See in Reader
944 B
produce fruits that are worthy of repentance
In this metaphor, a person's behavior is compared to fruit. Just as a plant is expected to produce fruit that is appropriate for that kind of plant, a person who says that he has repented is expected to live righteously. AT: "produce the kind of fruit that shows that you have repented" or "do the good things that show that you have turned away from your sin" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)
to say within yourselves
"saying to yourselves" or "thinking"
We have Abraham for our father
"Abraham is our ancestor" or "We are Abraham's descendants." If it is unclear why they would say this, you may also add the implied information: "so God will not punish us." (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)
raise up children for Abraham
"create children for Abraham"
from these stones
John was probably referring to the actual stones along the Jordan River.