Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:8

What does Matthew 3:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:8 means

John demands that the Pharisees and Sadducees "bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance." This means that true repentance is not merely an outward show or a verbal confession, but must be demonstrated by a changed life. Genuine sorrow for sin will manifest in actions that reflect new priorities, moral integrity, and a spiritual transformation. Without these visible fruits, their claim of repentance is empty.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Let your change of heart be seen in your works:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

bear, therefore, fruits worthy of the reformation,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of penance.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Produce therefore fruit worthy of repentance.

Context

Following John's harsh rebuke of the religious leaders in verse 7, this verse provides the clear expectation for what true repentance looks like. It serves as a direct command for them to prove their sincerity through their actions, which is further elaborated upon in the next verse concerning their reliance on ancestry.

v.7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

v.8This passage

v.9and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Cross references

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

  • Jeremiah 26:13

    Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of Jehovah your God; and Jehovah will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you.

  • Luke 3:8

    Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

  • Romans 2:4

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

  • Luke 3:10

    And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then must we do?

  • 2 Peter 1:4

    whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

  • Jeremiah 36:3

    It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

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