Matthew 7:20

KJV

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G686} by {G575} their {G846} fruits {G2590} ye shall know {G1921} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So you will recognize them by their fruit.

Berean Standard Bible

So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.

American Standard Version

Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:20 serves as a succinct and powerful summation of Jesus' teaching on discerning true and false spiritual leaders, encapsulated within His transformative Sermon on the Mount. It establishes a timeless principle that character, authenticity, and spiritual integrity are not merely professed but are fundamentally revealed through the consistent, observable outcomes of one's life, actions, and teachings, metaphorically referred to as "fruits." This verse calls believers to a profound level of spiritual discernment, urging them to look beyond superficial appearances to the tangible evidence of a person's true nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a crucial segment of the Sermon on the Mount, specifically Jesus' solemn warning against false prophets found in [Matthew 7:15-19](/matthew/7-15-19 "Matthew 7:15-19 - Warning Against False Prophets"). Jesus begins by cautioning His disciples to "beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")). He then introduces the agricultural analogy, asking, "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" and explicitly states, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" ([Matthew 7:16](/matthew/7-16 "Matthew 7:16 - Knowing by Fruits")). The subsequent verses ([Matthew 7:17-19](/matthew/7-17-19 "Matthew 7:17-19 - Good and Bad Fruit")) further elaborate on the impossibility of a good tree bearing bad fruit or a corrupt tree bearing good fruit, culminating in the declaration that every tree not bearing good fruit will be cut down. Verse 20 acts as a concise, emphatic reiteration of this central principle, solidifying the method of discernment. It bridges the warning about false prophets to the broader call for genuine obedience and a life characterized by true righteousness, which Jesus continues to expound upon in the following verses concerning those who merely say "Lord, Lord" versus those who do the will of the Father ([Matthew 7:21-23](/matthew/7-21-23 "Matthew 7:21-23 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, the concept of a tree being known by its fruit was not merely a metaphor but a daily reality. People understood that the quality of a harvest directly reflected the nature of the plant. This provided a readily accessible and universally understood illustration for Jesus' audience. Furthermore, the Old Testament frequently warned against false prophets who led the people astray with deceptive words and actions (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 Speak Lies")). There was a strong cultural expectation for prophets to be true to God's word, and their authenticity was often tested by the fulfillment of their prophecies or the alignment of their lives with God's commands. Jesus' teaching here taps into this deep-seated cultural understanding, applying it to the new covenant community and the challenge of discerning authentic spiritual leadership in a world where outward appearances could be misleading.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, **Discernment** is paramount; Jesus equips His followers with a practical tool to distinguish between genuine and deceptive spiritual influences. This theme is crucial for navigating the challenges of the kingdom of heaven, as seen in the parables of the wheat and the tares ([Matthew 13:24-30](/matthew/13-24-30 "Matthew 13:24-30 - Parable of the Weeds")). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Authenticity and Character**. True spiritual identity is not a matter of outward confession or religious performance, but of an inward transformation that produces tangible, consistent evidence in one's life. This aligns with Jesus' emphasis on internal righteousness over external piety throughout the Sermon, particularly in His teachings on prayer, fasting, and giving alms ([Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - True Righteousness")). Finally, the concept of **Actions Over Words** is central. "By their fruits" emphasizes that what people *do* and the *results* they produce are far more indicative of their true nature than what they *say* or how they present themselves. This theme is further developed immediately after this verse, where Jesus warns against those who merely profess faith but do not obey God's will ([Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Will of the Father")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Greek, _ára'_):** This particle, derived from a root suggesting the drawing of a conclusion, functions as an inferential connector. It signifies "therefore," "consequently," or "so then," indicating that the statement in verse 20 is a logical deduction or summary based on the preceding verses (15-19). It emphasizes that the method of discernment—knowing by fruits—is the inevitable and necessary outcome of Jesus' warning about false prophets.
* **fruits (Greek, _karpós'_):** This term, literally meaning "produce," "harvest," or "offspring," is used metaphorically here to denote the observable outcomes, results, or consequences of a person's inner disposition, beliefs, and teachings. It refers to the tangible evidence of one's character, actions, attitudes, and the spiritual impact they have on others. It implies a consistent pattern of behavior and influence, not just isolated acts, much like a tree consistently bears a specific type of fruit.
* **know (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** This verb means "to know upon some mark," implying recognition, or "to become fully acquainted with" and "to acknowledge." It suggests a knowledge that goes beyond superficial acquaintance (ginṓskō) to a deeper, more complete understanding or discernment based on observation and experience. It's not just a casual recognition but a thorough, conclusive identification of someone's true nature through their consistent "fruit."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore":** This introductory conjunction signals a logical conclusion or summary of the preceding argument. Jesus has just explained that false prophets are like corrupt trees that cannot bear good fruit, and good trees cannot bear bad fruit. "Wherefore" indicates that the statement to follow is the practical, unavoidable consequence or application of that truth. It's the "so what?" of the analogy.
* **"by their fruits":** This phrase specifies the means or standard by which discernment is to occur. The "fruits" are the observable, tangible manifestations of a person's inner character, beliefs, and spiritual condition. These "fruits" encompass their actions, words, teachings, lifestyle choices, the impact they have on others, and the overall trajectory of their lives. It emphasizes that external appearance or eloquent speech are insufficient; true nature is revealed through consistent, demonstrable output.
* **"ye shall know them":** This declarative statement is a direct instruction and a promise of certainty. The verb "know" (epiginṓskō) implies a deep, experiential, and conclusive recognition, not merely a superficial understanding. It assures the disciples that by applying the principle of observing "fruits," they will indeed be able to accurately identify and distinguish between genuine and deceptive spiritual leaders. This knowledge is not speculative but assured, providing a reliable means of spiritual assessment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:20, though concise, is rich in literary technique. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, specifically the **Analogy** of trees and their fruit, which Jesus introduces in the preceding verses and summarizes here. The "fruits" serve as a powerful metaphor for the observable outcomes of a person's life, encompassing their character, actions, teachings, and influence. This agricultural imagery makes a complex spiritual truth accessible and memorable to an agrarian audience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement**, distilling a longer argument (Matthew 7:15-19) into a pithy, memorable axiom. It also employs **Epigrammatic** brevity, delivering profound wisdom in a concise and impactful manner, making it easily quotable and applicable. The entire passage, including verse 20, also subtly uses **Contrast** between the "sheep's clothing" (outward appearance) and the "ravening wolves" (inward reality), highlighting the deceptive nature of false prophets and the necessity of discerning true character through their "fruits."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:20 stands as a foundational principle for Christian discernment, echoing and amplifying themes found throughout the biblical narrative. It underscores the theological truth that genuine faith is never merely intellectual assent or verbal profession, but a transformative power that inevitably manifests in righteous living. This principle connects directly to the Old Testament emphasis on the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, where the "fruit" of a nation or individual's life revealed their true relationship with God. In the New Testament, this concept is further developed, emphasizing that true discipleship is evidenced by a life that bears spiritual fruit, which is the natural overflow of the Holy Spirit's work within a believer. It challenges the superficiality of outward religiosity, calling believers to a deeper authenticity where their walk matches their talk, and their inner character is reflected in their outward conduct. This discernment is not for judgment in a condemnatory sense, but for protection against deception and for the identification of true spiritual authority.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [James 2:18](/james/2-18 "James 2:18 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' statement in Matthew 7:20 provides timeless wisdom for both personal introspection and communal discernment. In a world saturated with voices and claims, this verse serves as an indispensable guide, urging believers to look beyond charismatic personalities or eloquent rhetoric to the tangible evidence of a person's life and the impact of their teachings. It calls us to cultivate a discerning spirit, patiently observing patterns of behavior, character, and the long-term effects of someone's influence. This applies not only to evaluating spiritual leaders and teachers but also to assessing the authenticity of any claim or movement. Furthermore, it prompts profound self-examination: what "fruit" am I bearing in my own life? Are my actions, attitudes, and the impact I have on others consistent with my profession of faith in Christ? This verse challenges us to pursue genuine transformation, recognizing that true discipleship is evidenced by a life that consistently reflects the character of Christ, producing good and lasting results that bring glory to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "fruits" (actions, attitudes, teachings, impact) do I observe in those I follow or listen to for spiritual guidance?**
* **In what areas of my own life do I see "good fruit" consistent with my faith, and where might there be "corrupt fruit" that needs addressing?**
* **How can I cultivate a more discerning spirit in my daily life, moving beyond superficial judgments to truly "know" people by their consistent patterns?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my life bears fruit that genuinely honors Christ and blesses others?**

### FAQ
**What exactly does Jesus mean by "fruits" in this context?**
Answer: When Jesus speaks of "fruits" in [Matthew 7:20](/matthew/7-20 "Matthew 7:20 - Knowing by Their Fruits"), He is using an agricultural metaphor to refer to the observable outcomes, results, or consequences of a person's inner disposition, beliefs, and teachings. These "fruits" are the tangible evidence of their true character. For a false prophet, the "fruits" might include leading people astray, promoting self-serving agendas, exhibiting hypocrisy, or producing division and spiritual harm. For a true follower of Christ, the "fruits" would align with the "fruit of the Spirit" described in [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"), such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as well as the positive impact of their teachings and life on others. It's about a consistent pattern of behavior and influence, not just isolated acts or eloquent words.

**How does this verse apply to me personally, beyond discerning leaders?**
Answer: While the immediate context of [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets") is about discerning false prophets, the principle of "by their fruits ye shall know them" has profound personal application. It calls for rigorous self-examination. Just as we are to evaluate others, we are also to honestly assess our own lives. Are the "fruits" of our daily actions, attitudes, and choices consistent with our profession of faith in Jesus Christ? Do our lives reflect the character of God? This verse encourages us to move beyond mere verbal declarations of faith to a lifestyle of genuine obedience and spiritual integrity, recognizing that true faith is always evidenced by transformed living, as highlighted in [James 2:18](/james/2-18 "James 2:18 - Faith Without Works Is Dead").

**Does this mean I should be constantly judging everyone?**
Answer: No, Jesus is not advocating for a judgmental or hypercritical spirit. In fact, earlier in the same sermon, He warns against hypocritical judgment ([Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Judging Others")). The discernment called for in [Matthew 7:20](/matthew/7-20 "Matthew 7:20 - Knowing by Their Fruits") is for the purpose of protection and wisdom, especially concerning those who claim spiritual authority or leadership. It's about evaluating the authenticity and trustworthiness of teachings and leaders, not about condemning individuals for their struggles or imperfections. It requires patience and observation of consistent patterns, rather than hasty or superficial judgments. The goal is to safeguard oneself and the community from deception, ensuring that one is following true shepherds and not "ravening wolves" in "sheep's clothing" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:20, with its emphasis on knowing by "fruits," finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfectly "good tree" who bore only "good fruit," never a corrupt one. His entire life, from His miraculous birth to His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, was a seamless demonstration of divine character and perfect obedience to the Father's will. Unlike the false prophets who appear in "sheep's clothing" but are inwardly "ravening wolves" ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")), Jesus was authentically the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who truly laid down His life for His sheep. His "fruits" were undeniable: healing the sick, casting out demons, teaching with authority, and ultimately, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is the source of all true spiritual fruit for believers. In [John 15:1-8](/john/15-1-8 "John 15:1-8 - I Am the True Vine"), He declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman... 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." He explicitly states, "Without me ye can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in the Vine")). Thus, the ability for believers to bear "good fruit" (as discussed in [Matthew 7:17](/matthew/7-17 "Matthew 7:17 - Good Tree, Good Fruit")) is entirely dependent on their abiding in Christ. He not only exemplifies the principle of "knowing by fruits" but also empowers His followers to live lives that bear the "fruit of the Spirit" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), thereby fulfilling His command and demonstrating their authentic relationship with 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 7:16

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

Acts 5:38

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: