Fruit: 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
(Numbers 18:12; Deuteronomy 14:23) This word "fruit" is also
used of:
1. Children or offspring
(Genesis 30:2; Deuteronomy 7:13; Luke 1:42; Psalms 21:10; 132:11)
2. The progeny of beasts
(Deuteronomy 28:51; Isaiah 14:29)
It is used metaphorically in a variety of forms
(Psalms 104:13; Proverbs 1:31)
(Proverbs 11:30; 31:16; Isaiah 3:10; 10:12; Matthew 3:8; 21:41; 26:29; Hebrews 13:15)
(Romans 7:4,5; 15:28) The fruits of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22,23; Ephesians 5:9)
(James 3:17,18) are those gracious dispositions and habits which the
Spirit produces in those in whom he dwells and works.
