Genesis 3:17

Genesis 3:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

King James Version KJV

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

American Standard Version ASV

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in toil shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Bible in Basic English BBE

And to Adam he said, Because you gave ear to the voice of your wife and took of the fruit of the tree which I said you were not to take, the earth is cursed on your account; in pain you will get your food from it all your life.

Free Bible Version FBV

He told Adam, “Because you did what your wife told you, and ate fruit from the tree after I ordered you, ‘Don't eat fruit from this tree,’ the ground is now cursed because of you. You will have to work painfully hard to grow food from it throughout your whole life.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Also to Adam he said, Because thou hast obeyed the voyce of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, (whereof I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eate of it) cursed is the earth for thy sake: in sorowe shalt thou eate of it all the dayes of thy life.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And to the man He said, 'Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and dost eat of the tree concerning which I have charged thee, saying, Thou dost not eat of it, cursed [is] the ground on thine account; in sorrow thou dost eat of it all days of thy life,

World English Bible WEB

To Adam he said, “Because you have listened to your wife’s voice, and have eaten from the tree, about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ the ground is cursed for your sake. You will eat from it with much labor all the days of your life.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And to Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And to Adam he said: Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat, cursed is the earth in thy work; with labour and toil shalt thou eat thereof all the days of thy life.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Yahweh said to the man, “You heeded what your wife said, and you ate some of the fruit of the tree concerning which I commanded you saying, ‘Do not eat it.’ So I will make it difficult to grow things in the ground because of what you did. You will have to work hard as long as you live to produce things from the ground to eat.

Plain English Version PEV

Then God said to the man, “I told you not to eat any fruit from one of the trees in the middle of the garden, but you listened to your wife, and you ate that fruit. So I will curse the ground and make it bad for you. It will never be easy for you to get your food from the plants in the ground any more. The ground will have lots of rubbish plants and prickles in it.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 3:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 3:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/לְ/אָדָ֣ם אָמַ֗ר כִּֽי שָׁמַעְתָּ֮ לְ/ק֣וֹל אִשְׁתֶּ/ךָ֒ וַ/תֹּ֨אכַל֙ מִן הָ/עֵ֔ץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוִּיתִ֨י/ךָ֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר לֹ֥א תֹאכַ֖ל מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ אֲרוּרָ֤ה הָֽ/אֲדָמָה֙ בַּֽ/עֲבוּרֶ֔/ךָ בְּ/עִצָּבוֹן֙ תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֔/נָּה כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י חַיֶּֽי/ךָ

וּ/לְ/אָדָ֣ם ʼÂdâm H121 Adam Conj | Prep | N-proper

אָמַ֗ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

שָׁמַעְתָּ֮ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-2ms

לְ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms

אִשְׁתֶּ/ךָ֒ ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs | Suff

וַ/תֹּ֨אכַל֙ ʼâkal H398 to eat Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הָ/עֵ֔ץ ʻêts H6086 tree Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

צִוִּיתִ֨י/ךָ֙ tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

תֹאכַ֖ל ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ min H4480 from Prep | Suff

אֲרוּרָ֤ה ʼârar H779 to curse V-Qal-Inf-c

הָֽ/אֲדָמָה֙ ʼădâmâh H127 land Art | N-fs

בַּֽ/עֲבוּרֶ֔/ךָ ʻâbûwr H5668 for the sake of Prep | N-ms | Suff

בְּ/עִצָּבוֹן֙ ʻitstsâbôwn H6093 toil Prep | N-ms

תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֔/נָּה ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 all N-ms

יְמֵ֥י yôwm H3117 day N-mp

חַיֶּֽי/ךָ chay H2416 alive N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 3:17

וּ/לְ/אָדָ֣ם ʼÂdâm H121 "Adam" Conj | Prep | N-proper

Adam was the first man created by God, and the name also refers to a city in the Jordan valley, with the meaning red.

Definition: Adam = "red" city in Jordan valley

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Adam. See also: Genesis 3:17; Genesis 5:5; Hosea 6:7.

אָמַ֗ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

שָׁמַעְתָּ֮ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

לְ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)

Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.

אִשְׁתֶּ/ךָ֒ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

וַ/תֹּ֨אכַל֙ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)

Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הָ/עֵ֔ץ ʻêts H6086 "tree" Art | N-ms

This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.

Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax

Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צִוִּיתִ֨י/ךָ֙ tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

תֹאכַ֖ל ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

מִמֶּ֑/נּוּ min H4480 "from" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

אֲרוּרָ֤ה ʼârar H779 "to curse" V-Qal-Inf-c

To curse someone or something, like God cursing the serpent in Genesis 3. It means to execrate or wish harm upon someone, often used in the context of punishment or judgment. This word appears in various biblical accounts.

Definition: 1) to curse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to curse 1a2) cursed be he (participle used as in curses) 1b) (Niphal) to be cursed, cursed 1c)(Piel) to curse, lay under a curse, put a curse on 1d) (Hophal) to be made a curse, be cursed

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bitterly curse. See also: Genesis 3:14; Deuteronomy 27:23; Psalms 119:21.

הָֽ/אֲדָמָה֙ ʼădâmâh H127 "land" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.

Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali

Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.

בַּֽ/עֲבוּרֶ֔/ךָ ʻâbûwr H5668 "for the sake of" Prep | N-ms | Suff

This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.

Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that

Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.

בְּ/עִצָּבוֹן֙ ʻitstsâbôwn H6093 "toil" Prep | N-ms

This word describes hard work or pain, like the toil of the Israelites in Egypt, as told in Exodus 1:14. It can also mean sorrow or hardship.

Definition: pain, labour, hardship, sorrow, toil

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: sorrow, toil. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 3:17; Genesis 5:29.

תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֔/נָּה ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff

This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.

כֹּ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יְמֵ֥י yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

חַיֶּֽי/ךָ chay H2416 "alive" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.

Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.

Study Notes — Genesis 3:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 3:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:17
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 3:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 3:17
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:17
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:17
Sermons on Genesis 3:17

Context — The Punishment of Mankind

15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. ” 16To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

17And to Adam He said: “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

18Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Romans 8:20–22	For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.
2	Genesis 5:29	And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.”
3	Isaiah 24:5–6	The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore a curse has consumed the earth, and its inhabitants must bear the guilt; the earth’s dwellers have been burned, and only a few survive.
4	Ecclesiastes 2:22–23	For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Indeed, all his days are filled with grief, and his task is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile.
5	John 16:33	I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”
6	Job 14:1	“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble.
7	Jeremiah 7:23–24	but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you. Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.
8	Ecclesiastes 5:17	Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
9	Psalms 127:2	In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.
10	Job 5:6–7	For distress does not spring from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground. Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.

Genesis 3:17 Summary

[This verse means that because Adam disobeyed God, the ground would be cursed, and he would have to work hard to grow food, as a reminder of the consequences of sin, as seen in Genesis 3:17, and also in Genesis 2:15-17 where God originally gave Adam the task to care for the garden. It also means that this struggle would last for the rest of Adam's life, and would be a part of the human experience, as described in Psalm 90:3-12 and Ecclesiastes 2:18-23. But even in the midst of struggle, we can find hope in God's promise to redeem and restore creation, as seen in Romans 8:20-22 and Revelation 21:1-5.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God curse the ground because of Adam's sin?

God cursed the ground because of Adam's sin as a consequence of disobedience, as seen in Genesis 3:17, and also as a reminder of the fallen state of creation, which is further explained in Romans 8:20-22.

What does it mean to 'eat of the ground through toil'?

To 'eat of the ground through toil' means that Adam, and by extension all humanity, would have to work hard to produce food from the ground, which is a result of the curse, as mentioned in Genesis 3:17-19, and is also echoed in Ecclesiastes 2:18-23.

How does this verse relate to the concept of original sin?

This verse relates to the concept of original sin because it shows how Adam's disobedience had far-reaching consequences, not just for himself, but for all humanity, as seen in Genesis 3:17, and further explained in Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22.

What is the significance of the phrase 'all the days of your life'?

The phrase 'all the days of your life' emphasizes that the consequences of Adam's sin, and the resulting curse, would be a lifelong struggle, as seen in Genesis 3:17, and is a reminder of the human condition, as described in Psalm 90:3-12.

Reflection Questions

How do I respond to the struggles and hardships in my life, and do I trust that God is working through them to refine me?
In what ways do I see the effects of the curse in my own life, and how can I find hope and redemption in Christ?
What are some ways I can 'eat of the ground through toil' in my own life, and how can I find joy and purpose in my work?
How does the concept of original sin affect my understanding of myself and my place in the world, and what does it mean for my relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:17

And unto Adam he said,.... Last of all, being the last that sinned, but not to be excused: because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife; which was not only mean but sinful, since it was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:17

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:17

Hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, i.e. obeyed the word and counsel, contrary to my express command. Cursed is the ground, which shall now yield both fewer and worse fruits, and those too with more trouble of men’ s minds, and labour of their bodies; for thy sake, i.e. because of thy sin; or, to thy use; or, as far as concerns thee. In sorrow; or, with toil, or, grief.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:17

Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed [is] the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat [of] it all the days of thy life;Ver. 17. Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife.] Our English historian, relating the deadly difference that fell out beteen those two noble Seymours (the Lord Protector, and the Admiral his brother) in Edward VI’ s time, through the instigation of their ambitious wives, passionately cries out, "O wives! The most sweet poison, the most desired evil in the world," &c. "Woman was first given to man for a comforter," saith he, "not for a counsellor, much less a controller and director." And therefore in the first sentence against man, this cause is expressed, "Because thou hast obeyed the voice of thy wife," &c. Cursed is the ground for thy sake.] Hence the Greeks and Latins borrow their words for ground of the Hebrew word that signifieth cursed. The curse of emptiness and unsatisfyingness lies upon it, that no man hath enough, though never so much of it. The curse also of barrenness, or unprofitable fruits, "whose end is to be burned." The whole earth and the works therein shall be burnt up. It was never beautiful, nor cheerful, since Adam’ s fall. At this day it lies bedridden, waiting for the coming of the Son of God, that it may be delivered from the bondage of corruption Sir John Heywood in the Life of King Edward VI., p. 84. ’Aρουρα et Arvum ab Heb. ΰψψΰψυ

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 3:17

(17, 18) Unto Adam (without the article, and therefore a proper name) he said.—Lange thoughtfully remarks that while the woman was punished by the entrance of sorrow into the small subjective world of her womanly calling, man is punished by the derangement of the great objective world over which he was to have dominion. Instead of protecting his wife and shielding her from evil, he had passively followed her lead in disobeying God’s command; and therefore “the ground,” the adâmâh out of which Adam had been formed, instead of being as heretofore his friend and willing subject, becomes unfruitful, and must be forced by toil and labour to yield its produce. Left to itself, it will no longer bring forth choice trees laden with generous fruit, such as Adam found in the garden, but the natural tendency will be to degenerate, till “thorns” only “and thistles” usurp the ground. Even after his struggle with untoward nature man wins for himself no paradisiacal banquet, but must “eat the herb of the field” (Job 30:4); and the end of this weary struggle is decay and death. In the renewed earth the golden age of paradise will return, and the tendency of nature will no longer be to decay and degeneration, but to the substitution unceasingly of the nobler and the more beautiful in the place of that which was worthless and mean (Isaiah 55:13).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 3:17

Verse 17. Unto Adam he said] The man being the last in the transgression is brought up last to receive his sentence: Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife - "thou wast not deceived, she only gave and counselled thee to eat; this thou shouldst have resisted;" and that he did not is the reason of his condemnation. Cursed is the ground for thy sake - from henceforth its fertility shall be greatly impaired; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it - be in continual perplexity concerning the seed time and the harvest, the cold and the heat, the wet and the dry. How often are all the fruits of man's toll destroyed by blasting, by mildew, by insects, wet weather, land floods, &c.! Anxiety and carefulness are the labouring man's portion.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:17

17. cursed is the ground] The man is addressed as one who in the future is to be dependent upon the soil for the means of subsistence. Not man, but the ground for man’s sake, is accursed. Its fruitfulness is withheld, in order that man may realize the penalties of sin through the pains of laborious toil. The sentence, which, reverses the blessing of Gen 2:15, befalls the whole earth. in toil] R.V. marg. “sorrow.” But see note on Genesis 3:16.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:17

17. Unto Adam he said — The examination began with Adam, (Genesis 3:9,) and the offence was traced to the serpent, (Genesis 3:13;) the condemnation was pronounced first upon the serpent (Genesis 3:14) and last upon the man.

Sermons on Genesis 3:17

	Sermon	Description
	(John - Part 1): God Has Put Everlasting Into Our Souls by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the clarity and depth of the language used in the fourth gospel, specifically the book of John. He emphasizes that while the language is clea
	Help Wanted: A Gardener by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of four gardens to explain the history of sin and redemption. The first garden mentioned is the Garden of Eden, where sin entered the
	The Voice of God's Love by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revelation and how it relates to our understanding of the human condition. He acknowledges that we already know that the creati
	Adam and Eve and the Fall - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the recurring truths found throughout the Bible, Christian theology, hymnology, and sermons. These truths are compared to primary colors in
	Effects of Fall - Problems Arising From the Fall Part 1 by John Murray	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of warfare and vileness in the world, which he believes is a reflection of the fallen nature of humanity. He emphasizes the im
	Addressing the Spirit of Poverty - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the yearning in a person's heart for a place where everything is alright, like the Jubilee mentioned in the Bible. He shares a story of a you
	Mormonism: A Creed From Hell by Stephen Hamilton	In this sermon, the speaker begins by thanking God for being our Father and for reversing the effects of the fall through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that sin is evil and should ne