Genesis 3:23

KJV

Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore the LORD {H3068} God {H430} sent him forth {H7971} from the garden {H1588} of Eden {H5731}, to till {H5647} the ground {H127} from whence he was taken {H3947}.

Complete Jewish Bible

therefore Adonai, God, sent him out of the garden of ‘Eden to cultivate the ground from which he was taken.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.

American Standard Version

therefore Jehovah God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:23 marks the solemn culmination of humanity's fall, detailing God's decisive act of expelling Adam from the pristine Garden of Eden. This verse vividly portrays the immediate and profound consequences of disobedience, transforming Adam's joyful stewardship into arduous toil and forever altering humanity's relationship with creation and their Creator. It signifies a painful separation from divine presence and effortless provision, ushering humanity into a world marked by struggle, mortality, and a longing for restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic physical manifestation of the judgments pronounced by God in the preceding verses. Following the serpent's deception and humanity's disobedience, God delivers curses upon the serpent ([Genesis 3:14-15](/genesis/3-14-15 "God's curse on the serpent")), Eve ([Genesis 3:16](/genesis/3-16 "God's curse on Eve")), and Adam ([Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "God's curse on Adam")). Genesis 3:23 directly enacts the consequence of Adam's curse, forcing him to toil the ground outside the Garden. Crucially, it also fulfills the divine reasoning articulated in [Genesis 3:22](/genesis/3-22 "God's reasoning for expulsion in Genesis 3:22"), where the LORD God expresses concern that humanity, having gained knowledge of good and evil, might also eat from the tree of life and live eternally in their fallen state. Thus, the expulsion is both a just punishment and a merciful act to prevent an even greater tragedy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, gardens were often symbolic of divine presence, sacred space, and abundance, frequently associated with temples or royal domains. The Garden of Eden, therefore, represents a perfect, divinely curated sanctuary where God walked with humanity. Expulsion from such a sacred space was the ultimate punishment, signifying a loss of divine favor and access to life-giving resources. The concept of "tilling the ground" (agriculture) was central to ancient societies, but the narrative here contrasts the effortless provision within Eden with the arduous, cursed labor outside it. This reflects a profound shift in humanity's relationship with the earth, from harmonious stewardship to a struggle against thorns and thistles, a common experience for ancient agriculturalists.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 3:23 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **divine judgment and the consequences of sin**, demonstrating that disobedience inevitably leads to separation from God's perfect order and presence. It highlights the **pervasive impact of the Fall**, showing how sin affects not only humanity's spiritual state but also their physical environment and daily labor. The verse also introduces the theme of **exile and longing for home**, foreshadowing Israel's later expulsions from promised lands and humanity's universal yearning for restoration to a state of unhindered fellowship with God. Furthermore, it contrasts the original **joyful stewardship** of [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Adam's original purpose in Genesis 2:15") with the **arduous toil** that becomes humanity's lot outside the Garden, emphasizing the brokenness of creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The verse "Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken" encapsulates the tragic culmination of humanity's rebellion and God's righteous response.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent him forth (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** (H7971) This primitive root signifies "to send away, for, or out" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it denotes a definitive and authoritative act of expulsion, a judicial decree rather than a mere departure. It implies a forceful removal from a place of privilege and blessing, underscoring the finality and divine authority behind Adam's banishment from the Garden.
* **to till (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** (H5647) This primitive root means "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave." While Adam was originally placed in the Garden "to dress it and to keep it" ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Adam's original stewardship in Genesis 2:15")), the same Hebrew root *'abad* here takes on a new, burdensome connotation. Outside Eden, "tilling" the ground is no longer a joyful, effortless task but one marked by struggle, sweat, and the resistance of a cursed earth, reflecting the curse pronounced in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "The curse on the ground in Genesis 3:17-19").
* **ground (Hebrew, _ʼădâmâh'_):** (H127) Derived from the word for "red" (אדם, *'adam*), this term refers to the soil or earth. It is the very material from which Adam was formed ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Adam's creation from the dust")). The poignant irony is that Adam is sent to labor on the very "ground" from which he originated, a ground now cursed because of his sin. This connection highlights humanity's humble, mortal nature and their intrinsic link to the physical world, which now reflects their fallen state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden":** This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the direct consequence of the Fall. The phrase "the LORD God" (Yahweh Elohim) emphasizes the covenantal, personal, yet sovereign and just nature of God. The act of "sending forth" (Hebrew *shâlach*) is an authoritative and decisive expulsion, not a gentle dismissal. It signifies a profound and tragic separation—a loss of immediate, unhindered fellowship with God, access to effortless provision, and the idyllic environment where humanity was meant to flourish. This expulsion is both a judgment for disobedience and a merciful act to prevent humanity from gaining eternal life in their fallen state by eating from the tree of life ([Genesis 3:22](/genesis/3-22 "God's reasoning for Adam's expulsion")).
* **"to till the ground":** This phrase defines Adam's new, altered purpose. While Adam's original commission in Eden involved "dressing and keeping" the garden ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Adam's original purpose in Genesis 2:15")), the "tilling" (Hebrew *'abad*) outside the Garden is fundamentally transformed by the curse. It is now a laborious, burdensome task, characterized by struggle, sweat, and the resistance of a ground that will "bring forth thorns and thistles" ([Genesis 3:18](/genesis/3-18 "The ground brings forth thorns and thistles")). This redefines humanity's relationship with labor, shifting it from joyful cultivation to arduous toil, a direct consequence of sin.
* **"from whence he was taken":** This poignant concluding phrase serves as a powerful reminder of Adam's origins. Having been "formed of the dust of the ground" ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Adam's creation from dust")), Adam is now sent back to the very earth from which he came, but under vastly different, harsher conditions. This connection underscores humanity's humble, mortal nature and highlights the pervasive reach of sin's consequences, affecting not only humanity's spiritual state but also their physical existence and the very ground that sustains them. It foreshadows the return to dust at death, completing the cycle of mortality introduced by the Fall.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 3:23 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Consequence**, as the entire verse functions as the direct and unavoidable outcome of the disobedience described earlier in the chapter. The expulsion is a tangible manifestation of God's judgment and the broken covenant. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play: the "garden of Eden" symbolizes paradise, unhindered fellowship with God, and effortless provision, while "the ground" outside the garden symbolizes a cursed world, arduous labor, and mortality. The contrast between these two spaces powerfully conveys the loss. There is also a strong sense of **Irony** in Adam being sent "to till the ground from whence he was taken." The very earth that gave him life now demands his laborious toil and will ultimately reclaim him in death, a stark reversal of his original idyllic existence. Finally, the verse contains elements of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the recurring biblical theme of exile and the longing for restoration, which permeates Israel's history and humanity's ultimate hope for a new creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 3:23 is a foundational text for understanding the pervasive nature of sin and its consequences. It unequivocally demonstrates God's unyielding holiness and justice, revealing that His perfect presence cannot coexist with unrepentant sin. The expulsion from Eden signifies humanity's spiritual death and physical separation from the source of life and blessing, initiating a long history of human alienation from God and from the ideal environment He intended. This verse fundamentally alters humanity's relationship with creation, transforming joyous stewardship into burdensome toil, a reality that continues to impact human experience. It also introduces the theme of exile, a recurring motif throughout the biblical narrative, highlighting humanity's longing for a return to a state of unhindered fellowship with God and a restored creation.

* [Genesis 4:16](/genesis/4-16 "Cain's exile from the LORD's presence")
* [Romans 8:20-22](/romans/8-20-22 "Creation groaning under futility")
* [Hebrews 4:1](/hebrews/4-4 "The promise of entering God's rest remains")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:23 confronts us with the stark reality of sin's immediate and pervasive consequences, explaining why our lives are often marked by struggle, our work by toil, and our world by brokenness. It serves as a profound reminder that separation from God's perfect design leads to hardship and alienation. Reflecting on this verse encourages us to acknowledge the deep-seated brokenness within ourselves and the world around us, fostering a greater appreciation for our inherent need for redemption and restoration. While labor remains a part of our existence, this passage reminds us that the toil we experience is a consequence of the Fall, prompting us to long for the day when the curse will be fully undone, and all creation will be restored to its intended harmony and fellowship with God. It invites us to find purpose and meaning even in our toil, understanding it as a reminder of our dependence on God and our need for His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the expulsion from Eden help us comprehend the struggles and difficulties we face in our daily lives and work?**
* **In what ways do you see the "thorns and thistles" of the cursed ground manifesting in your own work or relationships?**
* **How does this verse deepen your appreciation for God's holiness and justice, even in His acts of judgment?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the importance of obedience and the profound impact of disobedience?**

### FAQ
**Why did the LORD God expel Adam from the Garden?**

Answer: The expulsion was a multifaceted act of divine justice and mercy. Primarily, it was a direct and just consequence for Adam and Eve's deliberate disobedience to God's command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. However, it was also a merciful measure to prevent fallen humanity from eating from the Tree of Life and thus living eternally in their sinful, corrupted state, as explicitly stated by God in [Genesis 3:22](/genesis/3-22 "God's reasoning for expulsion in Genesis 3:22"). This prevented an even greater, eternal tragedy.

**Was "tilling the ground" always a punishment?**

Answer: No, "tilling the ground" was not inherently a punishment. Adam was originally placed in Eden "to dress it and to keep it" ([Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Adam's original purpose in Genesis 2:15")), which implies joyful, purposeful, and unburdened work as a co-laborer with God in His perfect creation. After the Fall, due to the curse pronounced on the ground in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "The curse on the ground in Genesis 3:17-19"), this same labor transformed into arduous toil, marked by struggle, sweat, and the resistance of thorns and thistles. The nature of the work changed from effortless stewardship to burdensome necessity.

**What is the significance of "from whence he was taken"?**

Answer: This phrase is a poignant and deeply significant reminder of Adam's origins. He was "formed of the dust of the ground" ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Adam's creation from dust")), highlighting humanity's humble, mortal nature and their intrinsic connection to the earth. The irony and tragedy lie in the fact that Adam is now sent back to the very earth from which he was created, but under the curse of sin. This connection underscores that the consequences of the Fall extend not only to humanity's spiritual state but also to their physical existence and the very environment that sustains them, foreshadowing the return to dust at death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 3:23 powerfully sets the stage for the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Adam's expulsion from Eden highlights humanity's lost access to God's immediate presence, the burden of a cursed creation, and the introduction of toil and mortality. Jesus, often referred to as the "second Adam" (as seen in [Romans 5:12-21](/romans/5-12-21 "Christ as the Second Adam in Romans 5:12-21") and [1 Corinthians 15:45-49](/1_corinthians/15-45-49 "Christ as the life-giving Spirit in 1 Corinthians 15:45-49")), fulfills the profound need created by this expulsion. He reverses the curse through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, bearing the full weight of sin's consequences, including the curse of the law and the ground (cf. [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law in Galatians 3:13")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ provides believers with [new and living access to God's presence](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Access to God through Christ in Hebrews 10:19-22"), tearing down the veil of separation that began in Eden. Furthermore, His work anticipates the ultimate restoration of creation, promising a [new heaven and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "The new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:1") where the curse will be no more, and humanity will once again dwell in perfect, unhindered fellowship with God, fulfilling the longing for paradise lost (cf. [Revelation 22:3](/revelation/22-3 "No more curse in Revelation 22:3")).

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

Genesis 4:2

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Genesis 4:12

When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

Genesis 3:19

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.

Ecclesiastes 5:9

¶ Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king [himself] is served by the field.

Genesis 2:5

And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and [there was] not a man to till the ground.

Genesis 9:20

And Noah began [to be] an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: