King James Version

What Does Genesis 2:17 Mean?

Genesis 2:17 in the King James Version says “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 tho...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. thou shalt surely: Heb. dying thou shalt die”

Genesis 2:17 · KJV

Context

15

And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. the man: or, Adam

16

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: thou: Heb. eating thou shalt eat

17

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. thou shalt surely: Heb. dying thou shalt die

18

And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. meet: Heb. as before him

19

And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. Adam: or, the man

Read Genesis 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that tho... This passage continues the detailed account of Eden, human creation, and God's design for human flourishing. Genesis 2 complements chapter 1 by providing intimate details about human origins, the garden setting, marriage institution, and humanity's vocation as priest-kings in God's sanctuary-garden.

The narrative emphasizes God's personal involvement, careful preparation of human habitation, clear communication of covenant requirements, and provision for human needs including work, rest, relationship, and worship. The garden of Eden represents perfect environment where heaven and earth intersect, God dwells with humanity, and everything needed for life and blessing exists.

Key theological themes include human dignity as divine image-bearers, work as divine calling (not curse), marriage as covenant partnership, moral freedom with accountability, and the necessity of obedience for blessing. The detailed geography and placement of Eden in historical space-time (rivers, lands) presents this as real history, not mythology. These foundational truths establish the pattern for understanding humanity's purpose, relationships, and destiny throughout Scripture.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 2 provides a detailed account of human creation and Eden's establishment, using different literary style than chapter 1. Ancient Near Eastern parallels include the Sumerian Paradise myth and the Gilgamesh Epic's plant of life, but Genesis transforms these motifs within strict monotheism. The garden sanctuary with its rivers, trees, and divine presence parallels ancient temple theology where gods dwelt in sacred spaces.

The geographical references (Pishon, Gihon, Hiddekel/Tigris, Euphrates) ground the narrative in historical space-time rather than mythological timelessness. While the exact location of Eden remains debated, the inclusion of identifiable rivers presents this as real geography, not allegory. The Mesopotamian setting connects to humanity's ancient origins in that region, confirmed by archaeology.

Ancient audiences would have recognized marriage's divine institution as countercultural, elevating women beyond their typical status as property. The intimate account of woman's creation from man's side presented revolutionary equality and partnership. The garden-temple imagery established patterns for Israel's tabernacle and temple, where God would again dwell with His people in sacred space requiring holiness and obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּמֵעֵ֗ץ1 of 13

“But of the tree”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַדַּ֙עַת֙2 of 13

“of the knowledge”

H1847

knowledge

ט֣וֹב3 of 13

“of good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וָרָ֔ע4 of 13

“and evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לֹ֥א5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲכָלְךָ֥6 of 13

“that thou eatest”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֑נּוּ7 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

כִּ֗י8 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְּי֛וֹם9 of 13

“of it for in the day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֲכָלְךָ֥10 of 13

“that thou eatest”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

מִמֶּ֖נּוּ11 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

תָּמֽוּת׃12 of 13

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

תָּמֽוּת׃13 of 13

“die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 2:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 6:23James 1:15Genesis 3:191 Corinthians 15:56Revelation 21:81 Corinthians 15:22

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