Matthew 7:19

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Every {G3956} tree {G1186} that bringeth {G4160} not {G3361} forth {G4160} good {G2570} fruit {G2590} is hewn down {G1581}, and {G2532} cast {G906} into {G1519} the fire {G4442}.

Any tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire!

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Matthew 7:19 KJV serves as a stark warning within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the inevitable consequence for those who do not produce genuine spiritual fruit. This verse, following the admonition to beware of false prophets, underscores the principle that true character and spiritual health are revealed by one's actions and outcomes, not merely by words or outward appearance.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically from Matthew 7:15-20, where Jesus warns His disciples about "false prophets" who come in "sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." The preceding verses (like Matthew 7:16) establish the metaphor of a tree being known by its fruit. Verse 19 acts as a concluding statement, reinforcing the severity of the judgment awaiting those who fail to bear good fruit, whether they are false teachers or individuals whose lives do not align with God's will.

Key Themes

  • Discernment by Fruit: The primary message is that authenticity, whether of a person's faith, teaching, or character, is ultimately revealed through their "fruit"—their actions, behavior, and the results they produce. This is a foundational principle for discerning truth from falsehood.
  • Divine Judgment: The imagery of a tree being "hewn down, and cast into the fire" vividly portrays the severity and finality of God's judgment against unfruitfulness and spiritual barrenness. This echoes similar warnings given by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:10 and Luke 3:9, emphasizing consequences for unrepentant lives.
  • Authenticity and Consequences: The verse implies that genuine faith is active and productive. A life that claims to follow Christ but produces no righteous fruit is deemed worthless in God's sight, facing ultimate destruction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "good fruit" (Greek: karpon kalon) refers not merely to something edible or useful, but to that which is inherently good, morally excellent, and beneficial. It stands in contrast to "corrupt tree" or "evil fruit" mentioned in the immediate context (Matthew 7:17). The terms "hewn down" (ekkoptetai) and "cast into the fire" (bletai eis pur) are strong, vivid metaphors for decisive and destructive judgment, indicating removal from God's presence and ultimately, eternal separation.

Practical Application

Matthew 7:19 calls believers to a profound self-examination. It encourages us to:

  • Examine Our Own Lives: We should regularly assess whether our lives are producing the spiritual fruit consistent with genuine faith, such as the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.), righteous deeds, and a life reflecting Christ's character.
  • Discern Others Wisely: While we are not to judge hypocritically (Matthew 7:1), this verse empowers us to discern the true nature of teachings and individuals by observing their consistent actions and the outcomes of their influence, rather than being swayed solely by eloquent words or outward displays.
  • Live Productively for God: The warning serves as a motivator to live a life of active obedience and spiritual productivity, understanding that true discipleship is evidenced by fruit that brings glory to God, as Jesus teaches about bearing much fruit in John 15:8.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Luke 3:9

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

  • Hebrews 6:8

    But that which beareth thorns and briers [is] rejected, and [is] nigh unto cursing; whose end [is] to be burned.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

  • John 15:6

    If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.

  • Jude 1:12

    These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

  • 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.

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