Matthew 7:18 kjv

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Matthew 7:18 nkjv

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Matthew 7:18 niv

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Matthew 7:18 esv

A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

Matthew 7:18 nlt

A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit.

Matthew 7 verses

Matthew 7 18 Meaning

Matthew 7:18 reveals an immutable principle: just as the intrinsic nature of a tree dictates the kind of fruit it produces, so too does a person's inner character or spiritual state determine the quality and authenticity of their actions, attitudes, and influence. It is impossible for a truly transformed, righteous nature to consistently bear wicked deeds, and equally impossible for a corrupt, unregenerate nature to produce genuinely good and righteous fruit. This principle underscores the direct relationship between one's identity and their conduct.

Matthew 7 18 Context

This verse is centrally located within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), specifically in Jesus' closing warnings regarding false teachings and the need for genuine discipleship (Matthew 7:13-27). After instructing His followers on the narrow way and the dangers of false prophets (Mt 7:13-15), Jesus provides the indispensable test: "You will recognize them by their fruits." Verse 18 elaborates on this metaphor, stating the absolute and non-negotiable relationship between internal nature (the "tree") and external actions (the "fruit"). The historical context highlights the prevalence of hypocrisy among some religious leaders of the time, who often presented an outward appearance of piety but lacked genuine transformation or purity of heart. Jesus uses this metaphor to challenge surface-level assessments and redirect attention to the essential character that reveals true allegiance.

Matthew 7 18 Word analysis

• A good tree (δένδρον καλόν - dendron kalon):
  • "good" (καλόν - kalon): Signifies not merely something morally upright but also intrinsically good, noble, beautiful, fit for its intended purpose, excellent in nature. It implies a healthy, well-nourished tree that fulfills its natural function perfectly. In the spiritual sense, it denotes a person whose inner being is regenerated, transformed, and aligned with God's will.
  • "tree" (δένδρον - dendron): A common biblical metaphor for a person or their life and character. It suggests stability, a root system, growth, and the inevitable production of something from its core.
• cannot (οὐ δύναται - ou dynatai):
  • "cannot" (οὐ δύναται - ou dynatai): A strong negation combined with the verb "to be able." It emphasizes an absolute impossibility, a natural inability stemming from the very essence or nature of the "tree." It's not that a good tree chooses not to bear bad fruit, but that it is fundamentally incapable of doing so because it contradicts its inherent nature.
• bear (ποιῆσαι - poiesai):
  • "bear" (ποιῆσαι - poiesai): To produce, yield, make, do. It describes the natural and inevitable outcome or product that emanates from the source.
• bad fruit (καρπὸν πονηρόν - karpon poneron):
  • "bad" (of fruit) (πονηρόν - poneron): This term indicates something evil, malicious, wicked, worthless, harmful, or malignant. It points to destructive, ungodly, or unfruitful actions that stem from a corrupt nature.
  • "fruit" (καρπὸν - karpon): Represents the outward manifestation of one's inner being—their deeds, words, influence, character traits, and the effects they have on the world.
• nor can a bad tree (οὐδὲ δένδρον σαπρὸν - oude dendron sapron):
  • "nor can": Reinforces the preceding statement by applying the same principle in reverse, demonstrating the consistent nature of the truth.
  • "bad" (of tree) (σαπρόν - sapron): Distinct from poneron (evil fruit). Sapron means rotten, decaying, putrid, diseased, corrupt, worthless, useless, unfit for purpose. This refers to an intrinsically unhealthy, degenerate nature. In a spiritual context, it signifies an unregenerate heart, a life not renewed by God.
• bear good fruit (ποιῆσαι καρπὸν καλόν - poiesai karpon kalon):
  • "good" (of fruit) (καλόν - kalon): The same "good" as used for the "good tree," meaning noble, excellent, beneficial, righteous, and fitting.
  • This phrase emphasizes the reciprocal impossibility: a corrupt nature cannot produce genuinely good results, just as a good nature cannot produce truly evil ones.

Words-group analysis:

• "A good tree cannot bear bad fruit": This phrase establishes the fundamental relationship: nature determines outcome. A healthy spiritual life, truly aligned with God, cannot consistently produce deeds of malice, hypocrisy, or ungodliness, because it goes against its renewed essence.
• "nor can a bad tree bear good fruit": This symmetrical statement confirms the absolute nature of the principle. A life not rooted in Christ and genuine transformation cannot genuinely produce righteous, selfless, and truly beneficial actions that glorify God, despite any outward show or moralistic effort. This highlights the deep spiritual reality that defines human capacity for good.

Matthew 7 18 Bonus section

The tree and fruit metaphor throughout the Bible emphasizes an organic, inherent connection. The verse implies that external actions (fruit) are not independent choices disconnected from internal character (tree), but rather an inevitable consequence. It challenges the idea that one can live a life contradictory to their inner spiritual state. This also links to the concept of the "new creation" in Christ, where believers are fundamentally changed, enabling them to genuinely produce "fruit for God." The impossibility spoken of in the verse highlights that human effort alone cannot transform a "bad tree" into a "good tree" to bear the right fruit; it requires a divine work of grace and transformation of nature.

Matthew 7 18 Commentary

Matthew 7:18 succinctly encapsulates a core theological truth: who we truly are in our innermost being dictates what we produce. This verse is not primarily a command to "do good works," but an explanation of spiritual cause and effect, offering a vital key for spiritual discernment. True righteousness stems from an internal renewal—being a "good tree"—which then naturally overflows into "good fruit," meaning acts of love, righteousness, and truth. Conversely, a corrupt nature (a "bad tree") inevitably produces deeds reflective of its inner decay, even if disguised by external religiosity. Jesus' absolute statements ("cannot bear") emphasize that the fruit is an unforced, undeniable expression of the tree's fundamental nature. Therefore, discerning others, especially those claiming spiritual authority, involves observing the sustained, characteristic produce of their lives rather than just their words or initial appearance. For the believer, it’s a call to examine the root of their own faith and ensure genuine transformation is leading to authentic Christ-like character and action.Examples: A truly humble person will not boast (good tree, good fruit). One who hates their neighbor cannot truly pray blessings on them (bad tree, bad fruit). A heart filled with bitterness will struggle to show forgiveness (bad tree, bad fruit).