Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:19

What does Matthew 7:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:19 means

This verse reveals the severe consequence for those who fail the 'fruit' test. 'Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit,' signifying those who do not live lives of genuine righteousness or produce sound spiritual outcomes, 'is hewn down, and cast into the fire.' This imagery speaks of divine judgment and ultimate destruction for those who claim to follow God but demonstrate no real spiritual life. It underscores the urgency of true faith that manifests in obedient living and emphasizes the accountability of all who claim to be God's servants.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Every tree which does not give good fruit is cut down and put in the fire.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Every tree not yielding good fruit is cut down and is cast to fire:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Every tree not producing good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.

Context

Following the absolute declaration about trees and their fruits, this verse presents the inevitable and definitive consequence for those who do not bear good fruit. It provides a sobering warning, firmly linking the lack of righteous living to divine judgment. This powerful concluding statement to the 'fruit' metaphor immediately precedes Jesus' warning that mere verbal profession of faith is insufficient, further emphasizing the necessity of genuine obedience and works.

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

v.19This passage

v.20Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Cross references

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

  • Ezekiel 15:2

    Son of man, what is the vine-tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest?

  • Isaiah 5:5

    And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; I will break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down:

  • 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;

  • Isaiah 27:11

    When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off; the women shall come, and set them on fire; for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have compassion upon them, and he that formed them will show them no favor.

  • 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.

  • Matthew 3:10

    And even now the axe lieth at the root of the trees: every tree therefore that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

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