Matthew 7:17

KJV

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even so {G3779} every {G3956} good {G18} tree {G1186} bringeth forth {G4160} good {G2570} fruit {G2590}; but {G1161} a corrupt {G4550} tree {G1186} bringeth forth {G4160} evil {G4190} fruit {G2590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, every healthy tree produces good fruit, but a poor tree produces bad fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

American Standard Version

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:17, a pivotal declaration within Jesus's [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "The Sermon on the Mount"), articulates a profound principle for spiritual discernment: the intrinsic nature of a person or teaching is inevitably revealed by its consistent outcomes or "fruit." This verse serves as a crucial guide for evaluating authenticity, asserting that genuine goodness produces beneficial results, while corruption yields harmful ones, thereby providing a clear, observable standard for identifying true spiritual character versus deceit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic section of the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5-7"), specifically within Jesus's warnings against false prophets and the call to genuine discipleship. Immediately preceding [Matthew 7:17](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17 - Good and Corrupt Trees"), Jesus states in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets"), "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He then follows with the direct criterion in [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits"), "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Thus, [Matthew 7:17](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17 - Good and Corrupt Trees") functions as an explanatory reinforcement of this principle, elaborating on *how* one knows them by their fruits—good trees produce good fruit, and corrupt trees produce evil fruit. It is part of a larger discourse on the nature of true righteousness that extends through [Matthew 7:20](/matthew/7-20 "Matthew 7:20 - By Their Fruits You Will Know Them"), culminating in the call to obey Jesus's words (cf. [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "The Wise and Foolish Builders")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's audience lived in an agrarian society where the analogy of trees and their fruit was readily understood and deeply resonant. Farmers knew intimately that the quality of the harvest directly reflected the health and nature of the tree. One would never expect grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles (cf. [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "You Will Know Them by Their Fruits")). This common agricultural knowledge provided a powerful, intuitive metaphor for spiritual truth. Furthermore, in a religious landscape populated by various teachers, scribes, and emerging movements, the ability to discern authentic spiritual authority from deceptive imitations was paramount. Jesus's teaching offered a practical, observable method for evaluation that cut through superficial appearances, focusing instead on the tangible outcomes of a person's life and ministry.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 7:17](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17 - Good and Corrupt Trees") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. **Discernment** is a primary theme, equipping believers with a practical tool to evaluate spiritual leaders, teachings, and even their own spiritual condition. It emphasizes looking beyond outward show to the consistent, observable results. Closely related is the theme of **Authenticity and Character**, highlighting the inseparable link between one's inner nature and outward actions. A genuinely transformed heart, rooted in Christ, will naturally produce righteous "fruit," whereas a corrupt heart will inevitably yield "evil fruit." This reinforces the idea that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative power that manifests in one's life. Finally, the verse underscores the **Inescapable Truth** that character dictates conduct, an unchangeable spiritual law akin to natural law. Just as a specific tree type consistently produces its own kind of fruit, so too does a person's spiritual disposition consistently produce corresponding actions, echoing the principle found in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh") that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Greek, _agathós'_):** (G18) This word denotes intrinsic goodness, something that is inherently good in its nature, beneficial, and morally excellent. It speaks to the fundamental quality of the tree itself, suggesting a healthy, sound, and morally upright foundation from which good fruit naturally springs.
* **corrupt (Greek, _saprós'_):** (G4550) Meaning "rotten, decayed, worthless, or unfit for use," this term stands in stark contrast to _agathós_. It describes a tree that is diseased, decaying, or fundamentally unsound, rendering its produce useless or even harmful. Spiritually, it points to a character or teaching that is morally degenerate, spiritually unsound, or leading to decay rather than life.
* **fruit (Greek, _karpós'_):** (G2590) This word refers to the literal produce of a plant, but here it is used figuratively to denote the outcomes, results, or consistent actions that proceed from a person or teaching. It encompasses not just isolated deeds but the overall impact, character, and spiritual harvest of a life or ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit":** This clause establishes the foundational principle. The phrase "Even so" (G3779, _hoútō_) indicates a direct parallel to the preceding statement in [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits"), emphasizing that the same natural law applies spiritually. A "good tree" (referring to a person with genuine, righteous character or a teaching rooted in divine truth) will inevitably and consistently "bring forth good fruit" (produce actions, results, and influences that are beneficial, righteous, and aligned with God's will). The nature of the tree determines the quality of its yield.
* **"but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.":** This contrasting clause reinforces the principle by presenting the inverse. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé_) introduces the antithesis. A "corrupt tree" (representing a person with a morally decayed or spiritually unsound character, or a teaching that is false and deceptive) will, by its very nature, "bring forth evil fruit" (produce actions, results, and influences that are harmful, unrighteous, and contrary to God's will). This highlights the inescapable consequence of an unrighteous foundation, where outward manifestations betray the inner corruption.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Analogy**, where Jesus draws a direct comparison between the natural world (trees and their fruit) and the spiritual realm (people/teachings and their outcomes). This makes the abstract concept of spiritual discernment tangible and easily graspable for an agrarian audience. Building on this, the entire statement functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where the "tree" represents a person's character, heart, or a teacher's doctrine, and "fruit" symbolizes their actions, words, influence, and the ultimate results of their life or ministry. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by juxtaposing "good tree" with "corrupt tree" and "good fruit" with "evil fruit." This stark opposition highlights the binary nature of spiritual reality—there is no middle ground; one either produces good or evil, revealing their true nature. This contrast serves to sharpen the call for discernment and authenticity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:17 is more than a simple agricultural observation; it is a profound theological statement about the nature of spiritual reality and the integrity of the human heart. It underscores the biblical principle that true righteousness is not merely external conformity but stems from an inner transformation that inevitably manifests in outward behavior. This verse connects to the broader theme of divine judgment, implying that God's assessment of individuals and their teachings will be based on their demonstrable "fruit," not just their claims or appearances. It challenges superficial religiosity, demanding a genuine alignment of heart, word, and deed. The consistent production of "fruit" reveals the fundamental character, whether it is rooted in God's truth or in corruption.

* [Luke 6:43-45](/luke/6-43-45 "For every tree is known by his own fruit")
* [James 3:11-12](/james/3-11-12 "Can a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:17 serves as a timeless mirror for self-examination and a critical lens for evaluating the world around us. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that our faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a living reality that should produce tangible, Christ-like fruit in our lives. We are called to regularly assess the "fruit" we are bearing: Are our actions, words, attitudes, and the overall impact of our lives consistent with the character of Christ? Are we exhibiting the "fruit of the Spirit"—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—or are we manifesting "works of the flesh"? This verse also equips us to wisely discern spiritual teachers and movements, urging us to look beyond charisma, popularity, or eloquent speech to the actual, consistent outcomes of their ministry and the integrity of their lives. Do their teachings lead to genuine godliness, unity, and truth, or to division, moral compromise, or spiritual decay? Ultimately, this verse calls us to prioritize inner transformation, recognizing that true and lasting good fruit can only come from a heart genuinely rooted in Christ and nourished by His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fruit" are you consistently producing in your life, and what does it reveal about the condition of your heart?**
* **How does this verse challenge you to evaluate the teachers and influences you allow into your life? What "fruit" do you observe from them?**
* **Considering the principle that the tree determines the fruit, what steps can you take to ensure your "tree" (your inner being) is healthy and rooted in Christ?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to pray for God's transforming power to produce "good fruit" that honors Him?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: In Matthew 7:17, "fruit" (Greek: _karpós_) refers to the observable outcomes, actions, character, and influence that proceed from a person's life or a teacher's doctrine. It's not about isolated incidents but the consistent pattern and overall harvest. For individuals, this includes their deeds, words, attitudes, the impact of their relationships, and the moral quality of their life. For teachers, it includes the spiritual and moral effects of their teachings on their followers. It's the tangible evidence of one's true nature, whether good or corrupt.

**How does this verse help in discerning false prophets or teachers?**

Answer: This verse provides a practical, observable criterion for discernment. Jesus warns against "false prophets" in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets"), stating that they may appear outwardly righteous ("sheep's clothing") but are inwardly destructive ("ravening wolves"). Matthew 7:17, along with [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You Will Know Them by Their Fruits") and [Matthew 7:20](/matthew/7-20 "Matthew 7:20 - By Their Fruits You Will Know Them"), teaches that one can identify them by their "fruit." This means observing the long-term effects of their teachings (do they lead to genuine godliness, love, truth, and unity, or to division, moral compromise, and spiritual harm?) and the integrity of their personal lives (do they live what they preach, or is there hypocrisy and corruption?). The "fruit" reveals the true nature of the "tree."

**Does this mean a good person will never make mistakes or do anything "bad"?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply sinless perfection. Even genuine believers ("good trees") will stumble and sin (cf. [1 John 1:8](/1_john/1-8 "1 John 1:8 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves")). However, the emphasis is on the *consistent* and *overall* pattern of life and the *source* of the fruit. A "good tree" (a person whose heart is genuinely transformed by God) will *predominantly* produce good fruit, and when they do stumble, there will be repentance and a desire to return to righteousness. A "corrupt tree," by contrast, will *consistently* produce "evil fruit" because its nature is fundamentally flawed, and its actions flow from that corruption. The verse speaks to the dominant character and trajectory, not isolated failures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:17 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "good tree," whose entire life and ministry consistently brought forth "good fruit" in every conceivable way. From His immaculate conception to His sinless life, His compassionate miracles, His profound teachings, and His sacrificial death, every aspect of Christ's existence bore witness to His perfect, divine nature. He declared, "[I am the true vine](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - I am the true vine"), and My Father is the husbandman," emphasizing His role as the source of all life-giving fruit. His "fruit" was the [redemption of humanity](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"), the [defeat of sin and death](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it"), the [reconciliation of sinners to God](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ"), and the [establishment of His eternal kingdom](/luke/17-20-21 "Luke 17:20-21 - The kingdom of God is within you"). For believers, becoming a "good tree" that bears "good fruit" is only possible through union with Him. As [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit") states, "He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Christ's perfect "fruit" becomes the standard, and His indwelling Spirit empowers believers to produce the "fruit of the Spirit" (cf. [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance")), transforming us into trees that glorify God through our lives.

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

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 12:35

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:24

And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Ephesians 5:9

(For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Psalms 1:3

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.

Luke 13:6

¶ He spake also this parable; A certain [man] had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.