Luke 6:43

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.

Study Bible

No good tree
The phrase "No good tree" sets the stage for a metaphorical teaching by Jesus. In the Greek, the word for "good" is "ἀγαθός" (agathos), which implies not just moral goodness but also intrinsic quality and usefulness. The imagery of a tree is deeply rooted in biblical symbolism, often representing individuals or nations. In the Old Testament, trees are frequently used to symbolize life, growth, and prosperity (e.g., Psalm 1:3). Here, Jesus uses the tree to represent a person whose life is rooted in righteousness and godliness.

bears bad fruit
The Greek word for "bad" is "σαπρός" (sapros), meaning rotten or worthless. This phrase emphasizes the natural outcome of a person's character. Just as a healthy tree naturally produces good fruit, a person who is spiritually healthy will produce actions and behaviors that are pleasing to God. The concept of "fruit" in the Bible often refers to the visible outcomes of one's life, such as actions, words, and attitudes (Galatians 5:22-23). The implication is that true goodness cannot produce evil outcomes.

nor does a bad tree
The repetition of the tree metaphor underscores the principle of consistency between nature and outcome. The word "bad" here is again "σαπρός" (sapros), reinforcing the idea of decay and worthlessness. A "bad tree" symbolizes a person whose life is not aligned with God's will, leading to actions that are spiritually unproductive or harmful. This imagery would resonate with Jesus' audience, who were familiar with agricultural practices and understood the importance of a tree's health in determining its fruitfulness.

bear good fruit
The phrase "bear good fruit" completes the parallelism and reinforces the teaching that one's actions are a direct reflection of their inner spiritual state. The Greek word for "good" is again "ἀγαθός" (agathos), indicating that the fruit, or outcomes, are beneficial and aligned with God's purposes. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the importance of inner transformation leading to outward righteousness (James 2:18). The call is for believers to examine their lives and ensure that their actions reflect their faith and commitment to Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this parable, Jesus is teaching His disciples and the crowd about the nature of true righteousness and the evidence of a transformed life.

2. Disciples and the Crowd
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, consisting of His followers and others who were listening to His sermon.

3. The Good Tree and Bad Tree
Metaphorical representations used by Jesus to illustrate the nature of a person's heart and the resulting actions or "fruits."

Teaching Points

The Nature of the Heart
Just as a tree is known by its fruit, a person's true character is revealed by their actions and words. A heart transformed by Christ will naturally produce good fruit.

Evidence of True Faith
Genuine faith in Christ results in a life that reflects His character. Believers are called to examine their lives for evidence of spiritual fruit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to produce good fruit. Dependence on the Spirit is essential for living a life that pleases God.

Self-Examination
Regular self-examination is crucial for believers to ensure their lives align with the teachings of Christ. This involves repentance and seeking God's help to cultivate good fruit.

Impact on Others
The fruit we bear impacts those around us. As Christians, we are called to be a positive influence, drawing others to Christ through our actions and character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of the good and bad tree help us understand the importance of our inner spiritual condition?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are producing good fruit in our daily lives? Consider practical steps and spiritual disciplines.

3. How does the concept of bearing fruit relate to the teachings in Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit?

4. Reflect on a time when you observed the "fruit" of someone's life. How did it impact your perception of their faith?

5. How can we encourage one another within the church to bear good fruit and grow in our relationship with Christ? Consider specific actions or initiatives.

Connections to Other Scriptures

Matthew 7:16-20
This passage parallels Luke 6:43, where Jesus also speaks about recognizing people by their fruits, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and righteousness.

Galatians 5:22-23
Paul describes the "fruit of the Spirit," which aligns with the concept of good fruit produced by a good tree, highlighting attributes like love, joy, and peace.

John 15:1-8
Jesus speaks about the vine and branches, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Him to bear good fruit, which connects to the idea of a good tree producing good fruit.