Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Ye shall know them by their fruits—not their doctrines—as many of the elder interpreters and some later ones explain it—for that corresponds to the tree itself; but the practical effect of their teaching, which is the proper fruit of the tree.
Do men gather grapes of thorns—any kind of prickly plant.
or figs of thistles?—a three-pronged variety. The general sense is obvious—Every tree bears its own fruit.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Matthew 7:16:
Genesis 25:7
Proverbs 20:11
Jeremiah 23:22
Matthew 12:35
Luke 6:41-49
James 3:12
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