Matthew 3:8
Matthew 3:8 in Multiple Translations
Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:
Let your change of heart be seen in your works:
Show by what you do that you have truly repented,
Bring foorth therefore fruite worthy amendment of life.
bear, therefore, fruits worthy of the reformation,
Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of penance.
Do what is appropriate [IDM] for people who have truly turned away from their sinful behavior before you come to me in order to be baptized {that I baptize you}.
If you really are sorry for the bad things you did, and if you are turning around properly to live God’s way, show us. If we see you doing good things, then we will know it is true.
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 3:8
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Matthew 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Greek Word Reference — Matthew 3:8
Study Notes — Matthew 3:8
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 3:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 3:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 3:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 3:8
- Barnes' Notes on Matthew 3:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
- Sermons on Matthew 3:8
Context — The Mission of John the Baptist
8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 3:8 | Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. |
| 2 | Acts 26:20 | First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. |
| 3 | 2 Peter 1:4–8 | Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 4 | Galatians 5:22–23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. |
| 5 | Ephesians 5:9 | for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. |
| 6 | Philippians 1:11 | filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. |
| 7 | Isaiah 1:16–17 | Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 36:3 | Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.” |
| 9 | Romans 2:4–7 | Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each one according to his deeds.” To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. |
| 10 | Matthew 21:28–30 | But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went. Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. |
Matthew 3:8 Summary
Matthew 3:8 teaches us that when we repent, or turn away from our sins, we should also demonstrate a changed life and heart. This means that our actions and attitudes should reflect our newfound commitment to following Jesus Christ, as seen in (Luke 3:8). Producing fruit in keeping with repentance is not just about doing good deeds, but about allowing God to transform our hearts and minds, as taught in (Romans 12:2). By surrendering to God and allowing Him to work in our lives, we can produce fruit that honors Him and blesses others, as encouraged in (Galatians 5:22-23).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to produce fruit in keeping with repentance?
Producing fruit in keeping with repentance means to demonstrate a changed life and heart, as seen in Matthew 3:8, which is a result of true repentance, as taught in 2 Corinthians 7:10 and Acts 3:19.
How can we know if we are producing the right kind of fruit?
We can know if we are producing the right kind of fruit by examining our lives and hearts, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5, and seeing if our actions and attitudes are in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, such as those found in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.
Is it possible to fake or manufacture fruit that appears to be in keeping with repentance?
Yes, it is possible to fake or manufacture fruit, but true fruit comes from a genuine heart change, as warned against in Matthew 23:25-28 and emphasized in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances.
What happens if we do not produce fruit in keeping with repentance?
If we do not produce fruit in keeping with repentance, we risk being cut down and thrown into the fire, as warned in Matthew 3:10, emphasizing the importance of genuine repentance and a changed life, as taught in John 15:1-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific ways I can produce fruit in keeping with repentance in my own life, and how can I ensure that my actions are motivated by a genuine heart change?
- How can I distinguish between genuine fruit and superficial or manufactured fruit in my own life, and what role does the Holy Spirit play in this process, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23?
- What are some common obstacles or challenges that can prevent me from producing fruit in keeping with repentance, and how can I overcome them through prayer, scripture, and community, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25?
- How can I use my gifts, talents, and resources to produce fruit that honors God and blesses others, as taught in 1 Peter 4:10-11, and what kind of impact can this have on those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 3:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 3:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 3:8
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 3:8
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 3:8
Sermons on Matthew 3:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 1 Preparatory Work by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a change in our approach to faith. He compares the current state of religious practices to the time of John the Baptist, where |
|
(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 2 Calling Men to Come Clean With God by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the moral decay and violence that is prevalent in society, not just in New York City but throughout America. He emphasizes the need for true |
|
A Lost Opportunity by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a parable about a barren fig tree and its implications for our lives. The parable emphasizes the importance of producing fruit and the conse |
|
Counterfeit Conversion (5 of 6) by Winkie Pratney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of not allowing worldly desires and material possessions to choke out the word of God in our lives. He emphasizes the need for |
|
Regeneration and God's Glory by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the urgent need for repentance and a genuine transformation of heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. It challenges the complacency and lack of true spi |
|
013 Trees Without Fruit by David Servant | This sermon delves into the impactful ministry of John the Baptist, emphasizing his urgent message of repentance and the impending judgment for those who do not bear good fruit. It |
|
The Legal Limit on Sin by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, confession of sin, and the danger of accumulating sin in our lives, churches, and nations. It warns about the legal limit on si |






