Matthew 7:20
What does Matthew 7:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 7:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 7:20 means
This verse serves as a powerful summary statement, reiterating the essential truth that 'Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.' It brings the discourse on discerning false prophets to a conclusive point, emphasizing that the most reliable evidence of a person's true spiritual nature, whether good or deceptive, is found in the observable results of their life, teaching, and influence. It reinforces the importance of consistent, righteous 'fruit' as the ultimate test of authenticity for all who claim to represent God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So by their fruits you will get knowledge of them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862therefore from their fruits ye shall know them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890By their fruits then surely ye shall know them.
Context
This verse acts as a definitive concluding statement to the entire section on false prophets and the 'fruit' test. It serves as a strong reiteration and reinforcement of the key principle of discernment, ensuring the listener grasps the enduring importance of this criterion. This final emphasis on fruit naturally transitions into Jesus' next crucial warning about the insufficiency of mere verbal profession of faith, bringing the Sermon on the Mount to its powerful closing arguments.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 7:16
By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Related questions readers ask
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Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 7
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 7.
Devotionals
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Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
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The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
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Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Authority
Authority in the Bible refers to the divinely instituted right to command and influence, often reflecting God's sovereign rule and delegation to human leaders.
Topic
Bible Verses About Discernment
Discernment is the ability to judge well, to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil, and truth and falsehood.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Fruit of the Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is the manifestation of God's character in believers through the Holy Spirit's work
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