Luke 6:43

For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit.

World English Bible

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Other translations

WEBBE

“For there is no good tree that produces rotten fruit, nor again a rotten tree that produces good fruit.

BSB

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.

KJV

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

ASV

For there is no good tree that bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor again a corrupt tree that bringeth forth good fruit.

BBE

For no good tree gives bad fruit, and no bad tree gives good fruit.

Original Greek

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οὐ ou No G3756 γάρ gar for G1063 ἐστιν estin there is G1510 δένδρον dendron tree G1186 καλὸν kalon good G2570 ποιοῦν poioun producing G4160 καρπὸν karpon fruit G2590 σαπρόν sapron bad G4550 οὐδὲ oude nor G3761 πάλιν palin again [is there] G3825 δένδρον dendron a tree G1186 σαπρὸν sapron bad G4550 ποιοῦν poioun producing G4160 καρπὸν karpon fruit G2590 καλόν kalon good G2570

The early church

But take not these words to thyself as an encouragement to idleness, for the tree is moved conformably to its nature, but thou hast the exercise of free will; and every barren tree has been ordained for some good, but thou wert created unto the good work of virtue.

Titus of Bostra · d. 378Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

Each man's life also will be a criterion of his character. For not by extrinsic ornaments and pretended humility is the beauty of true happiness discovered, but by those things which a man does; of which he gives an illustration, adding, For of thorns men do not gather figs.

Cyril of Alexandria · d. 444Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

(lib. iv. ep. 81.) He does not then exclude repentance, but a continuance in evil, which as long as it is evil cannot bring forth good fruit, but being converted to virtue, will yield abundance. But what nature is to the tree, our affections are to us. If then a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, how shall a corrupt heart?

Isidore of Pelusium · d. 450Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

Our Lord continues the words which He had begun against the hypocrites, saying, For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; i. e. as if He says, If thou wouldest have a true and unfeigned righteousness, what thou settest forth in words make up also in works, for the hypocrite though he pretends to be good is not good, who doeth evil works; and the innocent though he be blamed, is not therefore evil, who doeth good works.

Bede · d. 735Catena Aurea (Aquinas, 1274)

Commentary

Matthew Henry · Verses 37–49

All these sayings Christ often used; it was easy to apply them. We ought to be very careful when we blame others; for we need allowance ourselves. If we are of a giving and a forgiving spirit, we shall ourselves reap the benefit. Though full and exact returns are made in another world, not in this world, yet Providence does what should encourage us in doing good. Those who follow the multitude to do evil, follow in the broad way that leads to destruction. The tree is known by its fruits; may the word of Christ be so grafted in our hearts, that we may be fruitful in every good word and work. And what the mouth commonly speaks, generally agrees with what is most in the heart. Those only make sure work for their souls and eternity, and take the course that will profit in a trying time, who think, speak, and act according to the words of Christ. Those who take pains in religion, found their hope upon Christ, who is the Rock of Ages, and other foundation can no man lay. In death and judgment they are safe, being kept by the power of Christ through faith unto salvation, and they shall never perish.

Read Matthew Henry on Luke 6 →

Parallel passages

The same words or events elsewhere.

Matthew 7:16–18 Matthew 7:20 Matthew 12:33

Cross-references

Topics

Wicked (People)Botany

Cross-references: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Hebrew and Greek data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge), CC BY 4.0. Library: sources.