to bear fruit
karpophoreo describes producing fruit or results, whether from cultivated soil, received word, good work, or a stated outcome.
The verb most often describes the production of outcomes in contexts of received word, good works, growth, and purposes directed either toward God or death; it also describes the earth’s progression to grain. Across these clauses, the image of fruit marks what follows from soil, reception, activity, or an operating influence.
Senses in use
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Producing outcomes in word and conduct contexts · dominant
In Colossians 1:10, the present active participle occurs with walking worthily and the APB renders the clause "bearing fruit in every good work." Colossians 1:6 describes something "bearing fruit and growing," while Romans 7:4 and Romans 7:5 place the verb in purpose clauses whose outcomes are "for God" and "for death."
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Producing fruit after receiving the word · common
In Mark 4:20, those on good soil hear and receive the word, then the present active indicative is followed by measured yield. Luke 8:15 similarly places the plural present form after hearing and holding fast the word, with the APB rendering "bear fruit with perseverance"; Matthew 13:23 likewise connects the singular form with hearing and understanding.
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Earth producing grain · rare
In Mark 4:28, the singular present active indicative has the earth as its subject, followed by the sequence from grass to a head of grain and then full grain. The APB renders the clause "the earth bears fruit."
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB repeatedly uses "bear fruit" or "bearing fruit" in the supplied clauses, including the earth’s grain sequence and contexts of word, works, and stated outcomes. Matthew 13:23 also adds "produces,".