial with the genuine. He's just spoken about discerning people by their actions, and this image of trees and fruit serves as a vivid illustration, emphasizing that outward behavior is a reliable indicator of one's inner reality.
Jesus uses a simple, everyday observation to highlight a profound truth about genuine character. What we produce is the ultimate indicator of what we truly are.
Jesus isn't just talking about identifying plants; he's revealing a principle for understanding people. Just as you can't expect figs from a thorny bush, you can't expect genuine goodness from a person who is inwardly corrupt.
Jesus' words here aren't just about personal character; they're also a vital warning about how to identify those who truly represent God.
This teaching is particularly crucial when considering those who claim to speak for God. Jesus warns us about 'false prophets' who come in disguise.
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Jesus uses the exact same analogy of knowing trees by their fruit, directly linking it to discerning true prophets from false ones by their actions and teachings.
Matthew 7:17This verse directly follows the fruit analogy, emphasizing that a good tree consistently produces good fruit, and a bad tree consistently produces bad fruit, highlighting the inherent nature behind the outward expression.
Luke 6:45This verse, spoken by Jesus immediately after the fruit analogy, explains the internal source of the 'fruit' – a good person brings forth good from the good treasure of their heart, and a bad person brings forth bad from their bad treasure.
Jeremiah 17:7This passage speaks about the blessedness of the one who trusts in the Lord, whose 'root' is strong and who 'will not fear in times of drought,' illustrating the deep, inner source of stability and fruitfulness that comes from faith.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage directly lists the 'fruit of the Spirit,' providing concrete examples of the good 'fruit' that flows from a life transformed by God's presence, contrasting it with the 'works of the flesh.'
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…
This passage isn't just saying that bad people produce bad things. It highlights that only a fig tree can produce figs, and only a grapevine can produce grapes; the fruit is an inherent characteristic of the tree itself. This means our outward actions aren't just random choices, but an inevitable outflow of what's truly inside us.
Jesus is wrapping up his teaching on true discipleship, which contrasts the superficial with the genuine. He's just spoken about discerning people by their actions, and this image of trees and fruit serves as a vivid illustration, emphasizing that outward behavior is a reliable indicator of one's inner reality.
Jesus is wrapping up his teaching on true discipleship, which contrasts the superficial with the genuine. He's just spoken about discerning people by their actions, and this image of trees and fruit serves as a vivid illustration, emphasizing that outward behavior is a reliable indicator of one's inner reality.
"for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush." — This passage isn't just saying that bad people produce bad things. It highlights that only a fig tree can produce figs, and only a grapevine can produce grapes; the fruit is an inherent character…
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Last reviewed October 2026