King James Version
Matthew 7:16 in the King James Version says “Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”
Matthew 7:16 · KJV
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Because: or, How
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits . Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“by”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“Ye shall know”
G1921to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge
“them”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“by”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“by”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“thistles”
G5146properly, a crow-foot (three-pronged obstruction in war), i.e., (by analogy) a thorny plant (caltrop)
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 7:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
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