Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

MATTHEW 7:19KJV
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Matthew 7:19 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:19 mean?

Matthew 7:19 says that every tree which does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. This is a warning that those who do not show good results or character will face judgment or removal.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount. He uses the image of trees and fruit to talk about people and their actions. The "good fruit" stands for good deeds or genuine character, while being "hewn down, and cast into the fire" is a picture of serious consequences for failing to live rightly.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:19

  • "καρπὸν" (karpon, fruit): This word refers to the visible results or outcomes of a person's life. In this context, it highlights that what someone produces—how they live—matters.
  • "καλὸν" (kalon, good): This word for "good" often means something that is not just morally right but also beautiful or fitting. It stresses that the fruit must be truly good, not just outwardly impressive.
  • "πῦρ" (pyr, fire): The word for "fire" here is often used in the Bible as a symbol for judgment or destruction, making the warning more vivid and serious.

Why Matthew 7:19 matters

  • Matthew 7:19 clarifies that Jesus is not just talking about words or intentions, but about real, visible actions—what a person's life actually produces.
  • The verse connects to the larger teaching in this chapter about recognizing true and false prophets by their "fruits," helping readers see that genuine faith shows up in how someone lives.
  • This warning helps clear up the idea that simply claiming to follow God is enough; instead, Jesus emphasizes that a changed life is the real evidence.

Where else these words appear

“down” Greek G1581 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 3:9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

“tree” Greek G1186 · used in 19 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Mark 8:24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
  • Luke 21:29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;

“fruit” Greek G2590 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 1:42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
  • Acts 2:30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

“fire” Greek G4442 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 17:29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
  • Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;