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Book of Genesis - Chapter 2 - Verse 16

2:16
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Genesis, the LORD God is giving Adam permission to freely eat from any tree in the garden, except for one. This verse sets the stage for the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where they are placed in a paradise with abundant resources provided by God. The act of allowing Adam to freely eat from the garden signifies God's generosity and provision for his creation. It also highlights the importance of God granting humanity the freedom to choose and make decisions for themselves within the boundaries set by Him. By giving Adam this command, God establishes a loving relationship with humanity based on trust and obedience. This verse serves as a foundational principle in understanding the dynamics of the relationship between God and humanity, as well as the concept of free will and responsibility.

Theological Overview

Within this verse from Genesis 2:16, the phrase "thou mayest freely eat" has been the subject of theological interpretation and word studies by scholars and theologians. The phrase emphasizes God's generosity and abundance towards mankind. It signifies that God has graciously provided an abundance of food for Adam in the Garden of Eden. The word "freely" in this context conveys the idea of being allowed to eat without restriction or limitation. It demonstrates God's benevolent nature and his desire for humanity to enjoy the good things he has provided. The word "eat" in this context carries the connotation of sustenance and nourishment, suggesting that God desires to provide for our physical needs. Overall, this verse reflects God's loving and caring nature towards humanity, showcasing his desire for us to live in abundance and harmony within his creation.

American Standard Version

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