Fruit

Fruit - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

A word as used in Scripture denoting produce in general, whether vegetable or animal. The Hebrews divided the fruits of the land into three classes:,

(1.) The fruit of the field, "corn-fruit" (Heb. dagan); all kinds of grain and pulse.

(2.) The fruit of the vine, "vintage-fruit" (Heb. tirosh); grapes, whether moist or dried.

(3.) "Orchard-fruits" (Heb. yitshar), as dates, figs, citrons, etc.

Injunctions concerning offerings and tithes were expressed by these Hebrew terms alone (Num. 18:12; Deut. 14:23). This word "fruit" is also used of children or offspring (Gen. 30:2; Deut. 7:13; Luke 1:42; Ps. 21:10; 132:11); also of the progeny of beasts (Deut. 28:51; Isa. 14:29).

It is used metaphorically in a variety of forms (Ps. 104:13; Prov. 1:31; 11:30; 31:16; Isa. 3:10; 10:12; Matt. 3:8; 21:41; 26:29; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 7:4, 5; 15:28).

The fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23; Eph. 5:9; James 3:17, 18) are those gracious dispositions and habits which the Spirit produces in those in whom he dwells and works.

Fruit - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

FRUIT, n. [L. fructus. The Latin word is the participle of fruor, contracted from frugor, or frucor, to use, to take the profit of.]

1. In a general sense, whatever the earth produces for the nourishment of animals, or for clothing or profit. Among the fruits of the earth are included not only corn of all kinds, but grass, cotton, flax, grapes and all cultivated plants. In this comprehensive sense, the word is generally used in the plural.

2. In a more limited sense, the produce of a tree or other plant; the last production for the propagation or multiplication of its kind; the seed of plants, or the part that contains the seeds; as wheat, rye, oats, apples, quinces, pears, cherries, acorns, melons, _c.

3. In botany, the seed of a plant, or the seed with the pericarp.

4. Production; that which is produced.

The fruit of the spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth. Eph 5.

5. The produce of animals; offspring; young; as the fruit of the womb, of the loins, of the body.

6. Effect or consequence.

They shall eat the fruit of their doings. Isa 3.

7. Advantage; profit; good derived.

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? Rom 6.

8. Production, effect or consequence; in an ill sense; as the fruits of sin; the fruits of intemperance.

FRUIT, v.i. To produce fruit. [Not well authorized.]

Fruitful - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

FRUITFUL, a.

1. Very productive; producing fruit in abundance; as fruitful soil; a fruitful tree; a fruitful season.

2. Prolific; bearing children; not barren.

Be fruitful, and multiply - Gen 1.

3. Plenteous; abounding in any thing.

4. Productive of any thing; fertile; as fruitful in expedients.

5. Producing in abundance; generating; as fruitful in crimes.

Unfruitful - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

UNFRUITFUL, a.

1. Not producing fruit; barren; as an unfruitful tree.

2. Not producing off-spring; not prolific; barren; as an unfruitful female.

3. Not producing good effects or works; as an unfruitful life.

4. Unproductive; not fertile; as an unfruitful soil.

froot.

See FOOD; BOTANY, and special articles on APPLE; FIG; VINE, etc.

Definition

The term “fruit” refers to the part of a plant that can be eaten. Something that is “fruitful” produces a lot of fruit. Something that is “unfruitful” does not produce fruit.

• In general, the expression “fruit of” refers to anything that comes from or that is produced by something else. For example, the phrase “the fruit of every tree” refers to the fruit that comes from these trees.
• The expression “fruit of the land” refers generally to everything that the land produces for people to eat. This includes not only fruits such as grapes or dates, but also vegetables, nuts, and grains.

Translation Suggestions

• When the term “fruit” refers to what a specific plant produces, the specific term for the fruit of that plant can be used, otherwise, use a general word for the edible things that plants produce, if possible. In many languages it may be more natural to use the plural “fruits” whenever it refers to more than one fruit.
• When used literally, the term “fruitful” could be translated as “producing much fruit.”
• The expression “fruit of the land” could also be translated as “food that the land produces” or “food crops that are growing in that region.”
• When used literally, the expression “will be more fruitful” could also be translated as “will produce more fruit.”

(See also: descendant, grain, grape, Holy Spirit, vine, womb)

Bible References

• Genesis 1:11
• Matthew 7:17

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0004, H1061, H1063, H1069, H2233, H2981, H3581, H3759, H3899, H3978, H4022, H5108, H6509, H6529, H7019, H8393, H8570, G10810, G25900, G25920, G25930, G37030, G50520, G53520