Bible Dictionary
Fruit
Fruit may mean the produce of fields, vineyards, and trees, as well as children or offspring. Figuratively, it can describe the results of conduct, praise, righteousness, and the gracious character produced by the Holy Spirit.
Definition
Fruit denotes produce in general, including crops, grapes, orchard produce, offspring, and the progeny of animals. The Hebrews classified land produce as grain and pulse, vine produce, and orchard produce such as dates, figs, and citrons.
Biblical Usage
Fruit is used literally in connection with offerings and tithes and figuratively for children, conduct, judgment, praise, righteousness, and the gracious dispositions produced by the Spirit.
Historical Background
Biblical fruit terminology covers grain and legumes, fresh or dried grapes, and produce from cultivated trees and orchards. “Fruit” therefore embraces both agricultural yield and the results or offspring proceeding from a source.
Scripture References
Numbers 18:12
Deuteronomy 14:23
Genesis 30:2
Deuteronomy 7:13
Luke 1:42
Psalms 21:10
Psalms 132:11
Deuteronomy 28:51
Isaiah 14:29
Psalms 104:13
Proverbs 1:31
Proverbs 11:30
Proverbs 31:16
Isaiah 3:10
Isaiah 10:12
Matthew 3:8
Matthew 21:41
Matthew 26:29
Hebrews 13:15
Romans 7:4
Romans 7:5
Galatians 5:22
Galatians 5:23
Ephesians 5:9
James 3:17
James 3:18
Historical Bible Dictionaries
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.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>froot.</p><p>See FOOD; BOTANY, and special articles on APPLE; FIG; VINE, etc.</p>