Luke 6:43 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:43 mean?

Luke 6:43 teaches that a good tree does not produce bad fruit, and a bad tree does not produce good fruit. This is a way of saying that the true character of something or someone is shown by what it produces or results in.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including his disciples, as part of a larger teaching about living rightly and judging others. He uses the image of trees and their fruit to help people understand that a person’s actions and words reveal what is inside them, just as the quality of fruit shows what kind of tree it comes from.

The Greek behind Luke 6:43

• καλὸς (kalos, "good"): This word for "good" means not just morally good, but also beautiful or healthy. It suggests that the tree is sound and thriving, not just outwardly acceptable.
• σαπρός (sapros, "corrupt"): This word for "corrupt" means rotten, decayed, or worthless. It paints a strong picture of something that is spoiled from the inside out, not just flawed on the surface.
• ποιεῖ (poiei, "bringeth forth" or "produces"): This verb means to make or produce, emphasizing that the tree naturally brings forth fruit according to its nature. The focus is on the natural outcome, not a forced result.

Why Luke 6:43 matters

• Luke 6:43 clears up the idea that appearances alone can be trusted; Jesus points to the results (the "fruit") as the real evidence of character.
• This verse ties into the wider teaching in Luke 6 about hypocrisy and judging others, showing that real goodness or corruption cannot be hidden for long.
• The verse helps readers understand that lasting change or goodness must come from within, not just from outward actions or words.