Matthew 7:16

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Matthew 7:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

King James Version KJV

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

American Standard Version ASV

By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Bible in Basic English BBE

By their fruits you will get knowledge of them. Do men get grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?

Free Bible Version FBV

You can recognize them by their fruits. Do people harvest grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ye shall know them by their fruites. Doe men gather grapes of thornes? or figges of thistles?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

From their fruits ye shall know them; do [men] gather from thorns grapes? or from thistles figs?

World English Bible WEB

By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Ye shall know them by their fruits: Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Translation for Translators T4T

So how will you know that they are false? Well, by seeing what plants produce, you know what kind of plants they are [MET]. For example, thornbushes cannot produce grapes, so ◄no one can pick grapes from thornbushes./can anyone pick grapes from thornbushes?► [RHQ] And thistles cannot produce figs, so ◄no one can pick figs from thistles./can anyone pick figs from thistles?► [RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

If you look at the things these people do, you can find out if they are talking true words, or if they are liars.” Then Jesus told a picture story. He said, “Think about the trees that give us fruit to eat. We can’t get good fruit from rubbish trees. We can’t get grapes from rubbish plants.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 7:16

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK απο των καρπων αυτων επιγνωσεσθε αυτους μητι συλλεγουσιν απο ακανθων σταφυλην η απο τριβολων συκα

απο apo G575 away from Prep

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

καρπων karpos G2590 fruit Noun-GPM

αυτων autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GPM

επιγνωσεσθε epiginōskō G1921 to come to know Verb-FDI-2P

αυτους autos G846 it/s/he Pron-APM

μητι mēti G3385 surely not Particle-I

συλλεγουσιν sullegō G4816 to collect Verb-PAI-3P

απο apo G575 away from Prep

ακανθων akantha G173 a thorn Noun-GPF

σταφυλην staphulē G4718 grapes Noun-ASF

η ē G2228 or Particle

απο apo G575 away from Prep

τριβολων tribolos G5146 thistle Noun-GPM

συκα sukon G4810 fig Noun-APN

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 7:16

απο apo G575 "away from" Prep

This word means moving away from something, like a place or a time. It's used in many parts of the Bible, like Matthew 5:29 and Luke 5:2, to show movement or separation. It can also mean because of something.

Definition: ἀπό (on the frequently neglect of elision bef. vowels, see Tdf., Pr., 94, WH, App., 146), prep. with genitive (WM, 462ff.; on its relation to ἐκ, παρά, ὑπό, ib. 456f.), [in LXX for לְ ,בְּ ,מִן ;] from (i.e. from the exterior). __1. Of separation and cessation; __(1) of motion from a place: Mat.5:29, 30 7:23, Luk.5:2 22:41, al.; __(2) in partitive sense (M, Pr., 72, 102, 245; MM, see word; Bl., §40, 2), Mat.9:16 27:21, Jhn.21:10, Act.5:2, al.; also after verbs of eating, etc.; __(3) of alienation (cl. genitive of separation), after such verbs as λούω (Deiss., BS, 227), λύω, σώζω, παύω, etc.; ἀνάθεμα ἀ., Rom.9:3; ἀποθνήσκειν ἀ., Col.2:20; σαλευθῆναι, 2Th.2:2, καθαρός, -ίζειν, ἀ. (Deiss., BS, 196, 216), Act.20:26, 2Co.7:1, Heb.9:14; __(4) of position, Mat.23:34 24:31, al.; after μακράν, Mat.8:30; transposed before measures of distance, Jhn.10:18 21:8, Rev.14:20 (Abbott, JG, 227); __(5) of time, ἀπὸ τ. ὥρας, ἡμέρας, etc., Mat.9:22, Jhn.19:27, Act.20:18, Php.1:5, al.; ἀπ᾽ αἰῶνος, Luk.1:70, al.; ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς, etc., Mat.19:4, Rom.1:20; ἀπὸ βρέφους, 2Ti.3:15; ἀφ᾽ ἧς, since, Luk.7:45, al.; ἀπὸ τ. νῦν, Luk.1:48, al.; ἀπὸ τότε, Mat.4:17, al.; ἀπὸ πέρυσι, a year ago, 2Co.8:10 9:2; ἀπὸ πρωΐ, Act.28:23; __(6) of order or rank, ἀπὸ διετοῦς, Mat.2:16; ἀπὸ Ἀβραάμ, Mat.1:17; ἐβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδάμ, Ju 14; ἀπὸ μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου, Act.8:10, Heb.8:11; ἄρχεσθαι ἀπό, Mat.20:8, Jhn.8:9, Act.8:35, al. __2. Of origin; __(1) of birth, extraction, and hence, in late writers, __(a) of local extraction (cl. ἐξ; Abbott, JG, 227ff.), Mat.21:11, Mrk.15:43, Jhn.1:45, Act.10:38, al.; οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας (WM, §66, 6; M, Pr., 237; Westc, Rendall, in l.), Heb.13:24; __(b) of membership in a community or society (BL, §40, 2), Act.12:1, al.; __(with) of material (= cl. genitive; Bl. l.with; M, Pr., 102), Mat.3:4 27:21; __(d) after verbs of asking, seeking, etc., Luk.11:50, 51 1Th.2:6 (Milligan, in l.); __(2) of the cause, instrument, means or occasion (frequently = ὑπό, παρά, and after verbs of learning, hearing, knowing, etc.; Bl., §40, 3), Mat.7:16 11:29, Luk.22:45, Act.2:22 4:36 9:13 12:14, 1Co.11:23, Gal.3:2, al.; ἀπὸ τ. ὄχλου, Luk.19:3 (cf. Jhn.21:6, Act.22:11); ἀπὸ τ. φόβου, Mat.14:26, al. (cf. Mat.10:26 13:44). __3. Noteworthy Hellenistic phrases: φοβεῖσθαι ἀπό (M, Pr., 102, 107); προσέχειν ἀπό (M, Pr., 11. with; Milligan, NTD, 50); ἀπὸ νότου (Heb. מִגֶּנֶב), Rev.21:13; ἀπὸ προσώπου (מִפְּנֵי), 2Th.1:9 (Bl., §40, 9); ἀπὸ τ. καρδιῶν (בְּלֵב), Mat.18:35; ἀπὸ ὁ ὤν (WM, §10, 2; M, Pr., 9), Rev.1:4. __4. In composition, ἀπό denotes separation, departure, origin, etc. (ἀπολύω, ἀπέρχομαι, ἀπογράφω); it also has a perfective force (M, Pr., 112, 247), as in ἀφικνεῖσθαι, which see (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 600 NT verses. KJV: (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; Acts 8:10; 1 Peter 1:12.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

καρπων karpos G2590 "fruit" Noun-GPM

Fruit refers to the product of something, like a tree or a person's actions, as in Matthew 12:33 and 21:19. It can be literal or figurative, representing the results of our labor.

Definition: καρπός, -οῦ, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for פְּרִי ;] fruit: of trees, Mat.12:33 21:19, Mrk.11:14, Luk.6:44 13:6-7; of vines, Mat.21:34, Mrk.12:2, Luk.20:10, 1Co.9:7; of fields, Mrk.4:29, Luk.12:17, 2Ti.2:6, Jas.5:7; βλαστάνειν, Jas.5:18; ποιεῖν (cf. Heb. פְּרִי עָשָׂה), Mat.3:10 7:17-19 13:26, Luk.3:9 6:43 8:8 13:9, Rev.22:2; διδόναι, Mat.13:8, Mrk.4:7-8; φέρειν, Mat.7:18, Jhn.12:24 15:2, 4-5 15:8, 16; ἀποδιδόναι, Mat.21:41, Rev.22:2; ὁ κ. τ. κοιλίας (בֶּטֶן פְּרִי, Deu.28:4), Luk.1:42; τ. ὀσφύος (Gen.30:2, al.), Act.2:30. Metaphorical, __(a) of works, deeds: Mat.3:8 7:16, 20 21:43, Luk.3:8, Jhn.15:3, 16; τ. πνεύματος, Gal.5:22; τ. φωτός, Eph.5:9; τ. δικαιοσύνης, Php.1:11; σφραγίζεσθαι τὸν κ. (Deiss., BS, 238 f.), Rom.15:28; κ. ἀγαθοί, Jas.3:17; __(b) of advantage, profit: Php.1:22 4:17; ἔχειν, Rom.1:13 6:21-22. συνάγειν, Jhn.4:36; κ. τ. δικαιοσύνης, Heb.12:11, Jas.3:18; of praise, καρπὸν χειλέων (Hos.14:2, al.; cf. Æsch., Eum., 830): Heb.13:15.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 56 NT verses. KJV: fruit See also: 1 Corinthians 9:7; Luke 20:10; Hebrews 12:11.

αυτων autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GPM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

επιγνωσεσθε epiginōskō G1921 "to come to know" Verb-FDI-2P

To know something deeply, like recognizing a person or understanding a truth. In the Bible, it's used in Acts 25:10 and 1 Corinthians 13:12 to describe knowing God or others intimately.

Definition: ἐπι-γινώσκω [in LXX chiefly for נָכַר: hi., also for יָדַע, etc. ;] "directive" of γινώσκω (AR, Eph., 249), as in cl.; __1. to observe, perceive, discern, recognize; __(a) absol.: Act.25:10, 1Co.13:12; before ὅτι, Luk.1:22; τ. πνεύματι, before ὅτι, Mrk.2:8; __(b) with accusative of thing(s): Luk.1:4 5:22, Act.12:14 27:39, Rom.1:32, 2Co.1:13, Col.1:6, 1Ti.4:3; ἐν ἐαυτῷ, Mrk.5:30; before ὅτι, 1Co.14:37; __(with) with accusative of person(s): Mat.11:27 14:36 17:12, Mrk.6:33 (T, αὐτούς, but LTr., WH, R, omit the prop., and LTr., WH, txt., read ἔγνωσαν), Mrk.6:54 Luk.24:16, 31, 1Co.16:18, 2Co.1:14; before ἀπό, with genitive of thing(s), Mat.7:16, 20; before ὅτι, Act.3:10 4:13, 2Co.13:5; pass., 1Co.13:12; opposite to ἀγνοούμενοι, 2Co.6:9. __2. to discover, ascertain, determine: Act.9:30; before ὅτι, Luk.7:37 23:7, Act.19:34 22:29 24:11 28:1; with accusative of thing(s), before quæst., Act.23:28; δι᾽ ἣν αἰτίαν, Act.22:24; παρά, with genitive of person(s), before περ, with genitive of thing(s), Act.24:8; τ. ὁδὸν τῆς δικαιοσύνης, 2Pe.2:21 (cf. Lft., Col., 136; Cremer, 159; M, Pr., 113; AR, Eph., 248 ff.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (ac-, have, take)know(-ledge, well), perceive See also: 1 Corinthians 13:12; Acts 28:1; Romans 1:32.

αυτους autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-APM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

μητι mēti G3385 "surely not" Particle-I

This Greek word means surely not, used to expect a negative answer, as seen in Matthew 7:16 and John 8:22. It's often not directly translated in English. In the Bible, it appears in questions that expect a no response.

Definition: μή-τι interrog. particle, expecting a negative answer: Mat.7:16 26:22, 25, Mrk.4:21 14:19, Luk.6:39, Jhn.8:22 18:35, Act.10:47, 2Co.12:18, Jas.3:11; in hesitant questions (see M, Pr., 170.), μ οὗτός ἐστιν, can this be, Mat.12:23, Jhn.4:29; μ. ἄρα, 2Co.1:17; On εἰ μήτι (Luk.9:13, cf. Bl., § 65, 6), see: εἰ.† εἰ, conjunctive particle, used in conditions and in indirect questions. __I. Conditional, if; __1. with indic, expressing a general assumption; __(a) pres.: before indic, pres., Mat.11:14, Rom.8:25, al.; before imperat., Mrk.4:23 9:22, Jhn.15:18, 1Co.7:9, al.; before fut. indic., Luk.16:31, Rom.8:11, al.; before pf. or aor., with negation in apodosis, Mat.12:26, Rom.4:14, al.; similarly, before impf., Luk.17:6, Jhn.8:39; before quæst., Mat.6:23, Jhn.5:47 7:23 8:46, 1Pe.2:20; __(b) fut.: Mat.26:33, 1Pe.2:20; __(with) pf.: Jhn.11:12, Rom.6:5, al.; __(d) aor.: Luk.16:11 19:8, Jhn.13:32, 18:23, Rev.20:15, al. __2. Where the assumption is certain = ἐπεί: Mat.12:28, Jhn.7:4, Rom.5:17, al. __3. Of an unfulfilled condition, with indic, impf., aor. or plpf., before ἄν, with imp. or aor. (see: ἄν, I, i). __4. C. indic., after verbs denoting wonder, etc., sometimes, but not always, coupled with an element of doubt: Mrk.15:44, 1Jn.3:13, al. __5. C. indic., as in LXX (Num.14:3o, 1Ki.14:45, al. = Heb. אִם), in oaths, with the formula of imprecation understood in a suppressed apodosis (WM, 627; Burton, §272): Mrk.8:12, Heb.3:11" (LXX) 4:3 (LXX). __6. Rarely (cl.) with optative, to express a merely possible condition: Act.24:19 27:39, 1Co.14:10 15:37, I Pe3:14, 17. __II. Interrogative, if, whether. __1. As in cl., in indir. questions after verbs of seeing, asking, knowing, saying, etc.: with indic. pres., Mat.26:63, Mrk.15:36, Act.19:2, 2Co.13:5, al.; fut., Mrk.3:2, Act.8:22, al.; aor., Mrk.15:44, 1Co.1:16, al.; with subjc. aor. (M, Pr., 194), Php.3:12. __2. As in LXX (= Heb. אִם and interrog. הֲ, Gen.17:17, al.; see WM, 639f.; Viteau, i, 22), in direct questions: Mrk.8:23 (Tr., WH, txt.), Luk.13:23, 22:49, Act.19:2, al. __III. With other particles. __1. εἰ ἄρα, εἴγε, εἰ δὲ μήγε, see: ἄρα, γε. __2. εἰ δὲ καί, but if also: Luk.11:18; but even if, 1Co.4:7, 2Co.4:3 11:16. __3. εἰ δὲ μή, but if not, but if otherwise: Mrk.2:21, 22 Jhn.14:2, Rev.2:5, al. __4. εἰ καί, if even, if also, although: Mrk.14:29, Luk.11:8, 1Co.7:21, 2Co.4:16, Php.2:17, al. __5. καὶ εἰ, even if, see: καί __6. εἰ μή, if not, unless, except, but only: Mat.24:22, Mrk.2:26 6:5, Jhn.9:33, 1Co.7:17 (only), Gal.1:19 (cf. ἐὰν μή, 2:16; see Hort., Ja., xvi); ἐκτὸς εἰ μή, pleonastic (Bl., §65, 6), 1Co.14:5 15:2, 1Ti.5:19. __7. εἰ μήν = cl. ἦ μήν (M, Pr., 46), in oaths, surely (Eze.33:27, al.): Heb.6:14. __8. εἴ πως, if haply: Act.27:12, Rom.1:10. __9. εἴτε . . . εἴτε, whether . . . or; Rom.12:6-8, 1Co.3:22 13:8, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 19 NT verses. KJV: not (the particle usually not expressed, except by the form of the question) See also: 1 Corinthians 6:3; John 8:22; James 3:11.

συλλεγουσιν sullegō G4816 "to collect" Verb-PAI-3P

To collect or gather things together, like in Matthew 13:28-30 where Jesus talks about separating wheat from weeds. It means bringing things into one place. The Bible uses it to describe gathering people or things.

Definition: συλ-λέγω [in LXX chiefly for לָקַט ;] to bring together, collect, gather up: with accusative of thing(s), Mat.13:28-30; pass., Mat.13:40; with accusative, before ἀπό, Mat.7:16; id. before ἐκ, Mat.13:41, Luk.6:44; before εἰς, Mat.13:48.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: gather (together, up) See also: Luke 6:44; Matthew 13:30; Matthew 13:48.

απο apo G575 "away from" Prep

ακανθων akantha G173 "a thorn" Noun-GPF

A thorn or prickly plant, mentioned in Matthew 7:16 and 13:7. It can also refer to a brier or thorny branch. This word is about a sharp or pointed object.

Definition: ἄκανθα, -ης, ἡ (ἀκή, a point), [in LXX chiefly for קוֹץ, also for סִיר, שַׁיִת, etc. ;] a prickly plant, thorn, brier; in NT always pl.: Mat.7:16 13:7,22 27:29, Mrk.4:7,18, Luk.6:44 8:7,14, Jhn.19:2, Heb.6:8 (see MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: thorn See also: Hebrews 6:8; Mark 4:7; Matthew 27:29.

σταφυλην staphulē G4718 "grapes" Noun-ASF

Grapes refer to a cluster of ripe grapes, as seen in Matthew 7:16 and Revelation 14:18. The Bible often uses grapes to symbolize abundance and prosperity.

Definition: σταφυλή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX for עֵנָב ;] a bunch of grapes: Mat.7:16, Luk.6:44, Rev.14:18. "σ. is properly the ripe grape-cluster as opposite to ὄμφαξ, cf. Gen.40:10, Job.15:33; as contrasted with βότρυς, it describes the grapes rather than the cluster on which they grow" (Swete, Apoc., 187 f.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: grapes See also: Luke 6:44; Matthew 7:16; Revelation 14:18.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

απο apo G575 "away from" Prep

τριβολων tribolos G5146 "thistle" Noun-GPM

The Greek word for thistle, a thorny plant, used in Matthew 7:16 and Hebrews 6:8 to describe a prickly weed. It symbolizes something unwanted or troublesome.

Definition: τρίβολος, -ου, ὁ [in LXX: Gen.3:18, Hos.10:8 (דַּרְדַּר), 2Ki.12:31 (חָרִיץ), Pro.22:5 (צֵן)* ;] a thistle: Mat.7:16, Heb.6:8.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: brier, thistle See also: Hebrews 6:8; Matthew 7:16.

συκα sukon G4810 "fig" Noun-APN

A fig is a type of fruit that grows on a fig tree. It is mentioned in Matthew 7:16 and James 3:12. Figs were a common food in ancient Israel and are still eaten today.

Definition: σῦκον, -ου, τό [in LXX for תְּאֵן ] a fig: Mat.7:16, Mrk.11:13, Luk.6:44 Jas.3:12.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: fig See also: James 3:12; Mark 11:13; Matthew 7:16.

Study Notes — Matthew 7:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Matthew 7:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 7:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 7:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 7:16
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 7:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 7:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 7:16
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 7:16
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 7:16
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 7:16
Sermons on Matthew 7:16

Context — A Tree and Its Fruit

14But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. 15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Luke 6:43–45	No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. Indeed, figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor grapes from brambles. The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
2	Matthew 12:33	Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
3	James 3:12	My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
4	Matthew 7:20	So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
5	2 Peter 2:10–18	Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings. Yet not even angels, though greater in strength and power, dare to bring such slanderous charges against them before the Lord. These men are like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be captured and destroyed. They blaspheme in matters they do not understand, and like such creatures, they too will be destroyed. The harm they will suffer is the wages of their wickedness. They consider it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deception as they feast with you. Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
6	Jude 1:10–19	These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively. Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. These men are hidden reefs in your love feasts, shamelessly feasting with you but shepherding only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried along by the wind; fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead after being uprooted. They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.” These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

Matthew 7:16 Summary

This verse, Matthew 7:16, teaches us that we can tell what kind of person someone is by the way they live their life and the choices they make. Just like you wouldn't expect to find grapes growing on thornbushes, we shouldn't expect to see good things coming from someone who doesn't have a heart for God. As Jesus says, a good tree will produce good fruit, and a bad tree will produce bad fruit (Matthew 7:17-18). By looking at the fruit in someone's life, we can get an idea of what's really going on in their heart, and we can also examine our own lives to see what kind of fruit we are producing (Galatians 5:22-23).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to recognize people by their fruit?

Recognizing people by their fruit means to identify their true nature by their actions, behavior, and the results of their lives, as taught in Matthew 7:16 and supported by Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the fruit of the Spirit.

Can a person produce good fruit if they are not a Christian?

While a non-Christian can do good deeds, the Bible teaches that truly good fruit comes from a heart transformed by Jesus Christ, as seen in John 15:4-5, where Jesus says that apart from Him, we can do nothing.

How can I discern if someone is a false prophet or not?

To discern if someone is a false prophet, look at their fruit, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:16, and compare their teachings to the Bible, as instructed in Acts 17:11, where the Bereans examined the Scriptures to verify Paul's teachings.

What kind of fruit should I be producing as a Christian?

As a Christian, you should be producing the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, and also doing good works, as taught in Ephesians 2:10, which says we are created in Christ Jesus for good works.

Reflection Questions

What kind of fruit am I producing in my own life, and how can I improve it?
How can I apply Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:16 to my relationships and interactions with others?
What are some examples of 'bad fruit' that I should avoid, according to the Bible?
How can I cultivate a heart that produces good fruit, as described in Matthew 7:16 and John 15:1-17?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 7:16

Ye shall know them by their fruits,.... By "fruits" are meant, not so much their external works in life and conversation; for a false prophet may so behave, as not to be discovered thereby.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 7:16

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Ver. 16. Ye shall know them by their fruits] That is, chiefly by their doctrines, which tend either to the infecting of the judgment with error or tainting of the life with uncleanness, or both; and commonly both, as those ancient heretics, whose pernicious, or, as other copies read, lascivious, ways many followed; by reason of whom the way of truth was evil spoken of (ταιςασελγειαις), 2 Peter 2:2. St Austin observeth, that in the loose and lascivious heretics, many foul mouthed men met with matter of blaspheming the name of Christ, because they also would needs be held Christians. And Epiphanius adds, that for their sakes many heathens would not so much as have any conversation with Christians, or hear them speak. Who hath not heard what a stumblingblock and obstacle to the conversion of the Jews, is the idolatry of the Papists and the blasphemies of other Christians? By their fruits they know such persons not to be of God, as their predecessors argued of our Saviour: "This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day," John 9:16. The proposition here was sound, had they not mistook themselves in the assumption, "He that keepeth not the sabbath is not of God." We may also safely reason in like sort. Such and such deny or question principles, as the Anti-trinitarians, Arians, Eutychians, and others not a few in the primitive Church, so pestered with arch-heretics, that it was then, as Erasmus hath it, a noble thing to be a Christian. Had these been of God, they would have hearkened to his word, John 8:47, which is plain in principles, and commandeth to hate false heterodox opinions, Psalms 119:104, and those that broach them, buzzing doubts in men’ s heads, Romans 16:17; John 10:5. That heretic confuted by Junius took an ungainly course for his own satisfaction, who confessed that he had spent two-and-twenty years in trying religions. He had been with Jews, Arians, Mahometans, and such sects; that at length he might find truth among them, which is, as he saith, Viam per avia quaerere, to seek truth by wandering through all sorts of errors. But truth, 1. is divine, grounded upon the Scriptures; wherein we have a most sure word, as Peter hath it; and self-sufficient, saith Paul, for instruction in righteousness, to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. So that it is impossible God’ s elect should be finally deceived, 2 Peter 1:19; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; though for a time they may be fearfully miscarried, as the young prophet was by the old Bethelite.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

(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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

Verse 16. Ye shall know them by their fruits.] Fruits, in the Scripture and Jewish phraseology, are taken for works of any kind. "A man's works," says one, "are the tongue of his heart, and tell honestly whether he is inwardly corrupt or pure." By these works you may distinguish (επιγνωσεσθε) these ravenous wolves from true pastors. The judgment formed of a man by his general conduct is a safe one: if the judgment be not favourable to the person, that is his fault, as you have your opinion of him from his works, i.e. the confession of his own heart.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 7:16

16. thorns] The Greek word means, probably, a kind of acacia, or perhaps “thistles.” There is a Greek proverb οὐγὰρἄκανθαι, “no thistles,” i. e. “nothing useless.” thistles] Rather, caltrop, a prickly water-plant.

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 7:16

Ye shall know them by their fruits - The Saviour gives the proper test of their character. People do not judge of a tree by its leaves, or bark, or flowers, but by the fruit which it bears.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

16. Know them — It is all important for us to know them, and hence a plain test is given. Their fruits — Their own actions and the moral tendency of their doctrines.

Sermons on Matthew 7:16

	Sermon	Description
	(True Disciple Conference) We Have Forgotten That the Way Is Narrow by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building one's life on the Word of God. He challenges the common misconception that building on the sand represents a weak
	凭他们的果子 - by Their Fruit by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration of arriving late to emphasize the importance of understanding the fallen nature of man. He argues that men are not just sinners, b
	Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher questions why so many people claim to have encountered Jesus Christ but are not permanently changed. He emphasizes the importance of genuine transforma
	Beg to Be Filled and Resist Filling by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles and doubts that believers may face in their journey with God. He emphasizes that those who have experienced defeat and setbacks
	(Genesis) Genesis 37:29-33 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his son Joseph. Jacob had deceived his own father in the past, and now he is deceived by his own sons who make him bel
	Se Pt3 - How Can You Have Assurance? by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not loving the world and its desires. He emphasizes that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.
	(Exodus) Exodus 28:33-43 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and authentic Christian life. He highlights the need for believers to not only talk about their faith but

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Matthew 7:16

Matthew 7:16 in Multiple Translations

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Study Highlights

Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 7:16

Matthew 7:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

Greek Word Reference — Matthew 7:16

Study Notes — Matthew 7:16

Context — A Tree and Its Fruit

Cross References

Matthew 7:16 Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Reflection Questions

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 7:16

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 7:16

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 7:16

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 7:16

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 7:16

Sermons on Matthew 7:16