Matthew 7:16-23

7:16 You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered ¹  from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? ²  7:17 In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad ³  tree bears bad fruit. 7:18 A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 7:20 So then, you will recognize them by their fruit.

Judgment of Pretenders

7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ ⁴  will enter into the kingdom of heaven – only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 7:22 On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do ⁵  many powerful deeds?’ 7:23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’ ⁶ 

¹ 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.

² sn The statement illustrates the principle: That which cannot produce fruit does not produce fruit.

³ tn Grk “rotten.” The word σαπρός, modifying “tree” in both v. 17 and 18, can also mean “diseased” (L&N 65.28).

⁵ sn The double use of the vocative is normally used in situations of high emotion or emphasis. Even an emphatic confession without action means little.

⁷ tn Grk “and in your name do.” This phrase was not repeated here in the translation for stylistic reasons.

⁹ tn Grk “workers of lawlessness.”