Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
What does Matthew 7:17 mean?
Nothing so much prevents men from entering the strait gate, and becoming true followers of Christ, as the carnal, soothing, flattering doctrines of those who oppose the truth.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Matthew 7:17-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 7:17
A corrupt tree - The word "corrupt" here does not signify, as our translation would seem to indicate, that the tree "had been" good, but had become "vitiated;" but that it was a tree of a useless character, of a nature that produced nothing beneficial.
Key words
- forth
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As is the tree, so is its fruit; if the tree is good, it will bring forth good fruit.
- fruit
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As is the tree, so is its fruit; if the tree is good, it will bring forth good fruit.
Context in Matthew 7
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Matthew 7 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as birth and preparation. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.