Matthew 7:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye shall know {G1921} them {G846} by {G575} their {G846} fruits {G2590}{G3385}. Do men gather {G4816} grapes {G4718} of {G575} thorns {G173}, or {G2228} figs {G4810} of {G575} thistles {G5146}?

Complete Jewish Bible

You will recognize them by their fruit. Can people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Berean Standard Bible

By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:16 serves as a foundational principle for spiritual discernment, particularly in evaluating the authenticity of spiritual leaders and, by extension, all who claim allegiance to Christ. Through vivid agricultural metaphors, Jesus teaches that true character and genuine faith are not revealed by outward appearances or eloquent words, but by the consistent and discernible "fruits"—the actions, conduct, and impact—that a person's life and teachings produce. The rhetorical questions underscore the inherent impossibility of good fruit arising from a corrupt source, thereby providing a clear, practical test for distinguishing between true and false spiritual realities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus's profound teachings in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Principles"), specifically within the concluding section that emphasizes the importance of obedience and discernment (Matthew 7). It immediately follows Jesus's solemn warning in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets") against "false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Verse 16 directly answers the implied question of *how* to identify these deceptive individuals, providing a practical, observable criterion. The subsequent verses ([Matthew 7:17-20](/matthew/7-17-20 "Matthew 7:17-20 - Good Trees and Bad Trees")) further elaborate on this "fruit" analogy, reinforcing the principle that a tree is known by its fruit, and bad trees cannot produce good fruit. This entire passage serves as a crucial call to spiritual vigilance before Jesus concludes the Sermon with parables about the wise and foolish builders, emphasizing the necessity of hearing and *doing* His words ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's audience in first-century Galilee and Judea would have been intimately familiar with agricultural practices. Farming, including viticulture (grape growing) and the cultivation of fig trees, was central to their agrarian society and economy. The imagery of "thorns" (ákantha) and "thistles" (tríbolos) would have immediately evoked images of wild, unproductive, and often harmful weeds that were a nuisance to farmers. Grapes and figs, conversely, were highly valued staples, representing desirable and nourishing produce. This common knowledge made the metaphor instantly relatable and powerfully illustrative. Furthermore, the concept of a "prophet" was deeply ingrained in Jewish tradition, with a long history of both true prophets delivering God's word and false prophets leading the people astray. The Old Testament frequently warned against false prophets (e.g., [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets"), [Jeremiah 14:14](/jeremiah/14-14 "Jeremiah 14:14 - False Prophets and Their Lies")), and Jesus's teaching here provides the ultimate test for distinguishing them in the new covenant era.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the Gospel of Matthew. The primary theme is **Discernment and Authenticity**, emphasizing the critical need for believers to evaluate spiritual claims and character based on tangible evidence, not mere profession or outward show. This ties into the broader theme of **True Righteousness**, which Jesus defines not by external observance but by an internal transformation that produces genuine good works ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Inherent Nature and Consistency**, asserting that one's true spiritual state will inevitably manifest in corresponding actions, much like a tree's nature is revealed by its fruit. This principle of cause and effect is crucial for understanding the ethical demands of the Kingdom of Heaven. Finally, it underscores the theme of **Accountability**, both for those who claim spiritual authority and for individual disciples, as their lives will ultimately be judged by the "fruit" they bear, leading to either commendation or condemnation ([Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** G1921. From *epi* (upon) and *ginōskō* (to know). This verb implies more than superficial acquaintance; it means "to know upon some mark," "to recognize," or "to become fully acquainted with." It suggests a knowledge gained through observation and experience, leading to full acknowledgment or perception. Here, it implies a discerning knowledge that comes from careful observation of a person's life and impact.
* **fruits (Greek, _karpós'_):** G2590. This term refers to the produce or yield of plants, literally or figuratively. In this context, it is used metaphorically to denote the observable results, actions, deeds, conduct, or character that emanate from a person's inner nature or teaching. It signifies the tangible outcomes by which one's true identity or spiritual condition can be assessed.
* **thorns (Greek, _ákantha'_):** G173. This word refers to a thorny plant or a thorn. It represents something wild, unproductive, and often harmful, incapable of bearing desirable fruit like grapes. It symbolizes a corrupt or false spiritual nature.
* **thistles (Greek, _tríbolos'_):** G5146. This term describes a thorny plant, specifically a "crow-foot" or "caltrop," known for its sharp, three-pronged burrs. Like thorns, thistles are unproductive weeds that symbolize a barren, harmful, or false spiritual source, incapable of yielding beneficial produce like figs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye shall know them by their fruits."**: This opening clause establishes the core principle of discernment. The "them" refers back to the "false prophets" of [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets"), but the principle extends to any individual claiming spiritual authority or professing faith. The method of knowing is by their "fruits," which are not merely isolated actions but the consistent pattern of their life, their character, the impact of their teachings, and the results of their ministry. This implies a need for patient observation and critical evaluation rather than hasty judgment based on superficial appearances or eloquent words.
* **"Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"**: These two rhetorical questions powerfully reinforce the preceding statement. They are designed to elicit an obvious "no" from the audience, highlighting an undeniable truth from the natural world. Grapes are never found on thorny bushes, nor figs on thistles. These questions illustrate the fundamental principle that the nature of the source determines the nature of the produce. A corrupt or false spiritual nature (represented by thorns and thistles) cannot, by its very essence, produce genuine, life-giving spiritual fruit (represented by grapes and figs). This makes the test of "fruit" an infallible indicator of authenticity.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:16 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "fruits" represent the tangible outcomes of a person's life, character, and teachings, while "thorns" and "thistles" metaphorically represent corrupt or false spiritual natures, and "grapes" and "figs" symbolize good, desirable spiritual outcomes. This agricultural imagery makes a complex spiritual truth accessible and memorable to an agrarian audience. The verse also utilizes **Rhetorical Question**, specifically "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" These questions are not posed to elicit information but to make an emphatic point by appealing to common knowledge and self-evident truth. They compel the listener to acknowledge the impossibility of good fruit from a bad source, thereby strengthening the argument for discerning by fruit. Finally, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the desirable, nourishing fruits (grapes, figs) and the undesirable, unproductive weeds (thorns, thistles), which further highlights the stark difference between true and false spiritual realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:16 is a cornerstone for understanding Christian ethics and discernment. It teaches that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent or outward religious performance, but a transformative power that produces a new nature, evidenced by consistent actions and character. This concept of "fruit" connects deeply with the biblical understanding of righteousness and the outworking of God's Spirit in a believer's life. It emphasizes that true spiritual health is always manifested in discernible ways, providing a crucial safeguard against deception and a call to authentic living.

* [Matthew 12:33](/matthew/12-33 "Matthew 12:33 - A Tree is Known by its Fruit")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [Luke 6:43-45](/luke/6-43-45 "Luke 6:43-45 - A Good Tree Bears Good Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This timeless principle from Jesus remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a vital guide for both evaluating others and for self-examination. In a world saturated with diverse voices and claims, Matthew 7:16 urges us to look beyond charismatic personalities, eloquent rhetoric, or impressive titles, and instead observe the consistent patterns of behavior, the impact of teachings, and the character revealed over time. For spiritual leaders, it means their integrity, humility, love, and adherence to biblical truth must be evident in their lives and the spiritual health of those they lead. For individual believers, it calls for a deep introspection: Does my life consistently bear the "fruit" of the Spirit? Are my actions, attitudes, and words consistent with my confession of faith in Christ? This verse challenges us to cultivate an inner life that is genuinely transformed by the Gospel, ensuring that our outward conduct authentically reflects the divine nature within.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fruits" should I look for when discerning the authenticity of a spiritual leader or teaching?**
* **How can I apply the principle of "knowing by fruits" without falling into judgmentalism or a critical spirit?**
* **What "fruits" are currently evident in my own life, and what areas might indicate a need for deeper spiritual transformation?**
* **How does understanding this verse encourage me to pursue genuine righteousness rather than mere outward conformity?**

### FAQ

**What does "fruits" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: In Matthew 7:16, "fruits" (Greek: *karpós*) is a rich metaphor that refers to the tangible, observable outcomes of a person's life, character, and teachings. It encompasses their actions, conduct, attitudes, the practical results of their ministry or influence, and the overall moral and spiritual quality of their being. It's not about isolated incidents but the consistent pattern and nature of what they produce. For a believer, this often aligns with the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") (love, joy, peace, etc.), while for a false prophet, it would be the destructive or ungodly consequences of their deception.

**Does this verse encourage us to judge others?**

Answer: This verse calls for **discernment**, not judgmentalism in the sense of condemning someone's eternal state or harboring a critical, self-righteous spirit. Jesus explicitly warns against hypocritical judgment in [Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Judging Others"). However, He also commands His followers to be wise and discerning, especially concerning those who claim to speak for God. The "fruit" test is a necessary tool for protecting the flock from spiritual harm, evaluating the authenticity of teachings, and ensuring the health of the community. It's about evaluating the *evidence* of a person's life and teaching against the standard of God's Word, not about passing ultimate judgment on their soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:16, with its emphasis on "fruits" as the true indicator of nature, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the "good tree" par excellence, whose entire life, ministry, and teachings bore nothing but perfect, life-giving fruit. From His sinless character to His miracles of healing and deliverance, to His teachings that lead to abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Good Shepherd")), Christ consistently demonstrated the fruit of perfect obedience and love for the Father. He is the true vine ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")) from whom all genuine spiritual fruit flows. Believers are called to abide in Him, for "without me ye can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in the Vine")). Thus, the "fruits" we bear as Christians are not merely our own efforts but the supernatural outworking of Christ's life within us through the power of the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")). Our ability to discern true from false, and to bear good fruit ourselves, is entirely dependent on our connection to Him, the source of all truth and life.

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

Luke 6:43

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

Luke 6:45

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

James 3:12

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so [can] no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

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 7:20

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

2 Peter 2:10

¶ But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous [are they], selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.

2 Peter 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.