You Will Know Them By Their Fruit: What Does Matthew 7:16 Mean?

Matthew 7:16 reads, “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” King James Version (KJV)

Translation	Matthew 7:16
ESV	You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
NASB	“You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?
NIV	By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
NLT	You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?

Also see the meaning of Pick Up Your Cross and Follow Me

You Will Know Them By Their Fruit: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

7:15-20 Nothing so much prevents men from entering the strait gate, and becoming true followers of Christ, as the carnal, soothing, flattering doctrines of those who oppose the truth.

They may be known by the drift and effects of their doctrines. Some part of their temper and conduct is contrary to the mind of Christ. Those opinions come not from God that lead to sin.

Also see the meaning of You Are A Royal Priesthood

Matthew 7:16 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. Ye shall know them by their fruits—not their doctrines—as many of the elder interpreters and some later ones explain it—for that corresponds to the tree itself; but the practical effect of their teaching, which is the proper fruit of the tree.

Do men gather grapes of thorns—any kind of prickly plant.

or figs of thistles?—a three-pronged variety. The general sense is obvious—Every tree bears its own fruit.

Also see the meaning of Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

You Will Know Them By Their Fruit: Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 7:16 | Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

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