What is…
fruit in the Bible

This word is sometimes used in Scripture to denote produce in general (vegetable or animal), specific fruits and metaphoric fruit.

Fruit of the land

The Hebrews divided the fruits of the land into 3 classes:

1. The fruit of the field, “corn-fruit” (Hebrew: dagan)—all kinds of grain and pulse.

2. The fruit of the vine, “vintage-fruit” (Hebrew: tirosh)—grapes, whether moist or dried.

3. “Orchard-fruits” (Hebrew: yitshar)—such as dates, figs, citrons, etc.

   See: Agriculture of the Bible

Injunctions concerning offerings and tithes were expressed by these Hebrew terms alone (Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 14:23).

Offspring

The word “fruit” is also used in reference to children or offspring (Genesis 30:2; Deuteronomy 7:13; Luke 1:42; Psalm 21:10; 132:11), and also of the progeny of beasts (Deuteronomy 28:51; Isaiah 14:29).

Metaphoric fruit

The word “fruit” is used metaphorically in a variety of forms (Psalm 104:13; Proverbs 1:31; 11:30; 31:16; Isaiah 3:10; 10:12; Matthew 3:8; 21:41; 26:29; Hebrews 13:15; Romans 7:4-5; 15:28).

Christian fruits include…

These are virtues and products that are evidence of a true Christian’s spiritual growth and maturity.

The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9; James 3:17-18) are those gracious dispositions and habits which the Spirit produces in those in whom He dwells and works.

• Genuine unselfish love

  For a follower of Christ, what is love—a feeling, an emotion, or an action? Answer

• Righteousness
• Personal holiness
• Goodness
• Good works
• Wisdom
• Faithfulness

• Joy

  “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 14:17

• Mercy
• Grace
• Hope
• Christ-like character
• Truthfulness

  What does the Bible say about lying and deception?

  What is truth?

• Perseverance

• Thanksgiving to God

  Are you thankful to God?

  WHAT should we thank God for, and HOW should we praise Him? Answer

  Thankfulness—Do the Right Thing

• Brotherly/sisterly affection for other followers of Christ
• Introducing others to Christ and the Gospel
• Praise and worship of God
• Avoidance of hypocrisy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Gentleness
• Compassion
• Generosity
• Self-control
• Growth in deep Biblical knowledge
• Godliness
• Evident fear of the Lord
• Striving to put on the “whole armor of God”
• Modesty
• etc.

Hebrew and Greek words

Hebrew: פְרִי —transliteration: peri

Hebrew: אֵב —transliteration: eb

Hebrew: תְּנוּבָה —transliteration: tenubah

Greek: καρπὸν —transliteration: karpon

Greek: καρπός —transliteration: karpos

Greek: καρποφοροῦσιν —transliteration: karpophorousin —meaning: bring forth fruit

Greek: καρποφορέω —transliteration: karpophoreó —meaning: to bear fruit

More information

• first fruits
• nuts
• Agriculture in the Bible
• Foods of the Bible
• About eating in the Bible
• Plants of the Bible