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frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/7-19.htm" title="Matthew 7:19">◄</a> Matthew 7:20 <a href="/matthew/7-21.htm" title="Matthew 7:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then surely by their fruits you will recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore by their fruits you will know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, you will know them by their fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220So then, you will know them by their fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“So then, you will know them by their fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So then, you will know them by their fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So you&#8217ll recognize them by their fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You can tell who the false prophets are by their deeds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So you will know them by what they produce.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So by their fruit you will know them."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then, you will recognize them by their fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So by their fruits at any rate, you will easily recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore by their fruits you will know them. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />therefore from their fruits you will know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then surely by their fruits you will recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> therefore from their fruits ye shall know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore from their fruits shall ye know them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So by their fruits you will know them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Thus you will know them by their fruits.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus by their fruits you will know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Therefore by their fruit you will know them.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, by their fruits you shall know them.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Therefore you shall know them perfectly by their fruits.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Well then! by their fruits ye shall know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />by their fruits then shall ye know them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />So by their fruits at any rate, you will easily recognize them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>So then, from their fruits ye shall know them.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>So then by their fruits ye will know them.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/7-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1674" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">A Tree and its Fruit</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/686.htm" title="686: ara¦ge (Prtcl) -- Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.">So then,</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpōn (N-GMP) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit</a> <a href="/greek/1921.htm" title="1921: epignōsesthe (V-FIM-2P) -- From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.">you will recognize</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a></span><br />But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-12.htm">James 3:12</a></span><br />My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-43.htm">Luke 6:43-45</a></span><br />No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. / For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. / The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a></span><br />Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-8.htm">John 15:8</a></span><br />This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33</a></span><br />Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Romans 6:21-22</a></span><br />What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death. / But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-10.htm">Colossians 1:10</a></span><br />so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Ephesians 5:9</a></span><br />for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Philippians 1:11</a></span><br />filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-30.htm">Proverbs 11:30</a></span><br />The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-1.htm">Isaiah 5:1-7</a></span><br />I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-10.htm">Jeremiah 17:10</a></span><br />I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-26.htm">Ezekiel 36:26-27</a></span><br />I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a></span><br />He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why by their fruits you shall know them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16</a></b></br> Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38</a></b></br> And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/matthew/7-19.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-24.htm">Rate</a> <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-8.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Easily</a> <a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/21-34.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/luke/11-8.htm">Rate</a> <a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/matthew/9-4.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Do Not Judge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Ask, Seek, Knock</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Enter through the Narrow Gate</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">A Tree and Its Fruit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">The Wise and the Foolish Builders</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So then</b><br>This phrase serves as a conclusion or summary of the preceding teachings. In the context of <a href="/matthew/7.htm">Matthew 7</a>, Jesus has been discussing the discernment of true and false prophets. The phrase "So then" indicates a logical conclusion drawn from the previous verses, emphasizing the importance of understanding and applying His teachings. This is a common rhetorical device used in biblical literature to draw attention to a key point.<p><b>by their fruit</b><br>The metaphor of "fruit" is frequently used in the Bible to symbolize the visible outcomes or results of a person's life and actions. In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, fruit was a tangible measure of a tree's health and productivity. Similarly, in a spiritual sense, the "fruit" refers to the character and deeds that result from one's inner spiritual condition. This concept is echoed in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, where the "fruit of the Spirit" is described as love, joy, peace, and other virtues. The imagery of fruit is also used in <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5-8</a>, where Jesus speaks of abiding in Him to bear much fruit, indicating a life connected to Christ will naturally produce good works.<p><b>you will recognize them</b><br>Recognition implies discernment and judgment. Jesus is instructing His followers to evaluate the authenticity of prophets and teachers by examining their actions and the outcomes of their lives. This is not merely a superficial assessment but a deep, spiritual discernment that requires wisdom and understanding. The ability to recognize true from false is a theme throughout Scripture, as seen in 1 <a href="/john/4.htm">John 4:1</a>, which advises believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This discernment is crucial for maintaining the purity and truth of the Christian faith, as false teachings can lead believers astray.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples_and_followers.htm">Disciples and Followers</a></b><br>The immediate audience of Jesus' teachings, representing all who seek to follow Him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_prophets.htm">False Prophets</a></b><br>The implicit subject of Jesus' warning, those who claim to speak for God but whose actions betray their true nature.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_of_beatitudes.htm">Mount of Beatitudes</a></b><br>The traditional location where the Sermon on the Mount was delivered, symbolizing a place of divine teaching.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a></b><br>A significant event in Jesus' ministry, encompassing teachings on righteousness, ethics, and the Kingdom of Heaven.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_through_observation.htm">Discernment through Observation</a></b><br>Jesus teaches that true character is revealed through actions. Believers are called to discern the authenticity of others' faith by observing their "fruit."<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_faith.htm">The Nature of True Faith</a></b><br>Genuine faith in Christ will naturally produce good fruit. This is a call for self-examination to ensure our lives reflect our professed beliefs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/warning_against_deception.htm">Warning Against Deception</a></b><br>Jesus warns against false prophets, emphasizing the need for vigilance and discernment in spiritual matters.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a></b><br>The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. Believers should seek to cultivate these attributes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_christian_living.htm">Consistency in Christian Living</a></b><br>Our actions should consistently reflect our identity in Christ. This consistency is a powerful testimony to the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_planned_parenthood_offer.htm">What does 'You Will Know Them by Their Fruit' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'know_them_by_their_fruit'.htm">What does "You Will Know Them by Their Fruit" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_faith_measured.htm">How is faith measured?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_identify_'false_prophets'.htm">In Matthew 7:15, how do we reliably identify “false prophets,” and why has this led to so much division throughout church history? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Ye shall know them.</span>--As before, in <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm" title="You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?">Matthew 7:16</a>, the word is one which implies knowledge that is full, clear, decisive--such as that to which St. Paul looks forward in the life to come (<a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm" title="For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.">1Corinthians 13:12</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - (Ver. 16, note.) <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them</span>. <span class="accented">Wherefore</span> (<span class="greek">ἄραγε</span>). Ver. 16<span class="accented">a</span> is restated, but now in "rigorous logical inference" (Winer, § 53:8. a) from vers. 16<span class="accented">b</span> - 18. Since it is a certainty that fruit is the result of inner nature, you shall from these men's fruits fully learn their true character. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/7-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So then,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄρα¦γε</span> <span class="translit">(ara¦ge)</span><br /><span class="parse">Particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_686.htm">Strong's 686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπὸ</span> <span class="translit">(apo)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> </span><span class="str2">From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῶν</span> <span class="translit">(autōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fruit</span><br /><span class="grk">καρπῶν</span> <span class="translit">(karpōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2590.htm">Strong's 2590: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will recognize</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπιγνώσεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(epignōsesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1921.htm">Strong's 1921: </a> </span><span class="str2">From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτούς</span> <span class="translit">(autous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/7-20.htm">Matthew 7:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/7-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 7:20 Therefore by their fruits you will know (Matt. 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