A.T. Robertson Commentary Luke 6:44

"For each tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes." — Luke 6:44 (ASV)

Is known (γινωσκετα). The fruit of each tree reveals its actual character. It is the final test. This sentence is not in Mt 7:17-20, but the same idea is in the repeated saying (Matthew 7:16,20): "By their fruits ye shall know them," where the verb

epignosesthe means full knowledge. The question in Mt 7:16 is put here in positive declarative form. The verb is in the plural for "men" or "people," συλλεγουσιν. See on Mt 7:16.

Bramble bush (βατου). Old word, quoted from the LXX in Mr 12:26; Luke 20:37 about the burning bush that Moses saw, and by Stephen (Acts 7:30,35) referring to the same incident. Nowhere else in the N.T. "Galen has a chapter on its medicinal uses, and the medical writings abound in prescriptions of which it is an ingredient" (Vincent).

Gather (τρυγωσιν). A verb common in Greek writers for gathering ripe fruit. In the N.T. only here and Re 14:18f.

Grapes (σταφυλην). Cluster of grapes.