By their fruit you will recognize them.This phrase emphasizes the importance of discernment in evaluating the true nature of individuals, particularly spiritual leaders. In biblical context, "fruit" often symbolizes the visible outcomes of one's actions and character. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where fruitfulness is associated with righteousness and obedience to God (
Psalm 1:3,
Jeremiah 17:7-8). Jesus uses this metaphor to teach that genuine faith and character are evidenced by one's actions and lifestyle. The imagery of fruit is also connected to the fruit of the Spirit in
Galatians 5:22-23, which includes love, joy, peace, and other virtues.
Are grapes gathered from thornbushes,
This rhetorical question highlights the natural order and the impossibility of expecting good outcomes from inherently bad sources. In the agricultural society of ancient Israel, grapes were a common and valued crop, symbolizing abundance and blessing (Deuteronomy 8:8). Thornbushes, on the other hand, were often associated with desolation and curse (Genesis 3:18). The contrast between grapes and thornbushes underscores the idea that true spiritual leaders will produce good fruit, while false prophets will not.
or figs from thistles?
Figs were another staple in the diet of the people of Israel, representing prosperity and well-being (1 Kings 4:25,Micah 4:4). Thistles, like thornbushes, were seen as a symbol of the fall and the curse upon the earth (Genesis 3:18). This comparison further illustrates the principle that one's true nature is revealed by their actions and the results they produce. The use of familiar agricultural imagery would have resonated deeply with Jesus' audience, making the teaching both relatable and memorable. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical theme of discerning true from false teachings and prophets, as seen in passages like 1John 4:1 and2 Peter 2:1.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry.
2.
Disciples and FollowersThe primary audience of the Sermon on the Mount, representing all believers who seek to live according to Jesus' teachings.
3.
False ProphetsImplicit in the context, as Jesus warns against those who appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt.
4.
Thornbushes and ThistlesMetaphorical elements used by Jesus to illustrate the nature of false prophets and the impossibility of them producing good fruit.
5.
FruitsSymbolic of the visible outcomes or behaviors that reveal the true nature of a person or teaching.
Teaching Points
Discernment in LeadershipBelievers must exercise discernment in evaluating spiritual leaders and teachings, ensuring they align with biblical truth.
Consistency in Christian LivingOur actions and behaviors should consistently reflect our faith in Christ, producing good fruit as evidence of our relationship with Him.
The Nature of True RighteousnessTrue righteousness is not merely external but is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Guarding Against DeceptionBe vigilant against false teachings and prophets by examining the fruits of their lives and teachings.
Cultivating Good FruitActively pursue spiritual growth and maturity through prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship with other believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 7:16?
2.How can we discern "them by their fruit" in today's society?
3.What are examples of "good fruit" in a believer's life?
4.How does Matthew 7:16 connect with Galatians 5:22-23 on spiritual fruit?
5.What steps can we take to cultivate "good fruit" in our lives?
6.How can we identify "bad fruit" within our church community?
7.How does Matthew 7:16 define true Christian behavior and discernment?
8.What does "You will recognize them by their fruit" imply about judging others?
9.How can Matthew 7:16 be applied to modern Christian leadership?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 7?
11.What does "You Will Know Them by Their Fruit" mean?
12.What defines consequentialism in ethical theory?
13.Who was Grigori Rasputin?
14.What does 'You Will Know Them by Their Fruit' mean?What Does Matthew 7:16 Mean
By their fruit you will recognize them“By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16a)
• Jesus states that genuine identity is revealed by outward results—spiritual “fruit.”
• This principle builds on earlier warnings about false prophets (Matthew 7:15). Authentic teachers will naturally display Christlike character and deeds, while impostors eventually expose themselves through corruption.
• Cross references strengthen the point:Galatians 5:22-23 lists the Spirit’s fruit that marks a believer;1 John 3:10 notes that “anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God.”
• The statement also anticipates judgment language: every tree that bears good fruit is kept, but bad trees are cut down (Matthew 7:19). We are called to discern, not by appearances, but by observable obedience flowing from a transformed heart (John 15:5-8).
Are grapes gathered from thornbushes“Are grapes gathered from thornbushes…?” (Matthew 7:16b)
• The question expects an obvious “no.” Thornbushes are useless for cultivating edible crops, picturing lives rooted in sin that cannot produce the sweetness of the gospel.
•Proverbs 24:30-31 describes a vineyard overgrown with thorns as a sign of laziness and neglect. Likewise, a ministry or individual marked by selfishness, pride, or deception cannot suddenly yield the nourishing fruit of righteousness.
• Jesus’ hearers, many of whom farmed in rocky Galilee, immediately grasped the absurdity: the nature of the plant determines its produce (Luke 6:43).
• Therefore, when evaluating teachers—or ourselves—we look for consistent evidence of repentance, humility, and love (Acts 26:20;1 Timothy 4:12-16).
or figs from thistles?“…or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16c)
• Thistles are prickly weeds; figs were a staple fruit in Israel. Nothing in a thistle’s nature can transform it into a fig-bearing tree.
•James 3:11-12 echoes the imagery: “Can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” Source determines output.
• The Lord’s question also underscores accountability. Thistles crowd out healthy plants, just as false teachers damage the flock (2 Peter 2:1-3).
• Positive application: God plants believers “like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3). When our roots remain in Christ, the inevitable product is good fruit—acts that glorify Him (Colossians 1:10).
summaryMatthew 7:16 teaches that authentic faith and teaching are unmistakably revealed by the quality of their “fruit.” Just as thornbushes cannot yield grapes and thistles cannot yield figs, a heart untouched by Christ cannot produce genuine righteousness. Believers are called to loving discernment, examining conduct and character alongside doctrine. As we abide in Jesus, the Spirit generates observable, nourishing fruit that confirms our testimony and protects the church from deception.
(16)
Ye shall know them by their fruits.--The question, What are the fruits? is not directly answered. Those who attach most importance to the ethical side of religion, see in them the practical outcome of doctrine in life, character, and deeds. Others, who live in a constant dread of heresy, dwell on doctrines rather than acts as the "fruits" by which we are to discern the false teachers and the true. Good works, they say, may be but the sheep's clothing that hides the heretic wolf. The analogy of Scriptural language, and even of that of most theologians, the familiar phrases which speak of good works as the fruits of faith and the like, are, it is believed, entirely in favour of the former view. Still more decisive are the "fruits meet for repentance" of
Matthew 3:8. We are to judge of the teaching of those who claim authority by the test of the measure in which, in the long-run, it promotes purity, peace, and holiness.
Verse 16. - Parallel passage:
Luke 6:44. (For the first clause, cf also ver. 20 and
Matthew 12:33.)
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Their appearance and their claims are no proof of their true character. It may seem difficult to recognize this, yet there is a sure way of doing so, by their life. The emphasis of the sentence is on "by their fruits."
Ye shall know. Ye shall come to know them to the full (
ἐπιγνώσεσθε). (On the greater strength of the compound,
vide Ellicott,
1 Corinthians 13:12.)
Fruits. All considered separately (cf. vers. 17, 18, 20), but in ver. 19 as one whole (cf.
Matthew 3:8, note). It is, however, just possible that here and in ver. 20 the plural points to fruit growing on different trees.
Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? The visible outgrowth reveals the nature of that which is within. Those who "profess to combine fellowship with God with the choice of darkness as their sphere of life "(Bishop Westcott, on the suggestive parallel
1 John 1:6) only show that within they are destitute of fellowship with God. Observe, Christ does not say, "Do thorns produce grapes," etc.? (cf.
James 3:12), but "Do men gather?"
i.e. he desires to bring out the way in which men ordinarily deal with productions external to themselves. You, my followers, ought to use that common sense in spiritual matters which men show in matters of everyday life.
Thistles; apparently
Centaurea calcitrapa, the common thistle of Palestine; in the plains the only fuel.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Byἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.theirαὐτῶν(autōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.fruitκαρπῶν(karpōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2590:Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.you will recognizeἐπιγνώσεσθε(epignōsesthe)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1921:From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.them.αὐτούς(autous)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.Are grapes gatheredσυλλέγουσιν(syllegousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4816:To collect, gather. From sun and lego in its original sense; to collect.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.thornbushes,ἀκανθῶν(akanthōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 173:A thorn-bush, prickly plant; a thorn. Probably from the same as akmen; a thorn.orἢ(ē)Conjunction
Strong's 2228:Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.figsσῦκα(syka)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4810:A (ripe) fig. Apparently a primary word; a fig.fromἀπὸ(apo)Preposition
Strong's 575:From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.thistles?τριβόλων(tribolōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5146:A thistle. From treis and belos; properly, a crow-foot, i.e. a thorny plant.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 7:16 By their fruits you will know them (Matt. Mat Mt) 
