### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω (karpophoréō) is a compound word derived from `{{G2590}}` καρπός (karpos), meaning "fruit," and `{{G5342}}` φέρω (pherō), meaning "to bear" or "to carry." Its core meaning is "to bear fruit," "to yield fruit," or "to be fruitful."
In its literal sense, `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω refers to the natural process of plants, trees, or land producing their yield, as seen in agricultural contexts. However, its predominant usage in the New Testament is figurative. In this metaphorical sense, it signifies the act of producing results, demonstrating effectiveness, or yielding spiritual outcomes. This "fruit" can encompass righteous deeds, transformed character, the spread of the gospel, or the positive impact of a Spirit-filled life. The term inherently implies a process of growth, development, and eventual manifestation of a tangible product or outcome.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but each instance carries significant theological weight.
* **[[Mark 4:28]]**: In the parable of the sower, Jesus states, "The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear." Here, `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω is used in its most literal sense, describing the natural, organic process of agricultural production. This serves as an earthly illustration for spiritual principles of growth and yield.
* **[[Romans 7:4]]**: Paul writes, "So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you might belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God." This verse is foundational. It teaches that believers' union with the resurrected Christ, through their death to the Law, has the divine purpose of enabling them to "bear fruit for God." This fruit is not merely good deeds, but a life lived in devotion and obedience to God, demonstrating the new life in Christ.
* **[[Romans 7:5]]**: In stark contrast to the preceding verse, Paul states, "For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death." Here, `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω is used to describe the negative outcome of a life dominated by sinful desires. The "fruit" in this context is spiritual death, highlighting that the source (flesh vs. Spirit) determines the nature of the fruit.
* **[[Colossians 1:6]]**: Speaking of the gospel, Paul declares, "which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing." This is a powerful figurative use. The "fruit" of the gospel refers to its transformative impact on individuals and communities, leading to salvation, changed lives, and the expansion of God's kingdom. It signifies the gospel's inherent power and effectiveness to produce spiritual results globally.
* **[[Colossians 1:10]]**: Paul prays that believers would "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." In this context, "bearing fruit" is explicitly linked to "every good work." It represents the tangible evidence of a life lived in accordance with God's will, flowing from a deepening knowledge of Him. This emphasizes ethical and spiritual fruit as the outcome of a worthy walk.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω is enhanced by examining its linguistic roots and related theological concepts:
* **`{{G2590}}` καρπός (karpos):** The noun "fruit" is the direct root. It can refer to literal produce ([[Matthew 7:16]]), the fruit of the womb ([[Luke 1:42]]), or, most significantly, spiritual outcomes such as the "fruit of the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]) or the fruit of righteousness ([[Philippians 1:11]]). The act of `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω is the *production* of this `{{G2590}}` καρπός.
* **`{{G5342}}` φέρω (pherō):** The verb "to bear," "to carry," or "to bring" forms the second part of the compound. It underscores the active process of bringing forth or yielding.
* **`{{G4160}}` ποιέω (poieō):** "To do," "to make," "to produce." This verb is often used in contexts of performing good works or actions, which are often considered "fruit."
* **`{{G1844}}` ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai):** "To work," "to labor," "to perform." Also related to the idea of producing results or works.
* **Abiding in Christ ([[John 15:1-8]]):** Jesus' teaching on the vine and the branches directly links abiding in Him to the ability to bear much fruit (`{{G2590}}` καρπός). This highlights that fruitfulness is not a self-generated human effort but flows from a vital, dependent relationship with Christ.
* **Fruit of the Spirit ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]):** While `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω describes the *act* of bearing, the "fruit of the Spirit" specifies the *kind* of spiritual character and actions (love, joy, peace, etc.) that are produced by the Holy Spirit in a believer's life.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "bearing fruit" (`{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω) is central to New Testament theology, particularly concerning the nature of salvation, discipleship, and Christian living.
1. **Evidence of True Conversion and Life in Christ:** Bearing spiritual fruit is presented not as a means to earn salvation, but as an indispensable and natural outflow of genuine faith and union with Christ. Just as a healthy tree inevitably produces its characteristic fruit, a truly regenerated believer will produce good works and Christ-like character ([[Matthew 7:16-20]]). It serves as a visible sign of an inward transformation.
2. **Divine Purpose for the Believer:** God saves and transforms believers *in order that* they might bear fruit for Him ([[Romans 7:4]]). This fruit glorifies God ([[John 15:8]]), validates the authenticity of faith, and demonstrates the power of the gospel at work in a life. It underscores that Christian existence is purposeful and productive in God's economy.
3. **Supernatural Enablement:** Fruitfulness is not solely a human endeavor or ethical striving. It is explicitly shown to be enabled by the Holy Spirit ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]) and by a believer's continuous abiding in Christ ([[John 15:5]]). This emphasizes that spiritual fruit is a divine work *through* the believer, not merely a human achievement.
4. **Spiritual Growth and Maturity:** The progression from blade to ear to full grain ([[Mark 4:28]]) illustrates the process of spiritual growth and maturity. Fruitfulness is not a static state but develops over time as believers deepen their relationship with God and yield to His Spirit.
5. **Contrast with Barrenness and Fruit for Death:** The New Testament sharply contrasts fruitful living for God with spiritual barrenness or bearing "fruit for death" ([[Romans 7:5]]). This highlights the two possible spiritual trajectories: a life rooted in Christ leading to spiritual vitality and impact, versus a life rooted in the flesh leading to spiritual decay and ultimate demise.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω (karpophoréō) signifies "to bear or yield fruit." While it has a literal agricultural application, its profound theological significance in the New Testament lies in its figurative use, describing the act of producing spiritual results or good works. Derived from `{{G2590}}` καρπός (fruit) and `{{G5342}}` φέρω (to bear), it encapsulates the idea of spiritual productivity. Passages such as [[Colossians 1:6]] and [[Colossians 1:10]] reveal its importance in describing the transformative power of the gospel and the evidence of a life lived in Christ. `{{G2592}}` καρποφορέω underscores that spiritual fruitfulness is the natural and expected outcome of genuine faith, divinely enabled, glorifying God, and serving as a vital sign of a true and active relationship with the Lord. It stands in direct opposition to the unfruitfulness or destructive "fruit" that characterizes a life apart from Christ.
TRV