Genesis 2:17

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

But of the tree {H6086} of the knowledge {H1847} of good {H2896} and evil {H7451}, thou shalt not eat {H398} of it: for in the day {H3117} that thou eatest {H398} thereof thou shalt surely {H4191} die {H4191}.

except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You are not to eat from it, because on the day that you eat from it, it will become certain that you will die.โ€

but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.โ€

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 2:17 is a pivotal verse in the creation narrative, immediately following God's placement of Adam in the Garden of Eden. God had abundantly provided for Adam, allowing him to eat freely from "every tree of the garden" (Genesis 2:16). This verse introduces the sole prohibition given to humanity: a command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It establishes the first divine law and the critical consequence of disobedience, setting the stage for the Fall of Man described in Genesis chapter 3.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: This verse clearly demonstrates God's ultimate authority as the Creator and Lawgiver. He alone sets the boundaries and dictates the terms of humanity's existence and relationship with Him.
  • Obedience and Disobedience: The command presents a direct test of obedience. Humanity is given free will to choose between submitting to God's word or defying it. This choice has profound and lasting implications.
  • The Consequence of Sin: The stark warning, "thou shalt surely die," introduces the concept of death as a direct result of disobedience to God's command. This death refers not only to physical mortality but, more importantly, to spiritual separation from God, the source of life. This foundational truth is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in how sin entered the world through one man and death through sin.
  • Knowledge of Good and Evil: Eating from this tree was not about gaining abstract knowledge, but about gaining it through an act of rebellion against God's will, thereby defining good and evil on one's own terms rather than God's.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thou shalt surely die" translates the Hebrew `moth tamuth` (ืžื•ึนืช ืชึธึผืžื•ึผืช), which is a grammatical construction known as an infinitive absolute. This emphasizes the certainty and severity of the consequence. It literally means "dying, you shall die," or "to die, you shall die." This intense phrasing underscores that death is not merely a possibility but an absolute, inevitable outcome of eating the forbidden fruit, encompassing both immediate spiritual alienation and eventual physical demise.

Practical Application

Genesis 2:17 serves as a foundational text for understanding the human condition and the nature of sin. It teaches us:

  • God's commands are for our good: Even seemingly restrictive commands are ultimately for our protection and flourishing. Obedience leads to life; disobedience leads to death and separation.
  • Choices have consequences: Every decision we make carries spiritual weight. Just as Adam's choice had universal repercussions (Genesis 3:6), our actions today impact our relationship with God and others.
  • The seriousness of sin: This verse highlights that sin is not a minor transgression but a direct affront to God's authority, leading to separation from Him. This understanding underscores the profound need for a Savior, as articulated in passages like Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
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Cross-References

  • Romans 6:23 (19 votes)

    For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  • James 1:15 (17 votes)

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

  • Genesis 3:19 (16 votes)

    In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.

  • Revelation 21:8 (14 votes)

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

  • Colossians 2:13 (14 votes)

    ยถ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

  • Galatians 3:10 (13 votes)

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:22 (13 votes)

    For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.