Genesis 3:17

KJV

¶ And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;

KJV (with Strong's)

And unto Adam {H121} he said {H559}, Because thou hast hearkened {H8085} unto the voice {H6963} of thy wife {H802}, and hast eaten {H398} of the tree {H6086}, of which {H834} I commanded thee {H6680}, saying {H559}, Thou shalt not eat {H398} of it: cursed {H779} is the ground {H127} for thy sake; in sorrow {H6093} shalt thou eat {H398} of it all {H3605} the days {H3117} of thy life {H2416};

Complete Jewish Bible

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to what your wife said and ate from the tree about which I gave you the order, ‘You are not to eat from it,’ the ground is cursed on your account; you will work hard to eat from it as long as you live.

Berean Standard Bible

And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

American Standard Version

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in toil shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:17 records God's solemn declaration of judgment upon Adam, a pivotal moment immediately following his direct disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Because Adam chose to heed his wife's voice over God's explicit command, the very ground from which he was formed and by which he was sustained is cursed. This pronouncement transforms human existence from effortless provision to one of arduous toil and sorrow, fundamentally altering humanity's relationship with creation and setting the trajectory for a life of struggle outside the idyllic Garden.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 3:17 stands as the culmination of the divine judgment pronounced in response to the Fall, directly following the curses on the serpent in [Genesis 3:14-15](/genesis/3-14-15 "The Curse on the Serpent") and Eve's consequences in [Genesis 3:16](/genesis/3-16 "The Consequences for Eve"). This verse specifically addresses Adam's culpability, highlighting his failure to uphold the clear boundary set by God in [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "God's Command to Adam Regarding the Tree of Knowledge"). The narrative progression demonstrates a systematic unfolding of consequences, moving from the instigator (serpent) to the first to partake (Eve) and finally to the one who bore primary covenantal responsibility (Adam), whose actions had cosmic ramifications for all creation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the relationship between humanity and the land was foundational. Agriculture was the primary means of sustenance, and the fertility of the ground was often seen as a direct blessing or curse from the divine. A "cursed ground" would imply a direct divine intervention making the land less productive or requiring immense effort to yield its fruit. This concept would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, emphasizing the profound disruption of the natural order and the hardship that would now characterize human labor, a stark contrast to the effortless provision of Eden.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **sovereignty of God** in pronouncing judgment and establishing consequences for disobedience. It vividly illustrates the **pervasiveness of sin**, demonstrating how human rebellion not only corrupts humanity but also impacts the created order itself, leading to the brokenness and futility observed in the world (a theme later explored in [Romans 8:19-22](/romans/8-19-22 "Creation Groans for Redemption")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **toil and suffering in human labor**, transforming what was originally a joyful stewardship in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Adam's Task in Eden") into a burdensome struggle for survival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adam (Hebrew, _ʼÂdâm'_):** The name of the first man, also meaning "mankind" or "humanity." In this context, it specifically refers to the individual Adam, but his actions and the subsequent judgment have representative implications for all humanity, as he is the federal head.
* **Ground (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** From the same root as Adam's name, signifying soil or earth. The curse is directed specifically at the ground, emphasizing the direct impact of Adam's sin on the very source of human sustenance and the physical realm over which he was given dominion.
* **Sorrow (Hebrew, _ʻitstsâbôwn'_):** This word denotes more than mere emotional sadness; it signifies pain, laborious effort, vexation, and grievous toil. It describes the arduous nature of the work required to extract sustenance from the cursed ground, highlighting the physical and mental hardship that would now define human labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife":** God directly addresses Adam, pinpointing his specific culpability. The phrase "hearkened unto the voice" (H8085 *shâmaʻ* and H6963 *qôwl*) implies not just hearing, but obeying or giving heed. Adam's failure was not merely passive; he actively chose to follow Eve's counsel over God's explicit command, abdicating his responsibility as the covenant head and guardian of the Garden.
* **"and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it":** This clause highlights the direct and unambiguous nature of Adam's transgression. God's command was clear and specific, reiterated to emphasize the deliberate nature of Adam's disobedience. His act of eating (H398 *ʼâkal*) from the forbidden tree (H6086 *ʻêts*) was a direct affront to divine authority and a breach of the covenant.
* **"cursed [is] the ground for thy sake":** The immediate consequence of Adam’s sin is not a direct curse upon him, but upon the **ground** (H127 *ʼădâmâh*) itself. The Hebrew word for "cursed" (H779 *ʼârar*) signifies a severe, binding declaration of negative consequences that fundamentally alters the nature of something. The ground, which was originally given to humanity for joyful stewardship and sustenance, now becomes hostile, symbolizing the pervasive reach of sin beyond humanity to the entire creation.
* **"in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life":** This final clause details the practical outworking of the curse. "Sorrow" (H6093 *ʻitstsâbôwn*) conveys deep pain, laborious effort, and vexation. This signifies a radical transformation of human labor from a delightful, fruitful activity in Eden to a burdensome struggle for survival. Sustenance will no longer be effortlessly provided but will require strenuous toil, sweat, and hardship (H398 *ʼâkal*). This establishes the pattern of human struggle and hard work that culminates in Adam's return to the dust from which he came, as further elaborated in [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Adam's Return to Dust"). This condition is to last "all (H3605 *kôl*) the days (H3117 *yôwm*) of thy life (H2416 *chay*)," indicating a lifelong, pervasive impact.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 3:17 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident as the ground, from which Adam was formed and was meant to provide for him, now becomes the source of his toil and sorrow. The very means of his sustenance is now antagonistic. **Parallelism** is also present in the cause-and-effect relationship: Adam's disobedience (hearkening to his wife, eating the forbidden fruit) directly leads to the curse on the ground and the sorrowful toil. This establishes a clear moral and theological link between human action and cosmic consequence. Furthermore, the passage uses **metonymy** by cursing the "ground" for Adam's "sake," implying that the curse on the physical earth represents the broader disruption of the entire created order and humanity's relationship with it, all due to Adam's sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 3:17 is a foundational text for understanding the consequences of the Fall, revealing how sin profoundly impacts not only humanity's spiritual state but also the very fabric of the physical world and the nature of human existence within it. It underscores the pervasive reach of disobedience, demonstrating that rebellion against God introduces brokenness and futility into creation, transforming what was once effortless provision into a life characterized by arduous toil and sorrow. This divine judgment, though severe, is a righteous consequence for deliberate rebellion, re-establishing the divine order that was broken and highlighting the absolute necessity of obedience to God's word.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Sin Entered the World Through One Man")
* [Romans 8:20-22](/romans/8-20-22 "Creation Subjected to Futility")
* [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Toil Under the Sun")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:17 offers profound insight into the enduring struggles of human existence, revealing that the toil and hardship we experience in daily life, particularly in our work, are direct echoes of this ancient curse. It challenges us to recognize the deep impact of sin, not just on our spiritual state but on the very fabric of our physical world and our daily experience within it. Our frustrations with work, the resistance of nature, and the sheer effort required for sustenance are all reminders of Adam's choice. Yet, understanding this also fosters a deeper appreciation for the grace of God, who, even in judgment, provides sustenance and points towards a future hope where such sorrow and toil will be no more. This verse calls us to labor with diligence, acknowledging the reality of the curse, but also to look beyond it to the redemptive work of Christ that promises ultimate restoration and rest.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the curse on the ground in Genesis 3:17 shape your perspective on the challenges and frustrations you face in your daily work or efforts?**
* **In what ways do you see the "sorrow" (toil, pain, vexation) described in this verse manifest in contemporary society, beyond just physical labor?**
* **How does Adam's choice to "hearken unto the voice of thy wife" over God's command inform your understanding of spiritual authority and obedience in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the ground cursed for Adam's sake, rather than Adam himself being directly cursed like the serpent?**

Answer: The curse on the ground signifies the cosmic impact of Adam's sin. As the one given dominion over creation, Adam's rebellion corrupted his relationship with God, with Eve, and with the very earth he was meant to steward. The ground's curse reflects the brokenness of the entire created order due to humanity's sin, making life difficult and laborious, rather than directly condemning Adam to immediate annihilation. This highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and creation, where the sin of the federal head brings consequences to his domain.

**What is the significance of Adam "hearkening unto the voice of thy wife" instead of God's voice?**

Answer: This phrase highlights Adam's failure in his role as the covenant head and guardian of the Garden. He was given the original command directly by God in [Genesis 2:16-17](/genesis/2-16-17 "God's Command to Adam") and was responsible for upholding it. By choosing to obey his wife's persuasive words over God's clear instruction, Adam abdicated his spiritual responsibility and leadership, leading to the devastating consequences for all humanity. It underscores the profound seriousness of prioritizing any voice over the clear word of God.

**Does this verse mean that all work is a curse or inherently evil?**

Answer: No, the verse does not mean work itself is a curse. Work existed before the Fall, as God placed Adam in the Garden to "work it and keep it" ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Adam's Task in Eden")). However, the *nature* of work changed after the Fall. It became "sorrowful" (H6093 *ʻitstsâbôwn*) and toilsome, characterized by pain, frustration, and struggle to yield its fruit. The curse is on the ground, making the *process* of work difficult and burdensome, rather than work itself being inherently evil. Work remains a divine mandate, but now it is performed "by the sweat of your brow" ([Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Adam's Toil and Return to Dust")).

**What does "in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it" truly imply beyond just sadness?**

Answer: The Hebrew word *'itstsabown* (H6093) implies much more than just emotional sadness. It encompasses pain, grievous labor, vexation, and the arduous effort required for sustenance. It signifies a life of struggle and hardship in obtaining food from the ground, a stark contrast to the effortless provision of Eden. This "sorrow" reflects the deep-seated frustration and futility that now accompany human efforts to subdue the earth, a direct consequence of the broken relationship between humanity and creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 3:17, with its pronouncement of a cursed ground and a life of sorrowful toil, profoundly underscores humanity's desperate need for redemption. This verse foreshadows the coming of Christ, who is revealed as the "second Adam" in passages like [Romans 5:12-21](/romans/5-12-21 "Christ as the Second Adam and the Gift of Grace"). Where the first Adam brought a curse through disobedience, Jesus, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross, provided the means for the curse to be ultimately undone. His suffering and death on a cursed tree ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")) directly address the consequences of Adam's eating from the forbidden tree. Christ's redemptive work not only offers spiritual liberation but also points to a future hope where creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay ([Romans 8:21](/romans/8-21 "Creation's Liberation")). Ultimately, the new heavens and new earth will be a place where there will be [no more curse](/revelation/22-3 "No More Curse in the New Creation"), fulfilling the deep longing for a world free from the toil, sorrow, and brokenness introduced by Adam's sin. Through Christ, the promise of a restored creation and a life of true rest and joy is secured.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:20

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope,

Romans 8:22

For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.

Genesis 5:29

And he called his name Noah, saying, This [same] shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.

Isaiah 24:5

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24:6

Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

Ecclesiastes 2:22

For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 2:23

For all his days [are] sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.