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Matthew 7:17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
<!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 7:17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/40_Mat_07_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 7:17 - A Tree and its Fruit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />In the same way every good tree produces good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a rotten tree produces bad fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Just so every good tree produces good fruit, but a poisonous tree produces bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />So every good tree yields good fruits, but the bad tree yields evil fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So every good tree bears good fruits, but <i>the</i> rotten tree bears bad fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so every good tree doth yield good fruits, but the bad tree doth yield evil fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />So every good tree makes good fruits; but the rotten tree makes evil fruits.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So then, every good tree produces good fruit, and the evil tree produces evil fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So every good tree bears good fruits; but a bad tree bears bad fruits.<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 />So every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />So every good tree produces goodly fruit: but an unsound tree produces diseased fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>So every good tree produces good fruits; and a corrupt tree produces evil fruits.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />So every good tree beareth good fruits; but every bad tree in kind, produceth bad fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />or figs of thistles? so every good tree yields good fruit: but a corrupt tree yields bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Just so every good tree produces good fruit, but a poisonous tree produces bad fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>So every good tree bears good fruit, but the worthless tree bears evil fruit.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>so every good tree yieldeth good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces bad fruit:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/7-17.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=1655" 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">16</span>By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">Likewise,</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">every</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathon (Adj-NNS) -- A primary word; good.">good</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-NNS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">bears</a> <a href="/greek/2570.htm" title="2570: kalous (Adj-AMP) -- Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.">good</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpous (N-AMP) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/4550.htm" title="4550: sapron (Adj-NNS) -- Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless.">a bad</a> <a href="/greek/1186.htm" title="1186: dendron (N-NNS) -- A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.">tree</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">bears</a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: ponērous (Adj-AMP) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">bad</a> <a href="/greek/2590.htm" title="2590: karpous (N-AMP) -- Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.">fruit.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">18</span>A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.…<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/6-43.htm">Luke 6:43-44</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.<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="/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="/romans/7-4.htm">Romans 7:4</a></span><br />Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.<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="/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="/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="/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/5-2.htm">Isaiah 5:2</a></span><br />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!<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="/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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/14-8.htm">Hosea 14:8</a></span><br />O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.</p><p class="hdg">every.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a></b></br> And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/92-13.htm">Psalm 92:13,14</a></b></br> Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-3.htm">Isaiah 5:3-5</a></b></br> And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard… </p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33-35</a></b></br> Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by <i>his</i> fruit… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jude/1-12.htm">Jude 1:12</a></b></br> These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds <i>they are</i> without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/joel/2-22.htm">Bears</a> <a href="/matthew/6-20.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/5-26.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/matthew/7-8.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/nahum/1-12.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/hosea/10-4.htm">Poisonous</a> <a href="/haggai/1-11.htm">Produces</a> <a href="/matthew/6-23.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Worthless</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-12.htm">Yield</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/matthew/13-23.htm">Bears</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Corrupt</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Fruit</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Gives</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Good</a> <a href="/matthew/18-35.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Poisonous</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Produces</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Sound</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Tree</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Worthless</a> <a href="/matthew/7-18.htm">Yield</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the natural order and expectation that a healthy tree will produce quality fruit. In biblical context, trees often symbolize people or nations (<a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/17-8.htm">Jeremiah 17:8</a>). The imagery of a tree bearing fruit is used to illustrate the visible evidence of one's inner spiritual condition. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching about the importance of genuine righteousness, contrasting it with mere outward appearances. The "good tree" represents a person whose heart and actions align with God's will, producing the "fruit of the Spirit" (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where fruitfulness is a sign of God's blessing and favor (<a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a>, <a href="/deuteronomy/28-4.htm">Deuteronomy 28:4</a>).<p><b>but a bad tree bears bad fruit</b><br>Here, the "bad tree" symbolizes individuals or groups whose inner corruption leads to negative outcomes. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme that actions reveal the true nature of one's heart (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>, <a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33-35</a>). In the cultural context of Jesus' time, agriculture was a common livelihood, making this metaphor relatable and understandable to His audience. The distinction between good and bad trees serves as a warning against false prophets and teachers, who may appear righteous but ultimately lead others astray (<a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15-16</a>). This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes discernment and the need for true repentance and transformation (<a href="/ezekiel/18-30.htm">Ezekiel 18:30-32</a>, <a href="/john/15.htm">John 15:1-8</a>).<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 those who seek to live according to His words.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mountainside.htm">Mountainside</a></b><br>The setting of the Sermon on the Mount, symbolizing a place of revelation and divine teaching.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_character.htm">Discernment of Character</a></b><br>Just as trees are known by their fruit, so are people known by their actions and character. Evaluate the fruit in your life and others' lives to discern true character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/importance_of_spiritual_roots.htm">Importance of Spiritual Roots</a></b><br>A good tree requires healthy roots. Similarly, a strong spiritual foundation in Christ is essential for producing good fruit. Invest in your relationship with God through prayer, study, and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation through Christ</a></b><br>The transformation from a "bad tree" to a "good tree" is possible through Christ. Embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit to change your heart and actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_christian_living.htm">Consistency in Christian Living</a></b><br>Bearing good fruit is a continuous process. Strive for consistency in your walk with Christ, ensuring that your actions align with your faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/accountability_and_growth.htm">Accountability and Growth</a></b><br>Engage in community and accountability with fellow believers to encourage growth and fruitfulness in your spiritual journey.<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_fruit_does_your_life_produce.htm">What fruit does your life produce?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_infidelity_breaking_marriage_vows.htm">What fruit does your life produce?</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/what_does_'bearing_fruit'_mean.htm">What does "bearing fruit" mean?</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>(17, 18) <span class= "bld">Even so every good tree. . . .</span>--The two verses state nearly the same fact, but each presents a different aspect. First it is stated as a matter of practical experience, then the general fact is referred to a necessary law. If the tree is corrupt, <span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> rotten or decayed at the core, it cannot bring forth good fruit. If there is falseness in the teaching, or in the man, it will sooner or later show itself in his life, and then, even though we judge of the doctrine on other ground, we should cease to feel confidence in the guidance of the teacher.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - Matthew only. <span class="cmt_word">Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit</span>. The similarity between the fruit and the nature of the tree extends not only to the species, but also to the specimen. <span class="accented">Good tree</span> (<span class="greek">δένδρον</span> <span class="greek">ἀγαθόν</span>); intrinsically sound. <span class="accented">Good fruit</span> (<span class="greek">καρποὺς καλούς</span>); attractive in the eyes of men. As is the inner character of the tree, so is the obvious nature of the fruit. <span class="accented">But a corrupt tree</span> (<span class="greek">τὸ δὲ σαπρὸν δένδρον</span>); "the" picturing it. <span class="accented">Corrupt</span>; unsound, rotten, worthless (cf. <a href="/matthew/13-48.htm">Matthew 13:48</a>); also in the moral world (<a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/7-17.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">Likewise,</span><br /><span class="grk">οὕτως</span> <span class="translit">(houtōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">every</span><br /><span class="grk">πᾶν</span> <span class="translit">(pan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀγαθὸν</span> <span class="translit">(agathon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_18.htm">Strong's 18: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary word; 'good'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tree</span><br /><span class="grk">δένδρον</span> <span class="translit">(dendron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bears</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(poiei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<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">good</span><br /><span class="grk">καλοὺς</span> <span class="translit">(kalous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2570.htm">Strong's 2570: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fruit,</span><br /><span class="grk">καρποὺς</span> <span class="translit">(karpous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a bad</span><br /><span class="grk">σαπρὸν</span> <span class="translit">(sapron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4550.htm">Strong's 4550: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rotten, useless, corrupt, depraved. From sepo; rotten, i.e. Worthless.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tree</span><br /><span class="grk">δένδρον</span> <span class="translit">(dendron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1186.htm">Strong's 1186: </a> </span><span class="str2">A tree. Probably from drus; a tree.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bears</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(poiei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<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">bad</span><br /><span class="grk">πονηροὺς</span> <span class="translit">(ponērous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">fruit.</span><br /><span class="grk">καρποὺς</span> <span class="translit">(karpous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree produces good (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/7-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 7:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/7-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 7:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:18" /></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>