New Testament
Matthew 7:17
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 uses the metaphor of trees and their fruit to illustrate a fundamental principle about character and behavior.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Every good tree produces good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces bad fruit.
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of trees and their fruit to illustrate a fundamental principle about character and behavior. A good tree, which represents a person with good intentions and moral integrity, will naturally produce good fruit, symbolizing positive actions and outcomes. Conversely, a corrupt tree, representing a person with bad intentions or moral failings, will produce bad fruit, indicating harmful actions and negative consequences. This teaching emphasizes that the nature of a person’s heart and character will ultimately be revealed through their actions. It serves as a reminder that we can discern the true nature of individuals by observing the results of their lives. The verse encourages self-reflection on our own actions and the importance of cultivating a good character to produce positive outcomes in our lives and the lives of others. Explore related righteousness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 7:17 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your own actions and the motivations behind them. Strive to cultivate a good character by engaging in positive behaviors and making choices that align with your values. Surround yourself with influences that encourage good fruit in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 7:17 mean by good and corrupt trees?
In Matthew 7:17, good trees symbolize individuals with moral integrity and positive intentions, while corrupt trees represent those with bad intentions or moral failings. The verse teaches that a person's true character is revealed through their actions, just as a tree's quality is shown by the fruit it bears.
How can I apply the message of Matthew 7:17 in my life?
To apply the message of Matthew 7:17, reflect on your actions and motivations. Focus on cultivating a good character by making choices that align with your values and engaging in positive behaviors. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to produce good fruit in your life.
What are examples of good fruit and bad fruit in daily life?
Good fruit can include acts of kindness, honesty, generosity, and love, while bad fruit may manifest as dishonesty, selfishness, anger, or harmful behaviors. Observing the outcomes of your actions can help you identify whether you are producing good or bad fruit.
How does this verse relate to self-reflection?
Matthew 7:17 encourages self-reflection by prompting individuals to examine their own actions and the motivations behind them. By assessing whether your actions align with good character, you can identify areas for growth and improvement in your life.
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.
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