Luke 6:43

KJV

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} a good {G2570} tree {G1186} bringeth {G2076}{G4160} not {G3756} forth {G4160} corrupt {G4550} fruit {G2590}; neither {G3761} doth {G4160} a corrupt {G4550} tree {G1186} bring forth {G4160} good {G2570} fruit {G2590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For no good tree produces bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.

American Standard Version

For there is no good tree that bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor again a corrupt tree that bringeth forth good fruit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:43 presents a foundational teaching from Jesus, employing a vivid agricultural metaphor to illustrate the inseparable connection between one's inner character and outward conduct. It asserts that just as a tree's inherent nature determines the quality of its fruit, so too a person's true spiritual disposition will inevitably manifest in their actions, words, and overall life, making authenticity and integrity paramount.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:17-49), Luke's counterpart to Matthew's Sermon on the Mount. Immediately preceding it, Jesus delivers challenging instructions on love for enemies, turning the other cheek, and, critically, the command not to judge (Luke 6:27-42). The metaphor of the tree and its fruit then serves as a practical guide for discernment, clarifying how one can recognize true character without falling into judgmentalism. It transitions seamlessly into the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Luke 6:46-49), emphasizing that hearing Jesus' words must lead to obedience, which is the ultimate "fruit" of genuine discipleship. This passage parallels the similar teaching found in [Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17-20 "Matthew 7:17-20 - You Will Recognize Them by Their Fruits"), where Jesus uses the same imagery to warn against false prophets.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The agricultural imagery of trees and fruit would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience, who were largely agrarian. Trees were vital for sustenance (food, timber) and their fruit was a primary indicator of their health, type, and value. A fig tree was expected to produce figs, and a good fig tree, good figs. Conversely, a diseased or wild tree would yield poor or inedible fruit. This common understanding made the metaphor immediately accessible and powerful. In ancient Israel, the quality of one's harvest was often seen as a reflection of divine blessing or judgment, further emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of "fruit." The concept of a tree's nature determining its fruit was a self-evident truth, providing a simple yet profound illustration for a complex spiritual reality.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:43 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Jesus' teaching. First, it underscores **Authenticity and Integrity**, teaching that genuine character cannot be hidden; what a person truly is on the inside will inevitably be revealed in their outward behavior. Second, it provides a principle for **Discernment by Deeds**, offering a clear criterion for evaluating spiritual sincerity—not by superficial appearances or mere words, but by the consistent pattern of one's life. This helps believers to [discern true teachers from false ones](/matthew/7-15-16 "Matthew 7:15-16 - Beware of False Prophets"), as also highlighted in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - False Prophets and Their Fruits"). Third, the verse emphasizes **The Heart's Influence**, pointing to the inner disposition as the source of all actions. Just as a tree's nature determines its fruit, so a person's heart determines their conduct. This idea is powerfully articulated in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - The Good and Evil Treasures of the Heart"), where Jesus states that "out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Greek, _kalós'_):** This term signifies that which is intrinsically excellent, beautiful, and morally good. It implies a quality that is not merely useful but also admirable and honorable. In contrast to _agathos_ (which denotes intrinsic goodness), _kalós_ often emphasizes external beauty, fitness, or moral excellence, suggesting a quality that is evident and commendable. A "good tree" is one whose very nature is sound and whose produce reflects that inherent excellence.
* **Tree (Greek, _déndron'_):** Literally referring to a woody plant, "tree" serves as the central metaphor for a person or their character. Just as a tree has an inherent nature and root system that determines its species and the type of fruit it can bear, so a person's inner being—their heart, values, and spiritual condition—is the fundamental determinant of their outward expressions.
* **Corrupt (Greek, _saprós'_):** This word means "rotten," "decayed," "worthless," or "unfit for use or consumption." It conveys a strong sense of deterioration and uselessness. Applied to fruit, it means inedible; applied to a tree, it means diseased or unproductive of anything valuable. The stark contrast between _kalós_ (good) and _saprós_ (corrupt/rotten) fruit underscores the absolute distinction Jesus is making between truly righteous character and that which is spiritually unsound or morally decayed.
* **Fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to pluck," refers to the produce of a plant. Figuratively, and most importantly here, it represents the results, consequences, or manifestations of one's life, actions, words, and spiritual state. It encompasses not just individual deeds but the consistent pattern and overall impact of a person's character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit":** This clause establishes the first part of the immutable law Jesus is presenting. A "good tree," representing a person whose inner character is righteous, sound, and aligned with God's will, cannot consistently produce "corrupt fruit"—actions, words, or attitudes that are morally decayed, worthless, or contrary to righteousness. The nature of the tree dictates the nature of its produce; genuine goodness within will not yield consistent bad results.
* **"neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.":** This second clause reinforces the principle from the opposite perspective. A "corrupt tree," symbolizing a person whose inner being is spiritually unsound, depraved, or hypocritical, is inherently incapable of producing "good fruit"—actions, words, or character that are truly excellent, morally pure, or pleasing to God. While such a person might occasionally perform outwardly "good" deeds, the consistent pattern and underlying motivation will reveal the corrupt nature of the "tree."

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Luke 6:43 is **Metaphor**. Jesus uses the familiar agricultural reality of a tree and its fruit to represent the abstract spiritual truth about a person's character and their actions. The tree stands metaphorically for the inner person, their heart, and their spiritual condition, while the fruit symbolizes their outward conduct, words, and the tangible results of their life. This metaphor makes a profound theological concept accessible and memorable. Additionally, **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of "good tree" with "corrupt fruit" and "corrupt tree" with "good fruit," highlighting the impossibility of such contradictory outcomes. This sharp contrast emphasizes the absolute nature of the principle being taught. Finally, the verse exhibits **Parallelism** through its balanced structure, presenting two antithetical statements that reinforce the same core idea from opposing angles, thereby strengthening the impact and clarity of the teaching.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of Luke 6:43 lies in its profound statement about the source of human action and the nature of spiritual authenticity. It teaches that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but stems from an internal transformation of the heart. Our actions are not isolated incidents but organic expressions of who we truly are. This verse challenges any superficial understanding of faith, asserting that genuine discipleship must manifest in a life that consistently bears "good fruit," reflecting a heart renewed by God. It also provides a divine principle for discernment, allowing believers to evaluate the authenticity of others, not by judging their motives (which only God can do), but by observing the consistent pattern of their "fruit."

* [Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17-20 "Matthew 7:17-20 - You Will Recognize Them by Your Fruits")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [James 3:11-12](/james/3-11-12 "James 3:11-12 - Can a Spring Produce Both Fresh and Salt Water?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:43 serves as a powerful call to both introspective self-examination and discerning observation of the world around us. For the believer, it prompts a vital question: What kind of fruit am I producing? Are my actions, words, and character consistently reflecting the transforming power of Christ within me, or do they betray a heart that is still "corrupt" in areas? This verse challenges us to move beyond mere outward religiosity to cultivate a genuine inner life rooted in Christ, understanding that true change begins in the heart and naturally flows outward. It encourages us to prioritize spiritual formation over superficial performance, recognizing that a truly "good tree" is cultivated through abiding in the True Vine. In our interactions with others, while we are strictly commanded not to judge motives or condemn, this principle offers a framework for wise discernment, especially concerning those who claim spiritual authority or allegiance to Christ. The consistent pattern of their lives – their "fruit" – becomes the most reliable indicator of their true spiritual standing, allowing us to identify genuine faith and expose hypocrisy, not for condemnation, but for the protection of the flock and the integrity of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fruit" in your life (actions, words, attitudes) do you see as evidence of your inner spiritual condition?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be producing "corrupt fruit," and what might that reveal about the underlying condition of your heart?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to focus on inner transformation rather than just outward behavior?**
* **How can you apply the principle of "fruit" discernment in your relationships without falling into judgmentalism?**

### FAQ
**Does "corrupt fruit" mean someone is not a Christian?**

Answer: Not necessarily in every isolated instance, but it points to a fundamental issue with the "tree" or the inner character. Jesus' teaching here is about consistency and the nature of the source. While Christians can and do sin, producing "bad fruit" at times, the overall trajectory and consistent pattern of a genuinely "good tree" (a true believer) will be one of producing "good fruit" through the work of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). A "corrupt tree" implies a nature that is fundamentally opposed to God or is unregenerate, and therefore cannot consistently produce truly good fruit. It's about the inherent nature and consistent output, not an occasional lapse.

**How does this teaching relate to Jesus' command not to judge others in Luke 6:37?**

Answer: This verse, [Luke 6:43](/luke/6-43 "Luke 6:43 - The Tree and Its Fruit"), does not contradict the command not to judge ([Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Do Not Judge")). Instead, it provides a means of discernment. Jesus forbids a judgmental, condemning spirit that seeks to find fault or usurp God's role as ultimate judge. However, He also equips His followers to wisely discern the authenticity of others, especially those claiming spiritual authority, by observing their consistent "fruit" (see also [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - You Will Recognize Them by Your Fruits")). This is not judging motives, but evaluating demonstrable patterns of behavior and their alignment with God's character. It's about recognizing what kind of tree someone is by the fruit they consistently bear, allowing for wise choices in relationships and leadership, rather than condemning their eternal state.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:43 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself. Jesus is the perfect "good tree" who consistently bore "good fruit" throughout His earthly ministry. He is the only one whose inner character was perfectly aligned with God's will, and whose every action, word, and deed perfectly reflected that divine nature. His life was the embodiment of the "good fruit" of love, righteousness, and truth. Furthermore, Jesus reveals Himself as the [True Vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - I Am the True Vine") in [John 15](/john/15 "John 15 - Abiding in the Vine"), declaring that His disciples are branches who must abide in Him to bear "much fruit." This highlights that while we are called to bear good fruit, our ability to do so does not originate from our own inherent goodness but from our vital union with Christ. He is the source of all spiritual life and the power by which we can produce fruit pleasing to God. Our transformation from "corrupt trees" (due to our fallen nature, as described in [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10-12 "Romans 3:10-12 - None Is Righteous")) into "good trees" capable of bearing "good fruit" is entirely a work of His grace, through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans 8:9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit of Christ Dwells in You")). Thus, Luke 6:43 points us to Christ as the standard, the enabler, and the very life-source of all true spiritual fruit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 2:21

Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

Matthew 7:16

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 7:20

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Matthew 12:33

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 [his] fruit.

Matthew 3:10

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Psalms 92:12

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Psalms 92:14

They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;