The Bible contains numerous references to fruit. In some instances, these verses are referring to literal objects. Examples include apples, quinces, figs, pomegranates, lemons and grapes. In other instances, the Bible uses the term “fruit” to refer to something more abstract. Throughout the Bible, fruit often serves as a metaphor for personal qualities, achievements or deeds.
The Bible uses the term “fruit” in seven different ways. Firstly, fruit can symbolise the love of God. For example, in Psalm 1:3 it states: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” Here fruit symbolises the joy and sustenance that believers gain from their relationship with God. Secondly, fruit can symbolise blessings and the potential harvest of good deeds. For example, the writer of Galatians 5:9 writes, “He has promised that if we do what is right, we will be blessed with a harvest of good fruit.”
Thirdly, fruit can stand as a metaphor for the rewards of a righteous life. For example, Hezekiah promised in Isaiah 3:10 “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.” Fourthly, the Bible can refer to fruit when speaking of the spiritual regeneration process. For example, Ephesians 5:9 states “for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth.” Here fruit symbolises the spiritual growth and positive change of a believer’s life.
Fifthly, the Bible refers to fruit as a metaphor for any kind of good work or achievement. For example, John 15:2 states “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Here the fruit symbolises any good deed or quality. Sixthly, fruit can symbolise Jewish and Christian faith and national identity. For example, Jeremiah 11:16 states “The LORD of hosts, who planted you, has decreed disaster against you, because of the evil that the house of Israel and the house of Judah have done, provoking me to anger by offering incense to Baal.” Here, the Hebrew term for fruit symbolises the spiritual and national character of Israel.
Seventhly, fruit can represent characteristics of a relationship, such as faithfulness, compassion and good works. For example, in Matthew 7:16-17 it states “You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.” Here, the fruit stands as a metaphor for the quality of a person’s character or deeds.
Eight Ways The ‘Fruit’ Metaphor Is Used
The Bible uses fruit as a metaphor in eight different ways. Firstly, fruit can symbolise the love of God and the joy that believers gain from their relationship with Him. Secondly, it stands for the blessings and potential harvest of good deeds. Thirdly, fruit symbolises the rewards of a righteous life. Fourthly, it stands as a metaphor for the spiritual regeneration process. Fifthly, fruit stands for any kind of good work or achievement. Sixthly, it represents Jewish and Christian faith and national identity. Seventhly, fruit stands for characteristics of a relationship such as faithfulness, compassion and good works. Lastly, the Bible uses fruit to refer to the benefit of good counsel or the consequences of bad advice.
Values and Virtues Symbolised by ‘Fruit’
Fruit in the Bible stands as symbols of various values and virtues. Firstly, it symbolises the goodness of God, such as His mercy, kindness, faithfulness and sustenance. Secondly, it symbolises the blessings and potential harvest of good deeds. Thirdly, fruit stands for the rewards of a righteous life. Fourthly, fruit symbolises the spiritual regeneration process and positive change in a believer’s life. Fifthly, fruit stands for any kind of good work or achievement, such as love and generosity. Sixthly, it represents Jewish and Christian faith and national identity. Seventhly, fruit stands for characteristics of a relationship such as faithfulness, compassion and good works. Lastly, the Bible uses fruit to refer to the benefit of good counsel or the consequences of bad advice.
The Benefits of ‘Fruit’ in the Bible
The Bible uses fruit to convey a variety of benefits to readers. Firstly, fruit symbolises the love of God and the joy that believers can find in their relationship with Him. Secondly, it stands for the blessings and potential harvest of good deeds. Thirdly, fruit symbolises the rewards of a righteous life. Fourthly, it stands as a metaphor for the spiritual regeneration process, reminding readers that with God’s help, they can grow and change. Fifthly, fruit stands for any kind of good work or achievement, such as love and generosity. Sixthly, it represents Jewish and Christian faith and national identity. Seventhly, fruit stands for characteristics of a relationship such as faithfulness, compassion and good works. Lastly, the Bible uses fruit to refer to the benefit of good counsel or the consequences of bad advice.
Instances Of ‘Fruit’ In The Bible
The Bible contains numerous examples of fruit used as a metaphor. In Genesis 1:29, God commands humankind to eat “every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth, and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.” In Exodus 23:16, God promises that if the Israelites obey His commands, and “you shall rear your son in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not turn away from it.” In Proverbs 11:30, it states “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” And in Romans 7:4, Paul writes “Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.”
The Significance Of ‘Fruit’ In The Bible
The Bible uses fruit as a metaphor for values and virtues, intended to embody the teachings of Jesus. Fruit is a source of sustenance, a source of comfort, and a source of joy. It is also a source of spiritual nourishment and growth. Ultimately, the fruit metaphor is used to remind readers to strive for the good in their lives, to heed the words of God, and to be a source of hope and encouragement to others.
Fruit as a Symbol of Faith
The Bible uses the symbol of fruit to help remind readers of their faith. Fruit can symbolise the goodness and sustenance of God, His will and promises, and the fruits of a believer’s faith and works. Fruit speaks to how our actions can bear fruit and nourish others. Fruit also reminds the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, to continue to bear fruit, and to reap the rewards of righteousness.
Fruit as a Symbol of Consequence
Fruit can also be used to represent the consequences of bad decisions or sin. It serves as a reminder to believers that there are consequences for their actions and decisions. In Proverbs 11:30, it states “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, but violence takes away lives.” Here, fruit symbolises how good deeds lead to life, while bad deeds lead to death or destruction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fruit is a powerful and reflective symbol throughout the Bible. It stands for a variety of values and virtues intended to embody the teachings of Jesus. Fruit can symbolise the love of God, the blessing of good deeds, rewards of a righteous life, spiritual regeneration, relationship characteristics, and the consequences of bad decisions and sins. Ultimately, the Bible uses fruit to remind readers to remain steadfast in their faith, to continue to bear fruit, and to reap the rewards of righteousness.
