Matthew 7:16
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπὸ
by
G575
ἀπὸ
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτούς·
them
G846
αὐτούς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπιγνώσεσθε
Ye shall know
G1921
ἐπιγνώσεσθε
Ye shall know
Strong's:
G1921
Word #:
5 of 15
to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
αὐτούς·
them
G846
αὐτούς·
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀπὸ
by
G575
ἀπὸ
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
9 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀπὸ
by
G575
ἀπὸ
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 15
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 12:33Either 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.James 3:12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.Matthew 7:20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Historical Context
This principle echoes Jesus's teaching that good trees bear good fruit (verses 17-18). James warns that teachers face stricter judgment (James 3:1). Paul commanded Ephesian elders to guard against wolves entering the flock (Acts 20:28-30).
Questions for Reflection
- What fruit do you see in the lives of teachers you follow and churches you attend?
- How can you examine your own fruit to ensure you're not deceiving yourself about spiritual health?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
You recognize trees by fruit, prophets by conduct and teaching effects. Grapes don't grow on thornbushes; figs don't grow on thistles. Similarly, false prophets produce bad fruit—destructive teaching, immoral living, divided churches, damaged disciples. True prophets produce good fruit—holiness, love, truth, unity, maturity.