Definition of Fruitful in the Bible
Fruitful is a term used in the Bible to describe a state of prosperity, abundance, success, and fertility. In the Bible, the term is used both figuratively and literally. In literal terms, “fruitful” is often associated with physical plants, trees, and land. Figuratively, it is often used to describe people and their faith, relationships, and works.
The idea of being fruitful is common throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. In Genesis 1:11, God spoke the word “fruitful” when He commanded the land to bear fruit. The first mention of fruitfulness in the Bible is found in the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 1:28, God gives them the command to be “fruitful and multiply” and fill the earth with their offspring.
Biblical Examples of Fruitfulness
In the Bible, being fruitful is a sign of God’s blessing and faithfulness. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are all examples of faithful servants of God who experienced His fruitfulness. In Genesis 26, God blessed Isaac with a “very fruitful land.” Later, when Jacob was in exile, God blessed him with twelve sons and fruitfulness was associated with God’s promise of blessing.
Fruitfulness is also associated with righteousness in the Bible. In Proverbs 11:30, it reads “the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise.” Here, being fruitful is associated with doing what is right and leading others to righteousness.
Fruitful People
The Bible is filled with examples of fruitful people. Job was a great example of a faithful servant of God who had true fruitfulness. God blessed Job with seven sons and three daughters, and abundant prosperity. King Solomon is another example of fruitful faithfulness. He was associated in the Bible as being the wisest man on earth and was blessed with wealth and numerous children.
The Bible also mentions how fruitfulness is an attribute of a good leader. God promised David that he would have an “everlasting dynasty and that “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before me; your throne shall be established for ever.”
Fruitfulness and God’s Blessing
The Bible teaches that God is the source of our fruitfulness and that His blessings are what make us fruitful. The Bible also shows us how God’s fruitfulness is not necessarily associated with material wealth and possessions. Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;)” Here, Paul speaks of God’s spiritual fruitfulness. He reminds us that though physical fruitfulness comes and goes, if we remain in God’s faithful, spiritual care, our souls can remain pleasantly fruitful forever.
Obedience and Fruitfulness
Throughout the Bible, we read how God has promised to bless us if we remain obedient and faithful. Deuteronomy 28:1-14 shows us how God promised to bless us with abundance if we remain faithful and obey His commands. Pharaoh was promised abundant crops if he followed God’s instruction, and Abraham was promised descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
The Bible teaches us that being fruitful is a sign of God’s blessing, and that it is only through obedience to God and His commands that we can experience true fruitfulness in our lives.
Fruitfulness in the New Testament
Fruitfulness is also prominent in the New Testament. Jesus often spoke of fruitfulness in his teachings, often in parables and metaphors. He frequently used the metaphor of a fruit tree to describe either good or bad people.
In Luke, Jesus spoke of the fruit of the Spirit. Here, we are taught that being fruitful is connected to the qualities of the Spirit, such as meekness, gentleness, and faithfulness. The fruit of the Spirit is defined by Paul in Galatians as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Conclusion
The Bible clearly states that the only way to achieve true fruitfulness in our lives is to obey God’s commands and remain in His faithful care. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible plainly shows us that being fruitful is a consequence of God’s blessings upon us. As faithful servants, it is important to remember that God desires our obedience in return for His blessings of fruitfulness, and that by remaining in His care we can experience true spiritual fruitfulness.
