fruit Summary and Overview

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 . The word is used in both a literal and figurative sense. "The fruit of the ground" is the product of the ground; "the fruit of the body" signifies children. By "fruit" is sometimes meant reward or consequences. Prov 1:31. "The fruit of the lips" is service or thanksgiving. But used literally it is a comprehensive term. For the regulation in regard to fruit trees, see Tree. FU'EL was so scarce in the East that the people resorted to almost every kind of combustible matter, such as the withered stalks of herbs and flowers, Matt 6:28-30, thorns, Ps 58:9; Eccl 7:6, and even excrements. Eze 4:12-16. See Dung.