In the biblical context, fruits are often mentioned not only as a source of nourishment but also as symbols of prosperity, blessing, and divine favor. The division of fruits into "pleasant" highlights those that are particularly desirable, both in taste and in their symbolic meanings.

Biblical References to Pleasant Fruits

1. Genesis 2:9 : "And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Here, the pleasantness of the fruits in the Garden of Eden underscores the perfection and abundance of God's creation.

2. Song of Solomon 2:3 : "Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste." The apple tree, often interpreted as a symbol of love and desire, represents the pleasantness and sweetness of romantic love.

3. Proverbs 24:13-14 : "Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will not be cut off." Here, the pleasantness of honey, a natural sweetener, is likened to the sweetness of wisdom, emphasizing the desirability of spiritual insight.

4. Numbers 13:23 : "When they came to the Valley of Eshcol, they cut down a branch with a single cluster of grapes, which they carried on a pole between two men, along with some pomegranates and figs." The spies' report of the land's fruitfulness, particularly the large and pleasant grapes, serves as a testament to the land's richness and God's promise to His people.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Pleasant fruits in the Bible often symbolize the blessings and abundance that come from living in accordance with God's will. They are frequently used as metaphors for spiritual truths and virtues:

· Abundance and Prosperity: Pleasant fruits are a sign of God's provision and the abundance that comes from His blessings. The Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8), is characterized by its pleasant and bountiful produce.

· Spiritual Nourishment: Just as pleasant fruits provide physical nourishment, they also symbolize the spiritual nourishment that comes from God's Word and wisdom. The sweetness of honey is often used to describe the desirability and satisfaction found in divine wisdom and understanding.

· Moral and Ethical Virtues: In Galatians 5:22-23 , the "fruit of the Spirit" includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues are considered pleasant and desirable attributes for a believer, reflecting the character of Christ.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, fruits such as figs, grapes, pomegranates, and dates were staples of the diet and held significant economic and cultural value. They were often used in trade and as offerings in religious ceremonies. The pleasantness of these fruits made them symbols of hospitality and divine favor.

In summary, pleasant fruits in the Bible are rich in both literal and metaphorical significance, representing God's provision, spiritual nourishment, and the virtues of a life lived in harmony with His will.Songs 4:16
Awake, O north wind; and come, you south; blow on my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Methodists, or the Methodist Episcopal Church.
... in one person, never to be divided, whereof is ... of man's nature, wherewith he ascended
into heaven, and ... Although good works, which are the fruits of faith, and ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/methodists or the methodist episcopal.htm

A Provision Ground
... market"on flax, for instance, silk, wine, or fruits. ... no glass is needed here; divided
into rooms, and ... glasses, and sideboards, and other pleasant signs that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvi a provision ground.htm

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
... Divisions run religion into briers and thorns, contentions and ... as the northeast wind
to the fruits, which causeth ... When men are divided, they seldom speak the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exhortation to peace and.htm

Ancestors of the Blessed virgin
... cloak there were fringes, tassels, and fruits hanging. ... Their new home lay in a pleasant
hilly country ... sized village church, and was divided into different rooms ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/i ancestors of the blessed.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... holds out the things which are pleasant, and afterwards ... glad and rejoicest, and reapest
large fruits of pleasure. ... are so divided into parts, shorter than verses ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

Bardesan.
... times on animals also, and trees, and fruits, and the ... and jewels, and anoint themselves
with pleasant ointments ... say that the earth is divided into seven portions ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents bardesan.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... These rooms were compartments divided off and sometimes roofed by ... and ravines, where
bushes and wild fruits and berries ... Then he hurried back into the wilderness ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

Christ.
... thee, my brother Jonathan," said he; "very pleasant hast thou ... to thee of God as the
first fruits of that ... this priestly office of his is divided into two parts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/vii christ.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... My sons, take my advice before you go; Provide some of the best fruits of the ... And
now when Joseph was returned home, Into his presence they with rev'rence come ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... its celestial sources branches and fruits unlike any ... where the ground rises, and
divided into irregular compartments ... and geese, and then cast into the waters a ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Why is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that you will know them by their fruit in Matthew 7:16? | GotQuestions.org

Will we have physical bodies in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Fruits: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus