Matthew Chapter 3 · Verse 8
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Original Language Analysis
ποιήσατε
Bring forth
G4160
ποιήσατε
Bring forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
1 of 6
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 6
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
Cross References
Luke 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.Acts 26:20But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.Ephesians 5:9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Jeremiah 36:3It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.Jeremiah 26:13Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.Matthew 21:32For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Historical Context
The demand for fruit echoed the prophets' consistent message that external ritual without internal heart change and ethical transformation is worthless (Isaiah 1:11-17, Micah 6:6-8). John called for Reformation—return to biblical religion versus mere tradition.
Questions for Reflection
- What specific 'fruits of repentance' should be evident in a believer's life?
- How can you distinguish between genuine repentance that produces fruit and false repentance that remains merely emotional or intellectual?
Analysis & Commentary
John demands 'fruits worthy of repentance,' emphasizing that genuine conversion produces moral transformation. The Greek 'axios' (worthy/consistent with) indicates that fruit must correspond to the root. This anticipates Jesus' teaching that trees are known by their fruit (Matthew 7:16-20). True repentance is not merely emotional or verbal but produces obedient action flowing from a changed heart.