Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:17

What does Matthew 7:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:17 means

This verse reinforces the principle that inner nature inevitably manifests in outward behavior. A 'good tree' (representing a true prophet or disciple) will consistently produce 'good fruit,' which signifies righteous living, sound teaching, and positive spiritual impact. Conversely, a 'corrupt tree' (a false prophet or unregenerate individual) will only produce 'evil fruit,' characterized by sin, false doctrine, and destructive influence. This natural law illustrates a spiritual truth: the source determines the outcome, and true character cannot be perpetually hidden.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even so, every good tree gives good fruit; but the bad tree gives evil fruit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so every good tree doth yield good fruits, but the bad tree doth yield evil fruits.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So every good tree produces good fruits, but the worthless tree produces bad fruits.

Context

Building on the principle of knowing by 'fruits,' this verse further clarifies the inherent connection between a tree's nature and the fruit it produces. It reinforces the idea that true character, whether good or corrupt, will inevitably be revealed through actions and teachings. This verse then logically leads to the absolute statement that good and evil fruits cannot come from the same source, preparing the reader for the ultimate consequence of bearing bad fruit.

v.16By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

v.17This passage

v.18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 1:3

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That bringeth forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also doth not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

  • Psalms 92:13

    They are planted in the house of Jehovah; They shall flourish in the courts of our God.

  • Ephesians 5:9

    (for the fruit of the light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth),

  • Luke 13:6

    And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none.

  • Jeremiah 11:19

    But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

  • Isaiah 61:3

    to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that he may be glorified.

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