Matthew 7:17 kjv

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Matthew 7:17 nkjv

Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17 niv

Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17 esv

So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

Matthew 7:17 nlt

A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.

Matthew 7 verses

Matthew 7 17 Meaning

This verse articulates an undeniable spiritual truth: just as a tree's intrinsic nature determines the quality of its fruit, so too does a person's character dictate the outcome of their life and actions. A good tree, possessing a healthy and pure essence, inherently produces good, wholesome fruit. Conversely, a corrupt or unhealthy tree will only yield bad, harmful, or worthless fruit. This is a principle of intrinsic causality, highlighting that outward behavior is a direct reflection of an inward condition, serving as the ultimate criterion for discerning genuine faith or spiritual integrity, especially concerning those claiming spiritual authority.

Matthew 7 17 Context

This verse is found within Jesus' pivotal Sermon on the Mount, specifically in the latter section (Matt 7:13-27) that addresses warnings, discernment, and the call to action. Directly following Jesus' caution against false prophets who come "in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt 7:15), verse 17 provides the principle for discerning their true nature: "You will recognize them by their fruits." This agricultural analogy was culturally accessible, immediately understood as the outcome or evidence of inherent quality. Historically, this served as a stark contrast to contemporary religious leaders who emphasized external performance and lineage over true moral and spiritual character, underscoring that authentic spiritual authority and discipleship are manifested through righteous conduct and genuine fruit.

Matthew 7 17 Word analysis

• Even so (Οὕτως - houtōs): Introduces a direct conclusion or consequence based on what has just been stated. It signifies "thus" or "in this manner," linking the general principle of discernment (recognizing by fruits) to a self-evident truth in nature.

• every (πᾶν - pan): Emphasizes universality and comprehensiveness. It means "all" or "each and every," implying no exceptions to this rule.

• good (ἀγαθὸν - agathon): Refers to intrinsic, moral, and functional goodness. A tree that is inherently sound and healthy. For people, it points to a heart genuinely transformed and aligned with God's will.

• tree (δένδρον - dendron): A metaphor for an individual's intrinsic nature, character, or the spiritual source from which actions spring. In the immediate context, it represents a teacher or prophet.

• bears (ποιεῖ - poiei): Means "makes" or "produces." Highlights the natural and inevitable outflow of the tree's essence into its product. It's an active process of bringing forth.

• good fruit (καρποὺς καλοὺς - karpous kalous): Karpous (fruits) refers to the outcomes, actions, conduct, and results. Kalous (good) here signifies ethical excellence, that which is proper, fit for purpose, and morally commendable. This is the tangible evidence of inner goodness.

• but (τὸ δὲ - to de): Introduces a strong contrast, emphasizing the polarity between the good and the bad.

• a bad (σαπρὸν - sapron): Not just "bad," but specifically "corrupt," "rotten," "worthless," "degenerate." It speaks of something spoiled, unusable, and beyond redemption in its present state. Spiritually, it implies a fallen, unconverted, or profoundly deceptive nature.

• tree bears bad fruit (δένδρον καρποὺς πονηροὺς ποιεῖ - dendron karpous ponērous poiei): Reiterates the direct relationship. Ponērous (bad) denotes wickedness, malice, that which is evil, harmful, or destructive. A corrupted source will inevitably produce corrupt and destructive outcomes.

• "Even so, every good tree bears good fruit": This establishes the universal and direct correlation between intrinsic nature (the tree) and its resulting products (the fruit). It presents an observable and reliable truth about cause and effect. The positive example sets the standard for genuine spiritual authenticity.

• "but a bad tree bears bad fruit": This contrasts sharply with the former, highlighting the equally reliable but negative correlation. It serves as a strong warning and provides the counter-example necessary for discernment. The corrupt nature cannot yield wholesome outcomes, emphasizing the deceptive nature of outward appearances.

• "good tree / good fruit" vs. "bad tree / bad fruit": The repeated structure creates a clear, undeniable parallel and reinforces the immutable principle that character and actions are inextricably linked. It emphasizes the inherent nature determines the resultant produce.

Matthew 7 17 Bonus section

The agricultural metaphor of the tree and its fruit is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic literature, where Israel and its leaders were often depicted as God's vineyard, expected to produce righteous fruit but often yielding wild, sour grapes (e.g., Isa 5). Jesus leverages this familiar imagery to establish a timeless principle applicable to His followers. The "fruit" here is not just an individual's actions but the entire trajectory and impact of their life and influence. For "prophets," it includes the authenticity of their message and its transformative effect (or lack thereof) on those who hear it. This principle highlights that spiritual authority is not merely about correct dogma but primarily about genuine character evidenced by consistent righteous living. Furthermore, the very next verse (Matt 7:18) re-emphasizes the absolute impossibility of the good/bad tree bearing contradictory fruit, cementing this principle as an unalterable law. This also stands in stark contrast to human systems of judgment often based on appearance, reputation, or affiliation. Divine judgment, however, considers the 'fruit.'

Matthew 7 17 Commentary

Matthew 7:17 serves as a fundamental principle for spiritual discernment, particularly in evaluating those who claim to speak for God or teach truth. Jesus uses the self-evident agricultural analogy to emphasize that authentic spirituality, like a healthy tree, produces visible and consistent good fruit—righteous character, Christ-like actions, sound doctrine, and a Spirit-led life (e.g., Gal 5:22-23). Conversely, a corrupted spiritual source, a "bad tree," despite any outward veneer of godliness, will invariably produce "bad fruit"—malice, deceit, destructive teaching, and self-serving actions. This verse mandates that believers look beyond external professions or charisma to the consistent evidence of one's life. It teaches that one's inner being will always be revealed through outward manifestations. It’s not about judging a single mistake, but discerning a pattern that exposes the true nature of the tree. The integrity of the root determines the quality of the harvest.

Examples for practical usage:

• A preacher whose teachings are biblically sound but whose personal life consistently demonstrates greed or immorality would be an example of a "bad tree bearing bad fruit."
• A community claiming to follow Christ, but marked by divisiveness, bitterness, or absence of love, would reveal its "fruit" is not from a "good tree."
• An individual claiming Christian faith whose life pattern consistently produces kindness, patience, and good deeds manifests the "good tree bearing good fruit."