Matthew 7:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:19 delivers a solemn warning within Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, asserting the inevitable and severe judgment awaiting those who fail to produce genuine spiritual fruit. This declaration, immediately following Jesus' admonition to discern false prophets, underscores the profound biblical principle that true character, authentic faith, and spiritual health are ultimately revealed and validated not by mere words or outward profession, but by the consistent and tangible actions and outcomes of one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' climactic discourse on true discipleship and discernment in [Matthew 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7 - The Narrow Gate and False Prophets"), specifically within the warning against false prophets (verses 15-20). Jesus introduces the metaphor of trees and their fruit in [Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - You will know them by their fruits"), stating, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." Verse 19 acts as a powerful concluding statement to this illustration, emphasizing the ultimate consequence for any "tree" (person or teacher) that does not bear "good fruit." It reinforces the idea that an outward display of piety or prophetic claims is insufficient; true spiritual authenticity must be evidenced by a life of righteous deeds and character that aligns with God's will, leading to a stark binary outcome: either fruitful life or destructive judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of trees and their fruit was deeply resonant in an agrarian society like ancient Israel. People understood that a tree's nature was revealed by its produce; a fig tree could not bear olives, nor a thorn bush grapes. This common agricultural reality served as a powerful, easily grasped metaphor for human character and spiritual output. Furthermore, the concept of divine judgment, often depicted with imagery of fire or cutting down, was a familiar theme in Jewish prophetic tradition, notably seen in the warnings of John the Baptist (e.g., [Matthew 3:10](/matthew/3-10 "Matthew 3:10 - Axe at the Root")). The "fire" would have evoked not just destruction but also the refining judgment of God, a concept deeply embedded in the Old Testament understanding of God's justice.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Matthew 7:19](/matthew/7-19 "Matthew 7:19 - Every Unfruitful Tree") is **Discernment by Fruit**, emphasizing that genuine faith and spiritual authenticity are demonstrably revealed through one's actions, character, and the outcomes they produce. This principle applies equally to false teachers and to all who claim to follow God. Closely related is the theme of **Divine Judgment**, vividly portrayed by the imagery of being "hewn down, and cast into the fire," which underscores the severity and finality of God's righteous verdict against spiritual barrenness and hypocrisy. This judgment is not arbitrary but is a just consequence for a life that fails to align with God's transformative will. Finally, the verse highlights **Authentic Discipleship**, implying that true adherence to Christ is not merely a verbal profession but an active, productive life that yields "good fruit," reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and obedience to God's commands, as outlined throughout [the Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tree (Greek, _déndron'_):** This term refers to a woody plant, but in this context, it serves as a powerful **metaphor** for an individual or a spiritual leader. It signifies the foundational nature or inherent character of a person from which their actions and spiritual outcomes (fruit) inevitably proceed. Just as a tree's identity is revealed by its fruit, so too is a person's true spiritual state revealed by their life's output.
* **Good (Greek, _kalós'_):** While often translated as "good," _kalós_ carries a richer meaning of that which is inherently "beautiful," "noble," "honorable," or "morally excellent." When applied to "fruit," it signifies actions, character traits, and spiritual outcomes that are not merely useful but are intrinsically virtuous, beneficial, and align with God's righteous standards, standing in stark contrast to that which is corrupt or evil.
* **Hewn down (Greek, _ekkóptō'_):** Derived from "ek" (out) and "koptō" (to cut), this verb literally means "to cut out, cut off, or cut down." It vividly depicts a decisive, forceful, and irreversible act of removal or destruction. In the context of judgment, it signifies a definitive severing and elimination, emphasizing the finality of the divine verdict against unfruitfulness. This action is immediately followed by being "cast into the fire," indicating complete and utter destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit":** This initial clause establishes the universal scope of the principle. "Every tree" signifies that this truth applies to all individuals, without exception, who profess to be followers of God or spiritual leaders. The phrase "bringeth not forth good fruit" identifies the critical deficiency: a life that, despite its appearance or claims, fails to produce righteous actions, character, or genuine spiritual outcomes that are pleasing to God and beneficial to others. This unfruitfulness is not merely a passive state but an active failure to manifest the transformative power of God's Spirit.
* **"is hewn down, and cast into the fire":** This second clause articulates the inevitable and severe consequence of such unfruitfulness. "Is hewn down" describes a definitive act of judgment, like a useless tree being cut at its base, rendering it incapable of further life or production. The subsequent action, "and cast into the fire," symbolizes ultimate destruction and judgment. In biblical imagery, "fire" frequently represents divine wrath, purifying judgment, or eternal punishment. Together, these actions convey a final, irreversible separation from God's favor and presence, leading to complete ruin and condemnation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:19 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily through the extended analogy of the **tree and its fruit**. The "tree" serves as a metaphor for an individual or a spiritual leader, while "fruit" symbolizes their actions, character, and the spiritual outcomes of their life. This metaphor effectively communicates that one's true nature and spiritual health are revealed by their tangible output. The phrase "cast into the fire" employs powerful **Symbolism**, where "fire" represents divine judgment, destruction, and separation from God's presence, often with connotations of eternal consequences. The stark contrast between "good fruit" and its absence, coupled with the severe consequence, utilizes **Juxtaposition** to highlight the binary outcome of spiritual authenticity versus unfruitfulness. The verse's declarative tone and the severity of the stated consequence also contribute to a sense of **Warning**, designed to provoke self-examination and righteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:19 profoundly connects to the broader biblical theology of divine judgment, the nature of true righteousness, and the necessity of spiritual fruitfulness. It underscores that God's assessment of humanity is not based on outward profession or religious activity alone, but on the genuine transformation of the heart that manifests in righteous living. This verse aligns with the Old Testament prophetic tradition, where unfruitful Israel often faced divine discipline, and sets the stage for New Testament teachings on the need for genuine conversion and a life empowered by the Spirit. It reveals God as a righteous judge who will ultimately separate the authentic from the inauthentic, holding all accountable for the "fruit" their lives produce.

* [Matthew 3:10](/matthew/3-10 "John the Baptist's Warning of the Axe"): "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."
* [John 15:2](/john/15-2 "Every Branch that Bears No Fruit"): "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."
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit"): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:19 serves as a crucial call to profound self-examination and a sober reflection on the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to look beyond mere religious activity or intellectual assent and honestly assess the tangible "fruit" our lives are producing. Are our actions, attitudes, and character consistently reflecting the love, righteousness, and holiness of Christ? This verse compels us to cultivate an inner life transformed by the Holy Spirit, understanding that genuine faith is not passive but actively manifests in obedience, love for God and neighbor, and a commitment to justice and truth. It reminds us that our ultimate standing before God is tied to the evidence of a life lived in alignment with His will, urging us to pursue true spiritual vitality and productivity, not just for our own benefit, but for the glory of God and the good of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fruit" does my life consistently bear, and how does it align with the "good fruit" described in Scripture?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be producing "no good fruit," and what steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual productivity?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ?**
* **What role does the Holy Spirit play in enabling me to "bring forth good fruit," and how can I yield more fully to His work in my life?**

### FAQ
**Does "good fruit" refer only to good deeds, or something more?**

Answer: While "good fruit" certainly includes righteous deeds and moral conduct, it encompasses much more than mere outward actions. Biblically, "fruit" refers to the entire outcome and character of one's life, stemming from their inner disposition. This includes the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit") (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), the impact of one's teaching (for leaders), and the overall consistent manifestation of a heart transformed by God. It's about who you are becoming and what naturally flows from that renewed identity in Christ.

**Is this verse about losing salvation, or about true discipleship?**

Answer: Matthew 7:19 is primarily a warning about the **authenticity of one's discipleship** and the **inevitable judgment for those whose lives do not genuinely reflect a saving relationship with God**. It's not necessarily about losing salvation for those who are truly saved, but rather about discerning who is truly saved. Jesus teaches that true believers will naturally produce good fruit because they are connected to the "true vine" ([John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "Jesus the True Vine")), while those who produce no good fruit demonstrate that they were never genuinely connected to Him in the first place, regardless of their outward profession. The warning serves to expose hypocrisy and to call all to a genuine, transformative faith that manifests in a changed life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of the "good tree" that perfectly "brought forth good fruit" through His sinless life, unwavering obedience to the Father, and sacrificial death on the cross, which is the ultimate act of "good fruit" for humanity's redemption. Unlike the unfruitful trees destined for the fire, Jesus perfectly fulfilled God's righteous demands, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the "true vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "Jesus the True Vine")), and only by abiding in Him can believers "bear much fruit" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "Abide in Me")). The "hewing down and casting into the fire" points to the final judgment that all humanity will face, but for those who are "in Christ," this judgment has been borne by Him. Through faith in His atoning work, believers are grafted into the true vine, empowered by the [Holy Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit") to produce the "good fruit" of righteousness, thereby escaping the condemnation reserved for the unfruitful. Thus, this verse ultimately drives us to Christ, who both perfectly embodies the "good tree" and offers the means for us to become fruitful through Him.

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 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.