Matthew 12:33

Modern

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit.

Traditional

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

Literal

Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree rotten and its fruit rotten. For by the fruit, the tree is known.

Latin

Aut facite arborem bonam, et fructum ejus bonum: aut facite arborem malam, et fructum ejus malum: siquidem ex fructu arbor agnoscitur.

Greek

English

Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit.

Jesus addressed the main issue. The Pharisees did not accept him or believe his work came from God because they were wicked (see 7:15–27).

The Pharisees, the teachers of religious law, and many people of his generation rejected the Messiah.

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 6:43–44
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.
Matthew 7:16–20
By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
James 4:8
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Matthew 3:8–10
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
John 15:4–7
Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
Luke 3:9
The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Amos 5:15
Hate evil and love good; establish justice in the gate. Perhaps the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.”
Luke 11:39–40
Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.
Ezekiel 18:31
Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel?
James 3:12
My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Matthew 23:26
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.