Fruit
καρπός (Karpos)
Fruit, produce, or the visible outcome of spiritual life and character.
The Greek word karpos means fruit or produce, used in the New Testament to describe the visible results of spiritual life — especially the fruit of the Spirit.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
Key Verses
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”Read in context
John 15:5
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”Read in context
Matthew 7:16
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G2590 — Fruit (καρπός (Karpos))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where καρπός (Karpos) appears.
Open Strong's G2590The Meaning of Karpos
Karpos refers to the fruit or produce of a plant. In the New Testament, it becomes a powerful metaphor for the visible evidence of spiritual life. Just as a healthy tree produces good fruit naturally, a life rooted in Christ produces character qualities that reflect God's nature. Conversely, a corrupt tree produces bad fruit — spiritual fruit reveals spiritual roots.
The Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 lists nine qualities that the Holy Spirit produces in believers: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Notably, Paul uses the singular 'fruit' — these are not separate fruits to be selected but a unified cluster that grows together as the Spirit transforms the believer's character.
Abiding and Fruitfulness
In John 15, Jesus teaches that fruitfulness depends entirely on abiding in Him. 'Without me ye can do nothing.' Spiritual fruit is not produced by human effort but by intimate connection with Christ, the true Vine. The believer's role is not to manufacture fruit but to remain connected to the source of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is a cluster of nine qualities produced by the Holy Spirit in believers: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Why does Paul say 'fruit' (singular) not 'fruits'?
Paul uses the singular 'fruit' to indicate that these nine qualities are a unified whole produced by the Spirit, not separate items to select from. They grow together as the Spirit transforms a believer's character.
What does "Fruit" mean in the Bible?
Fruit, produce, or the visible outcome of spiritual life and character. The underlying Greek word is καρπός (Karpos) ("kar-PAHS"), Strong's G2590. The Greek word karpos means fruit or produce, used in the New Testament to describe the visible results of spiritual life — especially the fruit of the Spirit.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Fruit"?
Galatians 5:22-23 — "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (KJV). It also appears in John 15:5, Matthew 7:16.
Related Words
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Fruit (καρπός (Karpos))
Fruit, produce, or the visible outcome of spiritual life and character.
Strong's G2590 — Fruit
καρπός (Karpos) • Fruit, produce, or the visible outcome of spiritual life and character.
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Galatians 5:22-23 Commentary
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