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Matthew 7:16-21 KJV
Matthew · chapter 7 · verses 16–21
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.Matthew 7:16-21 · King James Version
Matthew 7:16-21 in context
14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Commentary
Cross references
- Luke 6:43-45
- James 3:12
- Matthew 12:33
- Matthew 7:20
- Matthew 12:33-35
- Galatians 5:22-24
- Ephesians 5:9
- Psalms 1:3
- Luke 13:6-9
- Jeremiah 17:8
- Colossians 1:10
- Psalms 92:13-14
Key words (Strong's)
- corruptsaprosrotten, putrefied, corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out, of poor quality…G4550 →
- kingdombasileiaroyal power, kingship, dominion, rule, not to be confused with an actual kingdom but…G932 →
- fruitskarposfruit, the fruit of the trees, vines, of the fields, the fruit of one's loinsG2590 →
- fruitsmētiwhether, at all, perchanceG3385 →
- gathersyllegōto gather up, to collect in order to carry offG4816 →
- grapesstaphylēgrapes, bunch of grapesG4718 →
- thornsakanthathorn, bramble, bush, brier, a thorny plantG173 →
- cannotouno, not in direct questions expecting an affirmative answerG3756 →
Topics
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We have here a caution against false prophets, to take heed that we be not deceived and imposed upon by them. Prophets are properly such as foretel things to come;
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 15-20