King James Version

What Does Luke 6:44 Mean?

Luke 6:44 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Luke 6:44 · KJV

Context

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.

46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Read Luke 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For every tree is known by his own fruit (ἐκ τοῦ ἰδίου καρποῦ γινώσκεται, ek tou idiou karpou ginōsketai)—recognition comes through fruit. The verb ginōskō (γινώσκω) means to know with certainty, to discern reality. Jesus provides specific examples: For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes (ἐξ ἀκανθῶν οὐ συλλέγουσιν σῦκα, ex akanthōn ou syllegousin syka).

Thorns (akanthōn, ἀκανθῶν) and brambles (batou, βάτου) represent cursed, fruitless plants—results of the fall. Figs and grapes represent valuable, nourishing fruit. The contrast is absurd—no one expects good fruit from worthless plants. Similarly, false teachers cannot produce godly disciples; corrupt doctrine yields corrupt practice. This validates testing teachers by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20)—not charisma, popularity, or claims, but what they produce in disciples' lives.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Figs and grapes were staple crops in first-century Palestine, providing essential nutrition. Thorns and brambles were worthless weeds, good only for fuel. The image would be immediately understood: you can't get something valuable from something worthless; nature doesn't work that way. Jesus applies this to spiritual discernment—evaluate teachers and teachings by their results. The early church faced false teachers (Acts 20:29-30, 2 Peter 2:1-3), making this fruit-testing principle essential. Modern application remains critical: test teaching by whether it produces Christlikeness, holiness, love, and truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you test the teaching you receive—by its attractiveness or by the fruit it produces in people's lives?
  2. What 'thorns and brambles' (false teachings, sinful habits) are you tolerating that can never produce the fruit of righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἕκαστον1 of 19

“every”

G1538

each or every

γὰρ2 of 19

“For”

G1063

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

δένδρον3 of 19

“tree”

G1186

a tree

ἐκ4 of 19

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ5 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίου6 of 19

“his own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

καρποῦ7 of 19

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

γινώσκεται·8 of 19

“is known”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

οὐ9 of 19

“men do not”

G3756

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

γὰρ10 of 19

“For”

G1063

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

ἐκ11 of 19

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀκανθῶν12 of 19

“thorns”

G173

a thorn

συλλέγουσιν13 of 19

“gather”

G4816

to collect

σῦκα14 of 19

“figs”

G4810

a fig

οὐδὲ15 of 19

“nor”

G3761

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

ἐκ16 of 19

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

βάτου17 of 19

“a bramble bush”

G942

a brier shrub

τρυγῶσιν18 of 19

“gather they”

G5166

to collect the vintage

σταφυλὴν19 of 19

“grapes”

G4718

a cluster of grapes (as if intertwined)

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 6:44 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 6:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 3:12Matthew 12:33Galatians 5:19-23Titus 2:11-13Jude 1:12

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