Matius 12:33

Trees and Their Fruit

12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad ¹  and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit.

Lukas 6:44

6:44 for each tree is known ²  by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered ³  from thorns, nor are grapes picked ⁴  from brambles. ⁵ 

[12:33]  ¹ tn Grk “rotten.” The word σαπρός, modifying both “tree” and “fruit,” can also mean “diseased” (L&N 65.28).

[6:44]  ² sn The principle of the passage is that one produces what one is.

[6:44]  ³ tn Grk “they do not gather”; this has been simplified to the passive voice in the translation since the subject “they” is not specified further in the context.

[6:44]  ⁴ tn This is a different verb (τρυγῶσιν, trugwsin) for gathering from the previous one (συλλέγουσιν, sullegousin).

[6:44]  ⁵ tn This is a different term (βάτος, batos) for a thorn or bramble bush than the previous one (ἄκανθα, akanqa).

[6:44]  sn The statement nor are grapes picked from brambles illustrates the principle: That which cannot produce fruit, does not produce fruit.