New Testament

Matthew 7:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus teaches that we can identify true followers by their actions and the outcomes of their lives, which He refers to as 'fruits.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

You'll recognize them by what they produce. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?

KJVKing James Version

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus teaches that we can identify true followers by their actions and the outcomes of their lives, which He refers to as 'fruits.' Just as one cannot expect to find grapes on thornbushes or figs on thistles, genuine character and faith will produce good deeds and positive results. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing true prophets and teachers. The 'fruits' symbolize the visible evidence of a person's inner character and beliefs. Therefore, it is essential to look beyond mere words and evaluate the actions and behaviors of individuals to determine their true nature. This principle applies not only to spiritual leaders but also to anyone claiming to follow Christ. By observing the fruits of their lives, we can make informed judgments about their authenticity and integrity.

Key themes

Related topics

discernment, fear, prayer

How to apply Matthew 7:16 to your life

To apply this teaching, we should evaluate the actions and outcomes of those who claim to be spiritual leaders or teachers. Instead of taking their words at face value, we should look for evidence of their character through their behavior and the impact they have on others.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Matthew 7:16 mean?

Matthew 7:16 means that you can identify true followers of Jesus by their actions and the results of their lives, which are referred to as 'fruits.' Just as you wouldn't find grapes on thornbushes, genuine faith produces good deeds.

What is the meaning of 'fruits' in Matthew 7:16?

In Matthew 7:16, 'fruits' refer to the visible evidence of a person's character and beliefs, shown through their actions and the impact they have on others. It emphasizes that true faith will naturally result in good works.

How can I apply Matthew 7:16 in my life?

To apply Matthew 7:16, observe the actions and behaviors of those who claim to be spiritual leaders. Look for evidence of their character through their deeds and the positive effects they have on others.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.