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Book of Genesis - Chapter 3 - Verse 23

3:23
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

Meaning

After Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, God sent them away from the paradise they had known. The act of expelling them from Eden symbolizes the consequence of their disobedience and the severing of their close relationship with God. By sending Adam out of the garden to till the ground, God imposed upon him the harsh reality of having to toil and labor for his sustenance. This expulsion serves as a punishment and a reminder of the consequences of sin. The act of tilling the ground also signifies the beginning of human industry and agriculture, as this would now be how Adam and his descendants would provide for themselves. Ultimately, this verse highlights the concept of cause and effect, as well as the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience in the eyes of God.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse 'Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken,' is that it represents the consequences of disobedience and sin. Adam and Eve's expulsion from the garden symbolizes their separation from God and loss of the idyllic life they had enjoyed. The act of tilling the ground can be seen as a punishment for their sin, as it represents the toil and hardship that humanity will now face as a result of their actions. This verse highlights the concept of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption and restoration through God's grace. In addition, a word study of "till" in the original Hebrew can reveal deeper meanings, such as cultivating, serving, or working the land, emphasizing the idea of humans being stewards of creation.

American Standard Version

therefore Jehovah God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
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