Devine Scripture

Genesis 2:17

What does Genesis 2:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 2:17 means

In stark contrast to the vast permissions, God issued one clear prohibition: man was not to eat from the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." The consequence for disobedience was equally clear: "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." This command established a moral boundary and a test of obedience, not based on the inherent evil of a tree, but on the principle of submission to God's authority. Death, in this context, refers not only to physical demise but, primarily, to spiritual separation from God, beginning the very day of transgression.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you may not take; for on the day when you take of it, death will certainly come to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou dost not eat of it, for in the day of thine eating of it--dying thou dost die.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat. For in what day soever thou shalt eat of it, thou shalt die the death.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse delivers the critical prohibition, directly following the generous permissions of verse 16. It sets the singular, specific moral test for humanity within the abundant Garden of Eden. This command, with its clear consequence of "surely die," is central to the entire biblical narrative, establishing the possibility of sin and its direct result, thus preparing the reader for the subsequent events of humanity's Fall in chapter 3.

v.16And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

v.17This passage

v.18And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 1:15

    Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.

  • Revelation 21:8

    But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.

  • Genesis 3:11

    And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

  • Romans 1:32

    who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that practise such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that practise them.

  • Colossians 2:13

    And you, being dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you, I say, did he make alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;

  • Ezekiel 18:4

    Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

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