Matthew 7:17

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Even so {G3779} every {G3956} good {G18} tree {G1186} bringeth forth {G4160} good {G2570} fruit {G2590}; but {G1161} a corrupt {G4550} tree {G1186} bringeth forth {G4160} evil {G4190} fruit {G2590}.

Likewise, every healthy tree produces good fruit, but a poor tree produces bad fruit.

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Commentary

Matthew 7:17 is a foundational verse from Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, serving as a critical principle for discernment. It succinctly states that the true nature of something or someone is revealed by its outcomes or actions.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus's warning against false prophets, immediately following His declaration in Matthew 7:16, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." The analogy of a tree and its fruit is a common biblical metaphor to illustrate that a person's character and teachings are ultimately revealed by their deeds, the impact of their ministry, or the moral quality of their life. Just as one would not expect good fruit from a diseased or rotten tree, so too, true spiritual character cannot produce consistently bad outcomes, nor can a corrupt heart yield genuine good.

Key Themes

  • Discernment: The verse provides a practical, observable criterion for evaluating spiritual leaders, teachings, and even one's own spiritual state. It emphasizes looking beyond outward appearances or eloquent words to the actual results and character produced.
  • Authenticity and Character: It highlights the principle that inner nature dictates outward expression. A truly "good tree" (a person with genuine faith and character) will naturally "bring forth good fruit" (righteous actions, spiritual blessings, and positive influence). Conversely, a "corrupt tree" (one whose heart or teachings are unsound) will inevitably produce "evil fruit" (harmful actions, false doctrines, or negative consequences).
  • Inescapable Truth: The statement implies an unchangeable law of spiritual reality. Just as in nature, a fig tree cannot bear olives, a good person or teaching cannot consistently produce evil, and a corrupt one cannot consistently produce true good. This reinforces the idea found in Luke 6:45 that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "corrupt tree," which translates from the Greek word sapros (σαπρός). This term means rotten, decayed, worthless, or unfit for use. It starkly contrasts with kalos (καλός), used for "good tree," which implies something inherently good, beautiful, noble, and useful. The "fruit" (Greek: karpos, καρπός) refers not merely to isolated actions but to the consistent output, the overall produce, or the character of a person's life and influence.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 7:17 is a powerful call to self-examination and cautious evaluation of others. We are encouraged to:

  • Examine Our Own Lives: Are our actions, words, and the overall impact of our lives consistent with the character of Christ? Are we bearing the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.)?
  • Discern Teachers and Leaders: Instead of being swayed by charisma or popularity, we should observe the long-term effects of their teachings and the integrity of their lives. Do their doctrines lead to godliness and truth, or to division and moral decay?
  • Prioritize Inner Transformation: Since fruit comes from the tree's nature, true change begins in the heart. A genuinely good tree must be rooted in Christ (John 15:5), drawing sustenance from Him to produce good fruit.

This verse reminds us that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is evidenced by a transformed life that produces good fruit for the glory of God.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 12:33 (18 votes)

    Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit.

  • Matthew 12:35 (18 votes)

    A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

  • Galatians 5:22 (16 votes)

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Galatians 5:24 (16 votes)

    And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

  • Ephesians 5:9 (12 votes)

    (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

  • Psalms 1:3 (10 votes)

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

  • Luke 13:6 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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.