Matthew 7:16-18
New English Translation
16 You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered[a] from thorns or figs from thistles, are they?[b] 17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad[c] tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 7:16 tn Grk “They do not gather.” This has been simplified to the passive voice in the translation since the subject “they” is not specified further in the context.
- Matthew 7:16 tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative answer. This is indicated in the translation by the ‘tag’ question “are they?” at the end of the sentence.sn The statement illustrates the principle: That which cannot produce fruit does not produce fruit.
- Matthew 7:17 tn Grk “rotten.” The word σαπρός, modifying “tree” in both v. 17 and 18, can also mean “diseased” (L&N 65.28).
Matthew 7:16-18
New International Version
16 By their fruit you will recognize them.(A) Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?(B) 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.(C)
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