Keraia
Genesis 2

Genesis 2:17

Man and Woman in the Garden · Genesis 2:4–25
Read Genesis 2

Translations

Modern
…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.”
Traditional
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.
Literal
And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”
Latin
…de ligno autem scientiæ boni et mali ne comedas: in quocumque enim die comederis ex eo, morte morieris.

Original

Hebrew
English
…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.”

Notes

Genesis 2:17

  • but you must not eat: This rule is given in the same way as Israel’s Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20:1–17; Deuteronomy 5:6–21). The Lord included law and obedience in his covenant with humanity.

  • the knowledge of good and evil: See study note on 2:9.

  • you will surely die: Disobedience would bring immediate spiritual death (loss of relationship with God) and eventual physical death (see 3:22–23; Ecclesiastes 12:6–7).

Genesis 2:4–25

This story (see study note on 2:4) of the heavens and the earth is not a second creation story. Instead, it expands on 1:1–2:3 with more theological and historical details. The focus shifts to what the universe (kosmos) produced rather than on its creation.

Special attention is given to the first man and woman. As the story continues, it is shaped by contrasts such as good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, life and death, and harmony and conflict.

Events

Glossary

Adam (Person) Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Biblical Concept of Law Book of Revelation Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Creation Myths Eve Fall of Man Genesis, Book of God, Names of Hebrew Language Hell Judgment Land Man Man, Old and New Mesopotamia Monotheism New Creation, New Creature Paradise Patriarchs, Period of the Sex, Sexuality Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil Tree of Life Woman

Topics

Adam: The First Man: History of, Before he Sinned Contingencies in Divine Government of Man Covenant with Adam Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Eden: The Garden of Eden Fall of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Free Will God: Creator Knowledge of Good and Evil Man: Created: Under Obligations to Obedience Natural Death: Consequence of Sin Natural Life: Forfeited by Sin Probation: Adam On Punishment: Design of To Secure Obedience Sin: Death, the Punishment of Sin: Punishment of Symbols and Similitudes: Trees of Life and Knowledge The Law of God: Given: To Adam Tree of Knowledge Wicked (People): Punishment of