Genesis 2:17
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of the tree of the knowledge - thou shalt not eat - This is the first positive precept God gave to man; and it was given as a test of obedience, and a proof of his being in a dependent, probationary state. It was necessary that, while constituted lord of this lower world, he should know that he was only God's vicegerent, and must be accountable to him for the use of his mental and corporeal powers, and for the use he made of the different creatures put under his care. The man from whose mind the strong impression of this dependence and responsibility is erased, necessarily loses sight of his origin and end, and is capable of any species of wickedness. As God is sovereign, he has a right to give to his creatures what commands he thinks proper. An intelligent creature, without a law to regulate his conduct, is an absurdity; this would destroy at once the idea of his dependency and accountableness. Man must ever feel God as his sovereign, and act under his authority, which he cannot do unless he have a rule of conduct. This rule God gives: and it is no matter of what kind it is, as long as obedience to it is not beyond the powers of the creature who is to obey. God says: There is a certain fruit-bearing tree; thou shalt not eat of its fruit; but of all the other fruits, and they are all that are necessary, for thee, thou mayest freely, liberally eat. Had he not an absolute right to say so? And was not man bound to obey? Thou shalt surely die - מות תמות moth tamuth; Literally, a death thou shalt die; or, dying thou shalt die. Thou shalt not only die spiritually, by losing the life of God, but from that moment thou shalt become mortal, and shalt continue in a dying state till thou die. This we find literally accomplished; every moment of man's life may be considered as an act of dying, till soul and body are separated. Other meanings have been given of this passage, but they are in general either fanciful or incorrect.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
thou shalt not eat of it . . . thou shalt surely die--no reason assigned for the prohibition, but death was to be the punishment of disobedience. A positive command like this was not only the simplest and easiest, but the only trial to which their fidelity could be exposed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,.... Of the name of this tree, and the reasons of it; see Gill on Gen 2:9. thou shalt not eat of it; not that this tree had any efficacy in it to increase knowledge, and improve in science and understanding, as Satan suggested God knew; and therefore forbid the eating of it out of envy to man, which the divine Being is capable of; or that there was anything hurtful in it to the bodies of men, if they had eaten of it; or that it was unlawful and evil of itself, if it had not been expressly prohibited: but it was, previous to this injunction, a quite indifferent thing whether man ate of it or not; and therefore was pitched upon as a trial of man's obedience to God, under whose government he was, and whom it was fit he should obey in all things; and since he had a grant of all the trees of the garden but this, it was the greater aggravation of his offence that he should not abstain from it: for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die; or "in dying, die" (z); which denotes the certainty of it, as our version expresses it; and may have regard to more deaths than one; not only a corporeal one, which in some sense immediately took place, man became at once a mortal creature, who otherwise continuing in a state of innocence, and by eating of the tree of life, he was allowed to do, would have lived an immortal life; of the eating of which tree, by sinning he was debarred, his natural life not now to be continued long, at least not for ever; he was immediately arraigned, tried, and condemned to death, was found guilty of it, and became obnoxious to it, and death at once began to work in him; sin sowed the seeds of it in his body, and a train of miseries, afflictions, and diseases, began to appear, which at length issued in death. Moreover, a spiritual or moral death immediately ensued; he lost his original righteousness, in which he was created; the image of God in him was deformed; the powers and faculties of his soul were corrupted, and he became dead in sins and trespasses; the consequence of which, had it not been for the interposition of a surety and Saviour, who engaged to make satisfaction to law and justice, must have been eternal death, or an everlasting separation from God, to him and all his posterity; for the wages of sin is death, even death eternal, Rom 6:23. So the Jews (a) interpret this of death, both in this world and in the world to come. (z) Pagninus, Montanus, &c. (a) Tikkune Zohar, correct. 24. fol. 68. 1. correct. 54. fol. 90. 2. correct. 66. fol. 100. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17 except (literally but you must not eat): This prohibition is given in the same legal format as Israel’s Ten Commandments (see Exod 20:1-17; Deut 5:6-21). The Lord built law and obedience into the fabric of his covenant relationship with humanity. • the knowledge of good and evil: See study note on 2:9. • you are sure to die: The consequences of disobedience would be immediate spiritual death (loss of relationship with God) and eventual physical death (see 3:22-23; Eccl 12:6-7).
Genesis 2:17
Man and Woman in the Garden
16And the LORD God commanded him, “You may eat freely from every tree of the garden,17but 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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Biblical Manhood) -Evening Banquet
By Paul Washer28K1:15:39ManhoodGEN 2:17DEU 8:3HOS 4:6MAT 7:13MAT 22:37JHN 14:61CO 7:25In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the upbringing of his young children and acknowledges his own shortcomings. He emphasizes the importance of studying and following the scriptures in order to lead a godly family life. The speaker highlights the need for young men to take on responsibility and imitate godly men, while cautioning against using relationships as a source of entertainment. He also criticizes the modern dating culture, which he believes promotes a consumer mentality and can leave emotional scars. The speaker concludes by humbly acknowledging that he is still learning and growing in his own journey towards godly family life.
(God and Man) Three Tenses of Salvation
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:08:38GEN 2:9GEN 2:17PRO 30:8ROM 6:14ROM 13:11HEB 8:102PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the influence of Satan in various aspects of the world, including entertainment, music, medicine, and education. He urges listeners not to be deceived by the devil and to stand as a light in this world. The speaker also highlights the importance of having knowledge of good and evil and making choices based on that knowledge. He encourages believers to be long-suffering with others, just as God is long-suffering with us. The sermon concludes with a prayer for radical change and a plea for individuals to live their lives seriously for God.
(Genesis) - Part 5
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:01:24TemptationGEN 1:2GEN 2:17GEN 3:10ISA 8:12MAT 6:33LUK 12:4JHN 14:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of chaos in the Bible, specifically in Genesis 1. He emphasizes that despite the chaos, God can make something excellent out of it, which serves as a great encouragement for believers. The preacher also highlights the connection between fear and sin, stating that fearing God is necessary but nothing else. He emphasizes that Jesus wants to deliver believers from fear just as much as any other sin. Additionally, the preacher discusses the importance of taking personal responsibility for one's sins instead of blaming others or circumstances.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Authority in the Scriptures - Part 1
By Colin Anderson1.8K43:46AuthorityGEN 2:17JOS 1:8ROM 5:6HEB 13:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of authority and obedience in the Bible. He starts by referencing Hebrews 13:7, which encourages believers to obey and submit to their leaders. The speaker then takes the audience on a journey through various books of the Bible, starting with Genesis, to highlight the theme of authority and obedience. He emphasizes that obedience to God's commandments leads to true holiness and deliverance in our lives. The sermon also touches on the consequences of rebellion and the importance of meditating on God's word for success.
Adamic Administration - Biblical Data, Nature, and Condition
By John Murray1.8K50:23Original SinGEN 2:17MAT 6:33JHN 8:12ROM 5:12ROM 5:191CO 15:221CO 15:45In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the principle of solidarity in God's government. The corporate relationship and the principle of solidarity are integral to the constitution of the nation and humanity. The preacher highlights that the consequences of our actions, both good and evil, have an impact on the corporate relationship we have with others. The sermon also discusses the correlation between Adam and Christ, stating that they have unique and incomparable relations to the human race. The preacher emphasizes the need for obedience and fulfillment of conditions in order to maintain a successful relationship with God.
To the Elect Lady
By Bob Bruton1.7K21:37Elect LadyGEN 2:17PSA 119:10PSA 119:30ISA 8:22TI 3:162PE 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not just talking about our faith, but also living it out in our actions. He refers to the commandment to walk in truth, which he believes goes all the way back to Adam in the Garden of Eden. The speaker rejoices when he finds some of the elect lady's children walking in truth, highlighting that even the best leaders may not have perfect success in teaching others. He also emphasizes the importance of love and pleads with others to obey God's commandments. The sermon concludes with the reminder that it is not enough to talk about our faith, but we must also walk in truth.
Adamic Administration - Promise in the Adamic Administration
By John Murray1.6K42:38AdamicGEN 2:17ROM 3:20ROM 4:4ROM 5:17ROM 6:23GAL 2:21EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the tree of life in the Adamic administration. They suggest that the tree of life served a purpose similar to the sacraments in the economies of covenant grace. It would have been sacrilege for Adam to partake of the tree of life after he had sinned, as it would have violated the divine order. The speaker also explores the idea that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil may hold the key to understanding the tree of life. They propose that the knowledge of good and evil could describe the alternative of the probation choice.
The Temptation to Do Good
By Norman Grubb1.3K47:05GoodGEN 2:17MAT 6:33JHN 14:6ROM 12:21EPH 6:11JAS 4:71JN 2:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deep things of God and how they are actually very simple. He emphasizes that the deep things of God can be summed up in three sentences: God is love, He is for others, and we are for others. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeing the reality of God's love and life in every circumstance, rather than being swayed by appearances. He warns against the temptation to live a life based on ethics, morals, and values, as Satan deceived Adam and Eve with this same mindset.
My Heart Is Fixed
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K19:52AffectionsGEN 2:17PSA 57:4PSA 57:7MAT 6:33JHN 6:291PE 2:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of praising God and the importance of having a fixed heart. He shares a personal testimony of being healed through praising the Lord. The preacher encourages the congregation to use their tongues to glorify God and to move away from a life of spiritual poverty and into the abundance of God's kingdom. He reminds them that God has appointed them to overcome Satan and that Jesus Christ has come to dwell within their hearts, empowering them to do His will.
Why God Made Man - Part 2 of 6
By Paris Reidhead7601:00:09PurposeGEN 2:17MAT 6:33ACT 16:30ACT 17:11ROM 3:23ROM 5:121TH 5:21In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of meeting members of the Gonsu tribe who were curious about his presence. While they visited, the speaker tried to listen to a BBC broadcast for news but encountered technical difficulties. He uses this experience to illustrate the concept of spiritual death and separation from God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the human spirit being connected to God and compares it to the necessity of air for survival.
The Word Is the Foundation
By Brian York70623:21Word Of GodGEN 2:17NEH 8:3NEH 8:5MAT 6:33GAL 1:102TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remaining true to God's Word. He uses the example of the watchman's duty to warn the people when danger is approaching. The speaker also highlights the simplicity of God's commands, using the example of Adam and Eve being instructed not to eat from a specific tree. He encourages the audience to study the scriptures, seek help when needed, and apply God's Word in order to be kept as part of the remnant. The speaker also criticizes the tendency of some preachers to please men rather than faithfully preaching God's Word.
Of the Sin and Fall of Our First Parents.
By John Gill0SinFree WillGEN 2:17GEN 3:6LAM 3:37ACT 2:23ROM 5:122CO 11:31TI 2:13JAS 1:151PE 1:20REV 12:9John Gill preaches on the sin and fall of Adam and Eve, emphasizing how they transgressed God's command and fell from their original state of integrity into sin and misery. He explains that Eve was deceived by the serpent and, despite her initial innocence, succumbed to temptation, leading Adam to also sin by heeding her. Gill highlights that their fall was not caused by God or Satan directly, but rather by their own choices and desires, illustrating the nature of free will and the consequences of disobedience. He stresses that while God foreknew their sin, He did not compel them to sin, and that Adam's transgression has lasting implications for all humanity. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word and the dangers of temptation.
Temporal Consequences and Eternal Ones
By A.W. Tozer0Consequences of ActionsEternal PerspectiveGEN 2:17ROM 14:10GAL 6:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the vital connection between our actions and their consequences, asserting that both temporal and eternal outcomes are significant in the lives of believers. He points out that while it is commendable to live with an awareness of eternal consequences, living solely in fear of temporal repercussions is detrimental and unjustifiable. Tozer warns that this fear has cast a shadow over the church, leading to a moral decline that undermines true faith and reverence for God. He calls for a return to a mindset that prioritizes eternal truths over immediate fears.
Testing and Proving
By John Follette0GEN 2:171CO 10:13HEB 4:15JAS 1:131PE 1:7John Follette emphasizes the importance of always dealing with God and not engaging in direct conflict with the devil, relying on Jesus as our Elder Brother and High Priest. He explains how God uses testings and provings to build our character and manifest the life of Christ in us, cautioning against falling into temptation which leads to defeat and death. Follette highlights the necessity of testings and provings in our spiritual growth, as God works to develop us and bring us into victory and life in Him through these challenges.
(I) the Gospel of God's Great Love - Part 3 (Sin Entered the World)
By Robert Wurtz II0GEN 2:17Robert Wurtz II delves into the story of God creating man upright and perfect in His image, with the Law of God written on his heart as a guide. Despite being armed with God's commandments and conscience, Adam faced the ultimate death of separation from God due to disobedience, leading to the loss of innocence and communion with God. The consequences of Adam's sin resulted in the exchange of a glorified body for a defiled one, banishment from Paradise, and the realization of being naked and separated from God's glory, marking the beginning of 'Paradise Lost' for humanity.
Fellowship
By John Follette0GEN 2:17GEN 3:9PSA 147:11MAT 26:43PHP 1:6John Follette emphasizes the importance of offering our humanity to please God, despite our failures and limited spiritual understanding. He discusses the concept of Degrees of Fellowship, highlighting the need to surrender our capacity and receptivity to God, allowing Him to build and strengthen our fellowship according to His expectations. Reflecting on the fall of man, he explores how God's heart is filled with compassion and redemption, seeking to salvage and bring us into a new, glorious state. God's desire for fellowship with us surpasses all else, as He longs for our unique response and growth to bring Him pleasure and glory.
Every Man Shall Be Put to Death
By F.B. Meyer0Sin and AccountabilityNew Life in ChristGEN 2:172KI 14:6JHN 3:16ROM 6:11ROM 8:12CO 5:14GAL 2:20EPH 2:5COL 3:3HEB 9:27F.B. Meyer emphasizes the gravity of sin and its consequences, stating that every individual is accountable for their own sins as outlined in the law of Moses. He explains that we are spiritually dead in our sins, but through Jesus, we have died for our sins, receiving the imputed righteousness of Christ. Meyer encourages believers to recognize their death to sin, urging them to live in the reality of their new life in Christ, which empowers them to resist temptation and live righteously.
The Missionary's Bill of Rights
By Paris Reidhead0GEN 2:17LUK 10:18JHN 3:16JHN 17:23JHN 20:211CO 13:51JN 4:8Paris Reidhead preaches about the missionary's responsibility to share the Gospel with those who have never heard the name of Jesus, emphasizing the spiritual bondage and suffering of those without Christ around the world. He delves into the reasons behind God creating man, highlighting God's love as the driving force and the necessity for man to have the capacity to choose love or reject it. Reidhead explores the fall of Satan, the essence of sin, and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus to redeem mankind, urging believers to fulfill their calling to share God's love with the lost.
The Christian Meaning of Death
By Olin Alfred Curtis0GEN 2:17ROM 5:12ROM 5:141CO 15:21EPH 2:1REV 2:11Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the various conceptions of death from non-Christian perspectives, highlighting the idealization of death by modern poets and the scientific view of death as a servant of life. He then explores the biblical perspective on death in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the significance of bodily death as a consequence of sin. Curtis also conducts a philosophical study of death, discussing the nature of life, the organism of man, and the source of life as being rooted in God. He concludes by examining the personal, moral, and racial significance of bodily death as a penalty for sin and the ultimate climax of probation in the journey of the soul.
The Last Assize
By G.H. Lang0GEN 2:17G.H. Lang delves into the topic of eternal punishment, emphasizing the belief in endless conscious experience of God's wrath for the impenitent Christ-rejector. He discusses the errors in presentation from both advocates and opponents of this doctrine, cautioning against exaggeration and appeals to sentiment. Lang highlights the importance of seeking truth from the Word of God alone, rather than relying on preconceived philosophies or human reasoning. He addresses the objections to eternal punishment, refuting claims that it leads to disbelief and atheism, and stresses the significance of understanding the Biblical definitions of 'life' and 'death' in relation to the doctrine of annihilation.
Loved With Everlasting Love Part 2
By Paris Reidhead0GEN 2:17EZK 18:4JHN 3:15ACT 16:31ROM 3:231CO 2:9EPH 1:4Paris Reidhead preaches about the sovereignty of God as revealed in Ephesians, emphasizing that God planned for children from eternity past out of His love. He explains how God made man in His image with the ability to think, feel, and will, taking a calculated risk to create beings capable of love. Reidhead delves into the fall of man, highlighting the choices made by Eve and Adam, leading to physical, legal, and spiritual death. He discusses the process of salvation, emphasizing that God planned and provided for the redemption of His children through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Demonstration 22 (Of Death and the 50atter Times)
By Aphraates0GEN 2:17DEU 33:6ISA 26:19MAT 5:3MAT 7:12LUK 20:38JHN 4:36JHN 14:21CO 6:31CO 15:55GAL 6:6Aphraates preaches about the concepts of death, judgment, and resurrection, emphasizing how death ruled over humanity due to Adam's transgression but was challenged by Moses proclaiming resurrection. Jesus, as the Life-giver, defeated Death by His crucifixion, bringing hope of resurrection and eternal life. The sermon delves into the different destinies of the righteous and the wicked in the afterlife, highlighting the importance of faith, good works, and repentance. Aphraates encourages believers to remember death, live in righteousness, and prepare for the judgment day when all will be rewarded according to their deeds.
The Adamic Covenant
By A.W. Pink0Sin and RedemptionFederal HeadshipGEN 2:17PSA 51:5ECC 7:29ROM 5:12ROM 5:181CO 15:22GAL 3:12EPH 2:3HEB 8:6A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Adamic Covenant, explaining that Adam served as the federal head and representative of all humanity. His actions in Eden, particularly his sin, had judicial consequences for his posterity, establishing a foundational understanding of sin and redemption. Pink argues that the concept of federal headship is crucial for grasping God's dealings with humanity and the nature of Christ's atonement. He asserts that through Adam's disobedience, all were made sinners, while through Christ's obedience, many are made righteous. Understanding this covenant is essential for comprehending the principles of divine justice and grace.
What Kind of Being Is Man? Part 2
By Paris Reidhead0GEN 2:17Paris Reidhead delves into the nature of man, exploring the essence of sin as the committal of the will to please oneself outside of God's will. He emphasizes the impact of sin on man's spiritual, legal, and physical aspects, leading to eternal separation from God. Reidhead highlights Jesus Christ's sacrificial act to redeem humanity from the curse of the law, experiencing the curse on the cross to offer forgiveness and restoration.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of the tree of the knowledge - thou shalt not eat - This is the first positive precept God gave to man; and it was given as a test of obedience, and a proof of his being in a dependent, probationary state. It was necessary that, while constituted lord of this lower world, he should know that he was only God's vicegerent, and must be accountable to him for the use of his mental and corporeal powers, and for the use he made of the different creatures put under his care. The man from whose mind the strong impression of this dependence and responsibility is erased, necessarily loses sight of his origin and end, and is capable of any species of wickedness. As God is sovereign, he has a right to give to his creatures what commands he thinks proper. An intelligent creature, without a law to regulate his conduct, is an absurdity; this would destroy at once the idea of his dependency and accountableness. Man must ever feel God as his sovereign, and act under his authority, which he cannot do unless he have a rule of conduct. This rule God gives: and it is no matter of what kind it is, as long as obedience to it is not beyond the powers of the creature who is to obey. God says: There is a certain fruit-bearing tree; thou shalt not eat of its fruit; but of all the other fruits, and they are all that are necessary, for thee, thou mayest freely, liberally eat. Had he not an absolute right to say so? And was not man bound to obey? Thou shalt surely die - מות תמות moth tamuth; Literally, a death thou shalt die; or, dying thou shalt die. Thou shalt not only die spiritually, by losing the life of God, but from that moment thou shalt become mortal, and shalt continue in a dying state till thou die. This we find literally accomplished; every moment of man's life may be considered as an act of dying, till soul and body are separated. Other meanings have been given of this passage, but they are in general either fanciful or incorrect.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
thou shalt not eat of it . . . thou shalt surely die--no reason assigned for the prohibition, but death was to be the punishment of disobedience. A positive command like this was not only the simplest and easiest, but the only trial to which their fidelity could be exposed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,.... Of the name of this tree, and the reasons of it; see Gill on Gen 2:9. thou shalt not eat of it; not that this tree had any efficacy in it to increase knowledge, and improve in science and understanding, as Satan suggested God knew; and therefore forbid the eating of it out of envy to man, which the divine Being is capable of; or that there was anything hurtful in it to the bodies of men, if they had eaten of it; or that it was unlawful and evil of itself, if it had not been expressly prohibited: but it was, previous to this injunction, a quite indifferent thing whether man ate of it or not; and therefore was pitched upon as a trial of man's obedience to God, under whose government he was, and whom it was fit he should obey in all things; and since he had a grant of all the trees of the garden but this, it was the greater aggravation of his offence that he should not abstain from it: for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die; or "in dying, die" (z); which denotes the certainty of it, as our version expresses it; and may have regard to more deaths than one; not only a corporeal one, which in some sense immediately took place, man became at once a mortal creature, who otherwise continuing in a state of innocence, and by eating of the tree of life, he was allowed to do, would have lived an immortal life; of the eating of which tree, by sinning he was debarred, his natural life not now to be continued long, at least not for ever; he was immediately arraigned, tried, and condemned to death, was found guilty of it, and became obnoxious to it, and death at once began to work in him; sin sowed the seeds of it in his body, and a train of miseries, afflictions, and diseases, began to appear, which at length issued in death. Moreover, a spiritual or moral death immediately ensued; he lost his original righteousness, in which he was created; the image of God in him was deformed; the powers and faculties of his soul were corrupted, and he became dead in sins and trespasses; the consequence of which, had it not been for the interposition of a surety and Saviour, who engaged to make satisfaction to law and justice, must have been eternal death, or an everlasting separation from God, to him and all his posterity; for the wages of sin is death, even death eternal, Rom 6:23. So the Jews (a) interpret this of death, both in this world and in the world to come. (z) Pagninus, Montanus, &c. (a) Tikkune Zohar, correct. 24. fol. 68. 1. correct. 54. fol. 90. 2. correct. 66. fol. 100. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:17 except (literally but you must not eat): This prohibition is given in the same legal format as Israel’s Ten Commandments (see Exod 20:1-17; Deut 5:6-21). The Lord built law and obedience into the fabric of his covenant relationship with humanity. • the knowledge of good and evil: See study note on 2:9. • you are sure to die: The consequences of disobedience would be immediate spiritual death (loss of relationship with God) and eventual physical death (see 3:22-23; Eccl 12:6-7).