King James Version

What Does Luke 6:43 Mean?

Luke 6:43 in the King James Version says “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 6:43 · KJV

Context

41

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

42

Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.

43

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

44

For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. grapes: Gr. a grape

45

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit—the principle is inexorable: kalon dendron (καλὸν δένδρον, good/beautiful tree) produces good fruit; sapron dendron (σαπρὸν δένδρον, rotten/corrupt tree) produces bad fruit. The adjective sapros (σαπρός) means rotten, putrid, worthless. This agricultural axiom establishes the principle: nature produces according to kind.

Jesus applies this to spiritual fruit—teachers and disciples are known by what they produce (v. 44). External appearance means nothing; fruit reveals reality. False teachers may appear impressive (whitewashed tombs, Matthew 23:27) but produce corrupt doctrine and corrupt disciples. True teachers, rooted in Christ, produce righteousness, love, and truth. The tree metaphor runs throughout Scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8, John 15:1-8), always emphasizing the inseparable link between root and fruit, being and doing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Palestinian agriculture was familiar with olive trees, fig trees, and grapevines—everyone understood that trees produce fruit according to their nature. Jesus used this common knowledge to teach spiritual truth. First-century Judaism emphasized external conformity to law, but Jesus exposed the heart—good trees (regenerate hearts) produce good fruit (righteous living); corrupt trees (unregenerate hearts) produce corrupt fruit (sin). This teaching would resonate in Paul's contrast between flesh and Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) and John's emphasis that children of God don't continue in sin (1 John 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What fruit is your life producing, and what does that reveal about the condition of your heart (the tree)?
  2. How does Jesus' teaching about trees and fruit challenge external religiosity that focuses on appearance rather than heart transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Οὐ1 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

γάρ2 of 14

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν3 of 14

“bringeth”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

δένδρον4 of 14

“tree”

G1186

a tree

καλόν5 of 14

“a good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ποιοῦν6 of 14

“bring forth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καρπὸν7 of 14

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

σαπρὸν8 of 14

“a corrupt”

G4550

rotten, i.e., worthless (literally or morally)

οὐδὲ9 of 14

“neither”

G3761

not however, i.e., neither, nor, not even

δένδρον10 of 14

“tree”

G1186

a tree

σαπρὸν11 of 14

“a corrupt”

G4550

rotten, i.e., worthless (literally or morally)

ποιοῦν12 of 14

“bring forth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

καρπὸν13 of 14

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

καλόν14 of 14

“a good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 6:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 6:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 2:21Matthew 12:33Matthew 7:16-20Matthew 3:10Psalms 92:12-14Isaiah 5:4

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