What is…
fruit
This word is sometimes used in Scripture to denote produce in general (vegetable or animal), specific fruits and metaphoric fruit.
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
Fruit of the land
The Hebrews divided the fruits of the land into 3 classes:
The fruit of the field, “corn-fruit” (Hebrew: dagan)—all kinds of grain and pulse.
The fruit of the vine, “vintage-fruit” (Hebrew: tirosh)—grapes, whether moist or dried.
“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).
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.
Good Christian fruits include…
- Christ-like character
- Goodness
- Righteousness
- Unselfish love
- Good works
- Perseverance
- Wisdom
- Truthfulness
- Thanksgiving to God
- Are you thankful to God?
- WHAT should we thank God for, and HOW should we praise Him? Answer
- Thanksgiving—Do the Right Thing
- Brotherly/sisterly affection for other followers of Christ
- Introducing others to Christ and the Gospel
- Praise and worship of God
- Personal holiness
- Mercy
- Avoidance of hypocrisy
- Grace
- Hope
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Gentleness
- Compassion
- Generosity
- Faithfulness
- Self-control
- Growth in deep Biblical knowledge
- Godliness
- Evident fear of the Lord
- Striving to put on the “whole armor of God”
- Modesty
- etc.
More information