Genesis 3:22

KJV

¶ And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} God {H430} said {H559}, Behold {H2005}, the man {H120} is become as one {H259} of us, to know {H3045} good {H2896} and evil {H7451}: and now, lest he put forth {H7971} his hand {H3027}, and take {H3947} also of the tree {H6086} of life {H2416}, and eat {H398}, and live {H2425} for ever {H5769}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai, God, said, “See, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, to prevent his putting out his hand and taking also from the tree of life, eating, and living forever — ”

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil. And now, lest he reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever...”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever—

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:22 records the LORD God's profound declaration following humanity's disobedience, revealing His assessment of Adam's new, tragic "knowledge" of good and evil. This pivotal verse details God's decisive, yet merciful, action to prevent fallen humanity from accessing the tree of life, thereby ensuring they would not live eternally in a state of sin and separation, a divine decision rooted in both perfect justice and profound compassion for His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a climactic pronouncement within the immediate aftermath of the Fall, as narrated in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). It directly follows Adam and Eve's transgression of eating from the forbidden [tree of the knowledge of good and evil](/genesis/2-17 "Genesis 2:17 - The Commandment Regarding the Tree of Knowledge"), their subsequent awareness of nakedness, and their failed attempts to hide from God. The divine interrogation and pronouncement of curses upon the serpent, Eve, and Adam precede this verse. Genesis 3:22 serves as the divine rationale for the expulsion from the Garden, which is then immediately described in [Genesis 3:23-24](/genesis/3-23-24 "Genesis 3:23-24 - Expulsion from the Garden of Eden"), marking a definitive transition from paradise to a world outside Eden.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a divine council or a plurality within the Godhead, hinted at by "as one of us," resonates with ancient Near Eastern cosmologies where gods often deliberated. However, the biblical narrative distinctly presents a singular, sovereign God. The Garden of Eden itself, with its two unique trees, functions as a sacred space, a proto-temple where God walked with humanity. The "tree of life" and "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" are not merely botanical specimens but symbolic representations of humanity's relationship with God—dependent life through obedience versus independent, self-defined knowledge through rebellion. The expulsion from this sacred space signifies humanity's broken fellowship with God and the loss of immediate access to His sustaining presence, a profound cultural and spiritual shift.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 3:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **consequences of sin**, demonstrating how disobedience immediately ruptures humanity's relationship with God and alters their very nature, leading to a loss of innocence and the introduction of death. It highlights **divine sovereignty and wisdom**, as God, despite human rebellion, maintains control and acts with foresight to prevent an even greater tragedy. The verse also introduces the theme of **divine mercy in judgment**, as God's act of preventing eternal life in a fallen state is ultimately a compassionate measure, preserving the possibility of future redemption. Finally, it sets the stage for the biblical narrative's central quest: humanity's desperate need for **restoration and a new way to true, eternal life**, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this word signifies a deep, experiential understanding, not merely intellectual acquisition. In this context, it refers to knowing good by experiencing God's perfect design and knowing evil by having chosen it and suffering its devastating consequences, rather than a neutral, objective understanding. This "knowledge" is born of disobedience and leads to shame and separation.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this term describes that which is pleasant, beneficial, excellent, or morally upright. Before the Fall, humanity experienced only "good" in God's perfect creation and through obedience. After the Fall, their understanding of "good" became tainted by the experience of "evil," losing its unadulterated quality.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, signifying that which is bad, harmful, morally corrupt, or distressing. This is the new, painful experiential knowledge humanity acquired through their transgression. It represents the rupture of shalom, the introduction of suffering, and the corruption of their nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD God said,"**: This opening phrase emphasizes the divine authority and solemnity of the pronouncement. It highlights that this is a direct, deliberate declaration from the sovereign Creator, [Yahweh Elohim](/genesis/2-4 "Genesis 2:4 - The LORD God"), underscoring the gravity of the moment and the finality of the decision.
* **"Behold, the man is become as one of us,"**: The interjection "Behold" (H2005, _hên'_) draws immediate attention to a significant observation. The phrase "as one of us" (H259, _ʼechâd'_) is a profound theological statement. While some interpret it as God addressing His heavenly court (angels), the most robust theological understanding, particularly from a Trinitarian perspective, sees it as an early, subtle hint of the plurality within the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—deliberating humanity's altered state. It signifies a divine recognition of humanity's new, albeit corrupted, experiential knowledge.
* **"to know good and evil:"**: This clause clarifies the nature of humanity's transformation. It is not an intellectual gain of moral wisdom, but a tragic, experiential "knowing" (H3045, _yâdaʻ'_) of evil through having chosen it, and a corrupted understanding of good in light of that choice. This knowledge brought shame, fear, and a broken relationship with God, as evidenced by their immediate attempt to [hide themselves](/genesis/3-8 "Genesis 3:8 - Adam and Eve Hide from God").
* **"and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life,"**: This marks God's crucial preventive action. "Lest" indicates a protective measure. God foresees the danger of fallen humanity, now tainted by sin, gaining access to perpetual physical life. To "put forth his hand" (H3027, _yâd'_) and "take" (H3947, _lâqach'_) implies a deliberate act of appropriation. The "tree of life" (H6086, _ʻêts'_ and H2416, _chay'_) symbolizes eternal life and unhindered communion with God.
* **"and eat, and live for ever:"**: This final clause states the terrifying consequence God seeks to prevent. If fallen humanity were to "eat" (H398, _ʼâkal'_) from the tree of life, they would "live for ever" (H2425, _châyay'_ and H5769, _ʻôwlâm'_) in their corrupted, sinful state. This would condemn them to an eternal existence of misery, separation from God, and spiritual death, making redemption impossible. God's intervention is thus an act of profound mercy, preserving the possibility of a future, true eternal life.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the depiction of the LORD God speaking, observing, and making a decision, attributing human-like actions and thought processes to the divine. This makes God's interaction with humanity relatable and immediate. There is also a profound **Irony** in humanity's pursuit of "knowledge" (from the forbidden tree) leading not to elevation but to degradation and expulsion. What was seemingly gained—an experiential knowledge of good and evil—was in reality a devastating loss of innocence, communion, and access to eternal life. The phrase "as one of us" introduces **Divine Council Language**, suggesting a deliberation within the divine realm, whether among the persons of the Trinity or with heavenly beings. This adds a sense of gravitas and cosmic significance to the decision. Finally, the "tree of life" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just physical immortality but also the fullness of life, blessing, and unhindered communion with God, which is now tragically withheld.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 3:22 is a foundational text for understanding the depth of the Fall and the trajectory of God's redemptive plan. It profoundly illustrates that sin's consequence is not merely physical death but a spiritual separation from the source of life, necessitating a divine intervention to prevent an eternal perpetuation of this broken state. God's act of guarding the tree of life, while a judgment, is simultaneously an act of profound mercy, preserving humanity from an eternal curse and setting the stage for a future, true restoration of life through a different, divinely appointed means. This passage underscores God's unwavering sovereignty, His perfect wisdom in governance, and His ultimate commitment to a holy and righteous relationship with His creation, even when that relationship is fractured by human rebellion.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin and Death Through Adam")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed for Man to Die Once")
* [Revelation 2:7](/revelation/2-7 "Revelation 2:7 - To the one who conquers, I will grant to eat of the tree of life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:22 serves as a stark reminder of the profound gravity of sin and its capacity to distort our understanding of life, leading to separation from God and the true source of flourishing. It challenges us to recognize that God's judgments, even when seemingly severe, are always rooted in His perfect wisdom and profound mercy, aiming to prevent greater harm and preserve the pathway to genuine, eternal well-being. This passage compels us to understand that true life is not found in self-determination or the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, but in humble submission to God's perfect will and in seeking Him as the ultimate source of all life. It calls us to reflect on the consequences of our own choices and to appreciate the divine grace that prevents us from being eternally locked into the destructive patterns of sin, always pointing us toward the hope of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "knowledge of good and evil" gained by Adam and Eve differ from the wisdom God desires for us?**
* **In what ways do we, like Adam and Eve, sometimes seek life or knowledge outside of God's prescribed boundaries, and what are the consequences?**
* **How does God's act of preventing access to the tree of life demonstrate both His justice and His mercy?**
* **What does this passage reveal about the preciousness of true eternal life, and how does it shape our understanding of it?**

### FAQ
**What does 'the man is become as one of us' mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a profound theological statement. While some interpretations suggest God is consulting with His heavenly court or angelic beings, the most common and robust theological understanding, especially from a Trinitarian perspective, views it as an early, subtle hint of the plurality within the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—deliberating humanity's changed state. In either case, it signifies a weighty and deliberate divine decision.

**Did humanity gain wisdom by 'knowing good and evil'?**

Answer: No, the "knowledge" here is experiential, not intellectual wisdom or moral enlightenment. It means humanity now knew evil through having committed it and experiencing its destructive consequences, rather than simply knowing good through obedience to God. It was a tragic, not beneficial, acquisition, leading to shame, fear, and brokenness, as seen in [Genesis 3:7-10](/genesis/3-7-10 "Genesis 3:7-10 - Adam and Eve's Shame and Hiding").

**Why did God prevent access to the tree of life? Was it a punishment?**

Answer: While it was a direct consequence of sin, preventing access to the tree of life was primarily an act of divine mercy, not merely punishment. Allowing fallen humanity to live eternally in a state of sin and separation from God would have been an eternal curse, locking them into perpetual misery and spiritual death. God's action preserved the possibility of future redemption and the eventual restoration of true eternal life through a different means.

**Does this verse imply God didn't want humanity to be like Him?**

Answer: Humanity was already created in God's image, reflecting His character (see [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Genesis 1:26-27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")). The "as one of us" refers to the experiential knowledge of good and evil, a knowledge God possesses inherently without having to commit evil. God prevented humanity from achieving a distorted, corrupted form of eternal life in their fallen state, which would have been an eternal misery and prevented any future reconciliation or redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 3:22, by denying fallen humanity access to the tree of life and thus eternal life in their sinful state, powerfully underscores the profound brokenness introduced by the Fall and the desperate need for a new way to eternal life. This need is perfectly and gloriously fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the true "Tree of Life" and the only means by which humanity can regain access to eternal life and an unhindered, restored relationship with God. Jesus declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life"); no one comes to the Father except through Me." He promised that "[whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God so loved the world that He gave His only Son")." Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ overcomes the curse of the Fall, bears the penalty for sin, and offers abundant, unending life (as promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus came that they may have life abundantly")). Believers in Christ partake in this true, eternal life now, and are assured of ultimate access to the restored tree of life in the new heavens and new earth, as beautifully depicted in [Revelation 22:2](/revelation/22-2 "Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem") and [Revelation 22:14](/revelation/22-14 "Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are those who wash their robes").

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

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Revelation 22:14

Blessed [are] they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:2

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

Proverbs 3:18

She [is] a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy [is every one] that retaineth her.

Genesis 11:6

And the LORD said, Behold, the people [is] one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

Genesis 11:7

Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

Genesis 1:26

¶ And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.