The Beginning:
God forms the man from the dust and breathes life into him, placing him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and enjoy its abundance. God provides every tree for food but commands that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil must not be eaten. Seeing that the man is alone, God forms the woman as a fitting companion, and they live together unashamed.
The Middle:
A serpent questions God’s command and persuades the woman that eating the forbidden fruit will bring wisdom and godlike knowledge. The woman eats and gives to the man, and he eats as well. Their eyes are opened; they realize their nakedness, sew fig leaves together, and hide when they hear God approaching. God confronts them, and each shifts blame—Adam to the woman, and the woman to the serpent.
The End:
God pronounces judgments: the serpent is cursed, conflict is introduced between the serpent and the woman’s offspring, and the woman and man face pain, toil, and eventual death. God clothes the couple with garments of skin, indicating care even in judgment. To prevent them from eating from the tree of life and living forever in their fallen state, God sends them out of Eden and stations cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.
This account presents humanity as created for life with God—receiving his provision and living under his good command—yet choosing mistrust and disobedience. Sin fractures relationship: with God (fear and hiding), with one another (blame and discord), and with creation (toil and frustration). God’s response holds together justice and mercy: he judges evil and names its consequences, yet he continues to seek the humans, provide covering, and set boundaries that shape the story of redemption that follows.
Genesis reflects ancient Near Eastern “garden-temple” imagery: sacred spaces were often portrayed as well-watered gardens associated with divine presence and life-giving rivers. In this context, Eden functions theologically as a place of God’s provision and presence rather than as a detailed map location, even while the text uses known river names to situate the story in the world familiar to its audience.
“The LORD God commanded the man, ‘You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.’” — Genesis 2:16–17
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did Adam and Eve use to cover themselves after realizing they were naked?
2. Why did God send the couple out of the garden of Eden?