Genesis 2:16

ยถ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} commanded {H6680} the man {H120}, saying {H559}, Of every tree {H6086} of the garden {H1588} thou mayest freely {H398} eat {H398}:

Adonai, God, gave the person this order: โ€œYou may freely eat from every tree in the garden

And the LORD God commanded him, โ€œYou may eat freely from every tree of the garden,

And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

Commentary

Context

Genesis 2:16 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, immediately following the creation of Adam and his placement in the lush Garden of Eden. This verse introduces the first direct command from the LORD God to humanity, establishing the initial parameters of their existence and relationship with their Creator. It highlights God's immense generosity and abundant provision before any restriction is introduced, setting the stage for the subsequent divine prohibition in the very next verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Generosity: The phrase 'Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat' underscores God's boundless provision for Adam. He did not merely provide sustenance but an overwhelming variety and richness, demonstrating His benevolent nature and desire for humanity's well-being and enjoyment. This highlights God's character as a gracious Giver.
  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: As Creator, the LORD God has the inherent right to command and set terms for His creation. This command, though initially permissive, establishes God's ultimate authority over Adam and the Garden.
  • Human Freedom within Boundaries: Adam is granted vast freedom โ€“ to 'freely eat' from virtually every tree. This immense liberty, however, is not absolute, subtly implying that God would define the boundaries of human freedom, a concept that becomes explicit in Genesis 2:17.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase 'freely eat' translates the Hebrew `ืื›ื•ืœ ืชืื›ืœ` (akol tokhel). This is an intensive infinitive absolute construction, which strongly emphasizes the action. It could be more literally rendered as 'eating, you shall eat' or 'you may indeed eat,' highlighting the absolute certainty and extraordinary generosity of God's permission. This linguistic nuance reinforces the idea of boundless provision and delight God intended for Adam in the Garden of Eden.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:16 serves as a timeless reminder of God's enduring generosity and provision for humanity. Just as He abundantly provided for Adam in Eden, He continues to supply our needs, as seen in passages like Philippians 4:19. This verse also subtly introduces the concept of divine commands as expressions of God's will and love, not merely restrictions. It teaches us to appreciate the blessings and freedoms we have, while also recognizing that true liberty is often found within the wise boundaries set by our Creator. It encourages an attitude of gratitude for God's good gifts.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 15:22 (9 votes)

    And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

  • 1 Timothy 4:4 (8 votes)

    For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

  • 1 Timothy 6:17 (7 votes)

    Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

  • Genesis 2:9 (6 votes)

    And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

  • Genesis 3:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

  • Genesis 3:2 (3 votes)

    And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: