Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Bring forth therefore fruits, х karpous (G2590)] - but the true reading clearly is 'fruit' х karpon (G2590)].
Meet for repentance - that is, such fruit as befits a true penitent. John, not being gifted with a knowledge of the human heart, like a true minister of righteousness and lover of souls, here directs them how to evidence and carry out their repentance, supposing it genuine; and in the following verses warns them of their danger in case it were not.