Devine Scripture

Luke 6:44

What does Luke 6:44 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 6:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 6:44 means

Jesus reiterated the principle, stating, "For each tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes." This proverb powerfully affirms that a person's true character and genuine spiritual condition are ultimately revealed through their consistent actions and the impact they have. Just as one cannot expect sweet fruit from a plant designed to bear thorns, one cannot expect genuinely good deeds from a heart that is not transformed. This reinforces that authentic faith is demonstrated through a life of good works.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For each tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For each tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For every tree is judged by its fruit. Men do not get figs from thorns, or grapes from blackberry plants.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for each tree from its own fruit is known, for not from thorns do they gather figs, nor from a bramble do they crop a grape.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For every tree is known by its fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns: nor from a bramble bush do they gather the grape.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for every tree is known by its own fruit, for figs are not gathered from thorns, nor grapes vintaged from a bramble.

Context

This verse expands on the tree metaphor, emphasizing the observable nature of true character through one's actions. It reinforces the idea that true identity—whether good or corrupt—will inevitably manifest in outward fruit. This explanation provides the basis for understanding how inner spiritual condition translates into visible behavior, leading directly into the teaching about the treasure of the heart and its outward expression.

v.43For there is no good tree that bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor again a corrupt tree that bringeth forth good fruit.

v.44This passage

v.45The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jude 1:12

    These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

  • James 3:12

    can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet.

  • Matthew 12:33

    Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit.

  • Galatians 5:19

    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

  • Titus 2:11

    For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

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