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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/3-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/40_Mat_03_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 3:8 - The Mission of John the Baptist" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad8.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" 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/3-7.htm" title="Matthew 3:7">◄</a> Matthew 3:8 <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm" title="Matthew 3:9">►</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/3.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/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So produce fruit that is consistent with repentance [demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart, and a conscious decision to turn away from sin];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do something to show you have really given up your sins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do those things that prove you have turned to God and have changed the way you think and act.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Produce fruit that is consistent with repentance! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit that proves your repentance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore let your lives prove your change of heart;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear, therefore, fruits worthy of conversion,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> bear, therefore, fruits worthy of the reformation,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Do ye therefore fruit worthy of repentance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of penance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, produce fruit worthy of repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear fruit worthy of repentance.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruits which are worthy of repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Produce therefore fruit that is fitting of repentance.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Bring forth, therefore, fruit worthy of repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Produce then worthy fruits of repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Let your actions then show your repentance:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore let your lives prove your change of heart;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Produce, therefore, fruit worthy of repentance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Bring forth therefore fruits becoming: penitents: and do not say within your selves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/3-8.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=510" 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/3.htm">The Mission of John the Baptist</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsate (V-AMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">Produce</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpon (N-AMS) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit,</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/514.htm" title="514: axion (Adj-AMS) -- Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.">in keeping with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3341.htm" title="3341: metanoias (N-GFS) -- From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).">repentance.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.…<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="/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8</a></span><br />Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20</a></span><br />First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-17.htm">James 2:17</a></span><br />So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-26.htm">James 2:26</a></span><br />As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.<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="/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="/titus/3-8.htm">Titus 3:8</a></span><br />This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-7.htm">1 John 3:7</a></span><br />Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-17</a></span><br />Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-31</a></span><br />Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. / Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-3.htm">Jeremiah 7:3-5</a></span><br />Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel: Correct your ways and deeds, and I will let you live in this place. / Do not trust in deceptive words, saying: ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ / For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:</p><p class="hdg">forth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/21-28.htm">Matthew 21:28-30,32</a></b></br> But what think ye? A <i>certain</i> man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16,17</a></b></br> Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/3-8.htm">Luke 3:8,10-14</a></b></br> Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to <i>our</i> father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham… </p><p class="hdg">fruits.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22,23</a></b></br> But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/5-9.htm">Ephesians 5:9</a></b></br> (For the fruit of the Spirit <i>is</i> in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/philippians/1-11.htm">Philippians 1:11</a></b></br> Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.</p><p class="hdg">meet, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/7-3.htm">Jeremiah 7:3-7</a></b></br> Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/26-13.htm">Jeremiah 26:13</a></b></br> Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/36-3.htm">Jeremiah 36:3</a></b></br> It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/1-23.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/psalms/93-5.htm">Befits</a> <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Change</a> <a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/malachi/3-11.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/malachi/3-11.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/malachi/4-6.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-3.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-12.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Reformation</a> <a href="/hosea/13-14.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/haggai/2-17.htm">Works</a> <a href="/jeremiah/26-16.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/16-2.htm">Befits</a> <a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Change</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/matthew/16-11.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/matthew/8-34.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Reformation</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Repentance</a> <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Works</a> <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Worthy</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">John preaches: his office, life, and baptism.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/3-7.htm">He reprimands the Pharisees,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/3-13.htm">and baptizes Jesus in Jordan.</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/3.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/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Produce fruit</b><br>The concept of producing fruit is a common biblical metaphor for demonstrating the results of one's faith and actions. In the context of <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8</a>, it refers to the visible evidence of a transformed life. This metaphor is used throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/john/15-5.htm">John 15:5</a>, where Jesus speaks of being the vine and His followers the branches, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him to bear fruit. The idea is that true faith will naturally result in good works and righteous living, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, which lists the fruits of the Spirit. The imagery of fruit also connects to the agricultural society of ancient Israel, where the health and productivity of a tree were vital for survival.<p><b>then</b><br>The word "then" serves as a logical connector, indicating a response or consequence. It suggests that the action of producing fruit is a necessary outcome of a preceding condition, which in this case is repentance. This implies that repentance is not merely an internal or emotional experience but must lead to tangible changes in behavior and character. The use of "then" underscores the expectation of a sequential relationship between repentance and the evidence of that repentance.<p><b>in keeping with repentance</b><br>Repentance, in the biblical sense, involves a complete change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and toward God. It is more than just feeling sorry for one's sins; it requires a commitment to change and align one's life with God's will. This phrase emphasizes that the fruit produced must be consistent with the nature of true repentance. In the historical and cultural context of John the Baptist's ministry, this call to repentance was a preparation for the coming of the Messiah, urging people to demonstrate their readiness for the Kingdom of God. The call to produce fruit in keeping with repentance is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20</a>, where Paul speaks of performing deeds consistent with repentance. This highlights the ongoing nature of repentance as a lifestyle, not a one-time event.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and baptism in the Jordan River. He is the speaker in this verse, addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_sadducees.htm">Pharisees and Sadducees</a></b><br>Religious leaders of the time who came to John's baptism. They are often depicted as hypocritical and resistant to true repentance.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jordan_river.htm">Jordan River</a></b><br>The location where John the Baptist conducted his ministry of baptism, symbolizing purification and repentance.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a></b><br>A central theme in John's message, calling for a change of heart and mind, turning away from sin and towards God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/f/fruit.htm">Fruit</a></b><br>Symbolic of the visible evidence of a transformed life that aligns with genuine repentance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/true_repentance_is_evidential.htm">True Repentance is Evidential</a></b><br>Repentance is not merely a verbal declaration but must be accompanied by a change in behavior and actions that reflect a transformed heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_heart_in_repentance.htm">The Role of the Heart in Repentance</a></b><br>Genuine repentance begins in the heart, leading to a sincere turning away from sin and towards God, resulting in visible fruit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_self-examination.htm">The Importance of Self-Examination</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to regularly examine their lives to ensure that their actions align with their professed repentance and faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_as_an_ongoing_process.htm">Repentance as an Ongoing Process</a></b><br>Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual process of aligning one's life with God's will, producing ongoing fruit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a></b><br>Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping individuals to live out their repentance and produce fruit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_fruit_of_repentance.htm">What is producing fruit in line with repentance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_means_'god_cannot_deny_himself'.htm">What is producing fruit in line with repentance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'struck_down'_mean.htm">Is your heart truly repentant, beyond outward appearances?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_put_others_first.htm">What did John mean by 'Repent, Kingdom of Heaven near'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">Fruits</span> <span class= "bld">(better, <span class= "ital">fruit</span>) meet for repentance.</span>--The English version is ambiguous and not happy, suggesting the thought of the "fruit" as preparing the way for repentance. The thought is, however, "by coming to the baptism you profess repentance; bring forth, therefore, fruit <span class= "ital">worthy of repentance--i.e.,</span> of a changed heart and will."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Bring forth therefore</span> (<span class="accented">vide supra</span>) <span class="accented">fruits</span>; <span class="accented">fruit</span> (Revised Version). The plural is due to a false reading taken from the parallel passage of Luke - it regards the various graces of a good life as so many different fruits (<a href="/matthew/21-43.htm">Matthew 21:43</a>); the singular, as one product from one source (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a>). The term used here (<span class="greek">ποιεῖν καρπόν</span>), and frequently, lays more stress on the effort involved than <span class="greek">διδόναι καρπόν</span>, simple "yielding" (<a href="/matthew/8-8.htm">Matthew 8:8</a>), or <span class="greek">φέρειν</span>, "bearing" in the course of nature (<a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Matthew 7:18</a>; <a href="/mark/4-8.htm">Mark 4:8</a>; <a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4, 5, 8, 16</a>). The preacher requires a repentance which produces results. <span class="cmt_word">Meet for</span> (cf. <a href="/acts/26-20.htm">Acts 26:20</a>). Though strictly meaning "suitable to" ("answering to," Authorized Version margin; cf. Tyndale, 'be-longyng to"), the phrase might to-day be understood as "suitable to produce." John really means that true repentance has fruit which belongs to its proper nature, and which is alone "worthy of" it (Revised Version). <span class="cmt_word">Repentance</span> (<span class="greek">τῆς μετανοίας</span>). The article is either generic (Authorized Version and Revised Version; cf. <a href="/acts/11-18.htm">Acts 11:18</a> and probably Acts 26:20); or equivalent to "your" (Revised Version margin). If the latter, the following sentence shows that it is still said in good faith. (For repentance, cf. ver. 1, note.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/3-8.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">Produce</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιήσατε</span> <span class="translit">(poiēsate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fruit</span><br /><span class="grk">καρπὸν</span> <span class="translit">(karpon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<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">worthy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄξιον</span> <span class="translit">(axion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_514.htm">Strong's 514: </a> </span><span class="str2">Worthy, worthy of, deserving, comparable, suitable. Probably from ago; deserving, comparable or suitable.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of repentance.</span><br /><span class="grk">μετανοίας</span> <span class="translit">(metanoias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3341.htm">Strong's 3341: </a> </span><span class="str2">From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/3-8.htm">Matthew 3:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 3:8 Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance! (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 3:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>