Matthew 7:16-20

7:16 You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered ¹  from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? ²  7:17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad ³  tree bears bad fruit. 7:18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 7:20 So then, you will recognize them by their fruit.

---

¹ tn Grk “They do not gather.” This has been simplified to the passive voice in the translation since the subject “they” is not specified further in the context.

² sn The statement illustrates the principle: That which cannot produce fruit does not produce fruit.

³ tn Grk “rotten.” The word σαπρός, modifying “tree” in both v. 17 and 18, can also mean “diseased” (L&N 65.28).