Luke Chapter 6 · Verse 44
For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἰδίου
his own
G2398
ἰδίου
his own
Strong's:
G2398
Word #:
6 of 19
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
γινώσκεται·
is known
G1097
γινώσκεται·
is known
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
8 of 19
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
οὐ
men do not
G3756
οὐ
men do not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
9 of 19
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
11 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
16 of 19
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Historical Context
Figs and grapes were staple crops in first-century Palestine, providing essential nutrition. Thorns and brambles were worthless weeds, good only for fuel. The image would be immediately understood: you can't get something valuable from something worthless; nature doesn't work that way. Jesus applies this to spiritual discernment—evaluate teachers and teachings by their results. The early church faced false teachers (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Peter 2:1-3), making this fruit-testing principle essential. Modern application remains critical: test teaching by whether it produces Christlikeness, holiness, love, and truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you test the teaching you receive—by its attractiveness or by the fruit it produces in people's lives?
- What 'thorns and brambles' (false teachings, sinful habits) are you tolerating that can never produce the fruit of righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
For every tree is known by his own fruit (ἐκ τοῦ ἰδίου καρποῦ γινώσκεται, ek tou idiou karpou ginōsketai)—recognition comes through fruit. The verb ginōskō (γινώσκω) means to know with certainty, to discern reality. Jesus provides specific examples: For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes (ἐξ ἀκανθῶν οὐ συλλέγουσιν σῦκα, ex akanthōn ou syllegousin syka).
Thorns (akanthōn, ἀκανθῶν) and brambles (batou, βάτου) represent cursed, fruitless plants—results of the fall. Figs and grapes represent valuable, nourishing fruit. The contrast is absurd—no one expects good fruit from worthless plants. Similarly, false teachers cannot produce godly disciples; corrupt doctrine yields corrupt practice. This validates testing teachers by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)—not charisma, popularity, or claims, but what they produce in disciples' lives.