Matthew 7:17
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Original Language Analysis
καλοὺς
good
G2570
καλοὺς
good
Strong's:
G2570
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
ποιεῖ
bringeth forth
G4160
ποιεῖ
bringeth forth
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 5:9(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Psalms 1:3And 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.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Jeremiah 17:8For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.Jeremiah 11:19But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.Jude 1:12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Isaiah 61:3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Historical Context
This principle refutes moralism (trying harder to be good) and legalism (external conformity). Jesus insists on heart change first—becoming a good tree—which then naturally produces good fruit. This points to regeneration and the Spirit's transforming work.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you trying to produce good fruit by willpower without cultivating a transformed heart?
- What fruit in your life reveals what kind of tree (heart condition) you have?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Good trees bear good fruit; corrupt trees bear corrupt fruit. This is natural law and spiritual law. A person's character determines their fruit. You can't produce righteousness from an unrighteous heart. This underscores the necessity of heart transformation, not just behavioral modification.