Luke 6:44

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.

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?