Matthew 7:18

KJV

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

KJV (with Strong's)

A good {G18} tree {G1186} cannot {G3756}{G1410} bring forth {G4160} evil {G4190} fruit {G2590}, neither {G3761} can a corrupt {G4550} tree {G1186} bring forth {G4160} good {G2570} fruit {G2590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, or a poor tree good fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

American Standard Version

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:18, a pivotal statement within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, articulates an unyielding spiritual principle: the inherent nature of a person, likened to a tree, is invariably revealed and validated by their actions and the outcomes of their life, metaphorically represented as "fruit." This verse serves as a foundational truth for discerning authenticity, particularly in the context of spiritual leadership, by asserting that genuine goodness cannot produce evil, nor can corruption yield good.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' discourse on discernment, specifically His warning against false prophets, which commences in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets"). Jesus cautions His disciples to "beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." He then provides the infallible method for identifying them: "Ye shall know them by their fruits" ([Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - Knowing by Their Fruits")). Verse 7:18 functions as a logical, self-evident truth that undergirds this method, reinforcing the impossibility of a good source producing bad results, or vice versa. It is a natural law applied to spiritual reality, emphasizing that outward appearance can deceive, but consistent patterns of behavior (the "fruit") ultimately reveal the true nature of the "tree" (the person). This teaching stands as a cornerstone of the entire [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount"), which consistently calls for an internal righteousness that transcends mere external religious performance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of trees and their fruit was deeply resonant in an agrarian society like ancient Israel. People understood that a specific type of tree would invariably produce its corresponding fruit—figs from fig trees, grapes from vines. This was not merely a botanical observation but a common metaphor in Jewish wisdom literature and prophetic tradition for character and conduct. For example, the righteous were often depicted as flourishing trees planted by streams ([Psalm 1:3](/psalms/1-3 "Psalm 1:3 - The Righteous Like a Tree")), while the wicked were likened to trees that would be cut down ([Matthew 3:10](/matthew/3-10 "Matthew 3:10 - Axe at the Root")). Jesus, therefore, draws upon a familiar and universally understood principle from their daily lives to convey a profound spiritual truth. Furthermore, the concern for discerning true prophets from false ones was critical in a society where religious leaders held immense influence, and the Old Testament frequently warned against those who spoke falsely in the Lord's name ([Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20-22 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Identifying a False Prophet")).
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. It underscores the theme of **Authenticity and Discernment**, urging believers to look beyond superficial appearances and evaluate individuals, especially those claiming spiritual authority, based on their consistent actions and the outcomes of their lives. This naturally leads to the theme of **Inward Character, Outward Manifestation**, teaching that one's inner being—the "tree" of the heart—will inevitably produce "fruit" consistent with its nature. Mere words or religious claims are insufficient if not accompanied by righteous deeds, echoing Jesus' later warning that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who "do the will of my Father" ([Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Father's Will")). The verse also highlights a **Divine Principle**, presenting this truth as an immutable law, as certain and predictable as the laws of nature, reflecting God's established order. Finally, it serves as a powerful tool for **Exposing Hypocrisy**, where a disconnect between professed belief or outward show and true character is revealed through consistent patterns of behavior, emphasizing that true righteousness flows from a transformed heart.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **agathós (Greek, _agathós'_):** This term, translated "good" in "a good tree," denotes intrinsic goodness, something that is inherently beneficial, excellent, and morally sound. It speaks to the fundamental nature or quality of the tree itself, implying a wholesome and healthy constitution from which good things naturally proceed.
* **saprós (Greek, _saprós'_):** Translated as "corrupt," this word literally means "rotten," "decayed," or "putrid." It describes something that is worthless, unfit for use, or morally depraved. The stark contrast with _agathós_ emphasizes the impossibility of a source that is fundamentally decayed producing anything wholesome or beneficial.
* **karpós (Greek, _karpós'_):** Meaning "fruit," this term is used both literally (as something plucked from a tree) and figuratively. In this context, "fruit" encompasses the tangible results, actions, deeds, and the overall moral and spiritual impact of a person's life. It is the visible manifestation of the inner nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit":** This clause establishes the first half of the immutable principle. A tree that is inherently "good" (healthy, sound, wholesome in its nature) is fundamentally incapable of producing "evil fruit." The term "evil" (Greek, _ponērós'_) here signifies something hurtful, malicious, or morally wicked. The impossibility is not merely a matter of choice but of nature; a good source simply does not have the capacity or inclination to produce bad outcomes.
* **"neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit":** This second clause reinforces the principle through its converse. A tree that is "corrupt" (rotten, worthless, morally depraved in its nature) is equally incapable of producing "good fruit." The "good" here (Greek, _kalós'_) emphasizes not just intrinsic goodness but also beauty, moral excellence, and that which is admirable. The logical implication is that a person whose inner character is fundamentally flawed or unregenerate cannot consistently produce actions that are truly righteous, beneficial, or pleasing to God.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Matthew 7:18 is **Metaphor**. Jesus uses the familiar imagery of a **tree** and its **fruit** to represent a person's inner character or spiritual state and their outward actions or the results of their life. This vivid, agricultural metaphor makes the abstract concept of spiritual authenticity tangible and easily comprehensible. The verse also heavily relies on **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing "good tree" with "corrupt tree" and "evil fruit" with "good fruit." This stark opposition highlights the fundamental incompatibility of these natures and their respective outputs, emphasizing the absolute certainty of the principle. Furthermore, the statement functions as a **Didactic Maxim**, presenting a concise, memorable, and authoritative teaching that serves as a guiding principle for discernment and self-examination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This foundational principle, articulated by Jesus, underscores the biblical emphasis on the inseparable link between one's inner spiritual condition and their outward conduct. It teaches that true righteousness is not merely a matter of external conformity or verbal profession, but an organic outflow from a transformed heart. Just as a tree's fruit reveals its species and health, a person's consistent actions and the overall trajectory of their life reveal their true spiritual nature and allegiance. This truth is vital for both self-assessment and for discerning the authenticity of others, particularly those who claim spiritual authority. It challenges superficiality and calls for a profound alignment between belief and behavior, rooted in God's transformative grace.

* [Luke 6:43-45](/luke/6-43-45 "Luke 6:43-45 - The Tree and Its Fruit")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [James 2:17-18](/james/2-17-18 "James 2:17-18 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:18 calls us to a profound and honest self-examination, urging us to look beyond our intentions or outward religious activities and assess the true "fruit" of our lives. Are our actions, attitudes, words, and the impact we have on others consistently reflective of a heart transformed by Christ? Do we genuinely produce the "fruit of the Spirit"—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control—or are there persistent patterns of behavior that betray an untransformed nature? This verse also provides an essential framework for discerning others, especially those in positions of spiritual influence. Instead of being swayed by charisma, eloquent speech, or impressive claims, we are called to observe the long-term patterns of their behavior, the ethical implications of their teachings, and the character of those they influence. Do their lives consistently produce good fruit that glorifies God, builds up the church, and promotes truth and righteousness, or is there evidence of manipulation, division, or spiritual harm? Ultimately, this passage reminds us that true spiritual vitality and authenticity are evidenced by a life that naturally yields fruit consistent with a heart made good by God's grace.

#### 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 spiritual teachers or leaders, and what specific "fruits" would you look for?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need God's transformative power to make your "tree" more consistently "good" so that it might bear more righteous fruit?**

### FAQ
**Does Matthew 7:18 mean that people cannot change their nature or repent?**

Answer: No, Matthew 7:18 does not imply that people cannot change or repent. Instead, it highlights that a change in "fruit" (actions, character) must necessarily stem from a change in the "tree" (inner nature, heart). The Bible teaches that true, lasting change, or repentance, is a work of God's grace, where He transforms the heart. When a person is born again through faith in Christ, their spiritual nature is fundamentally renewed, turning a "corrupt tree" into a "good tree." This divine transformation then enables them to genuinely "bring forth good fruit," which was previously impossible. The verse is a statement about inherent consistency, not a denial of God's power to change the heart. It emphasizes that good actions flow from a good nature, which God alone can provide.

**How does this verse relate to salvation by grace through faith, and not by works?**

Answer: Matthew 7:18 perfectly complements the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, rather than contradicting it. The "good tree" is not good because of its own efforts to produce good fruit; rather, it is good by virtue of its nature, and therefore it naturally produces good fruit. Similarly, believers are made righteous, or "good trees," not by their own works, but by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). Once justified and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, the believer's nature is transformed, enabling them to produce the "fruit of righteousness" ([Philippians 1:11](/philippians/1-11 "Philippians 1:11 - Fruit of Righteousness")). The good fruit, therefore, is not the *cause* of salvation but the *evidence* and *outflow* of a genuine salvation and a transformed heart. As [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead") states, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:18 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profoundest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "good tree," the perfect and only truly righteous human being, whose life perfectly yielded "good fruit" in every action, word, and deed, without any trace of corruption or evil. His entire ministry, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, was the perfect fruit of His divine and sinless nature. Furthermore, for humanity, this verse points to the necessity of being grafted into Christ to become a "good tree" capable of bearing good fruit. As Jesus Himself declares in [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - I Am the Vine"), "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." Our ability to produce "good fruit" (righteousness, love, holiness) does not come from our own inherent goodness, but from our union with Christ, who makes us good. The Holy Spirit, given to those who believe in Christ, is the divine power that enables believers to manifest the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), transforming what was once a "corrupt tree" into a vessel for God's glory, bearing fruit that endures for eternity ([John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Bearing Lasting Fruit")). Thus, Matthew 7:18 not only provides a principle for discernment but also implicitly highlights our desperate need for Christ to transform our nature so that we might truly live lives that honor God.

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

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1 John 3:9

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

1 John 3:10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.