As a pastor and theologian, I often encounter people engaging in debates around the tree from which Adam and Eve ate. A rich history is documented in the Bible pertaining to the intrigues of the forbidden fruit. That is why I felt the need to share my insights and understanding with you regarding the questions ‘What tree did Adam and Eve eat from’ and ‘What fruit did Adam and Eve eat’?
The Bible mentions that Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This is found in the Old Testament Book of Genesis 2:15-17 where God created this tree at the heart of the Garden of Eden and forbade Adam against eating from it. According to Genesis 3:1-6, Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit due to falling for the serpent’s deception.
In this article, by exploring the scriptures, I aim to shed light on the tree whose fruit Adam and Eve ate from and much more. Without further ado, get on board with me as we delve into this fascinating subject.
What are the two trees in Genesis?
The two trees in Genesis are found in Genesis 2:9, which illustrates that God created two trees in the heart of the Garden of Eden. These are The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and The Tree of Life.
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
According to Genesis 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:2-3, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil refers to a tree that had the consequence of death. God instructed Adam to eat the fruit of any tree in the Garden of Eden apart from the fruit from the tree that provides knowledge of what is good or evil because it would result in death. Additionally, Eve addressed the serpent that God commanded them neither to eat nor touch the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil; otherwise, they would face death.
The Tree of Life
According to Genesis 3:22, the Tree of Life refers to a tree that would enable humanity to live forever. In addition, Genesis 3:24 asserts that God placed cherubim which refers to celestial creatures, in the East of the Garden of Eden, and a flaming sword revolving in every direction of the garden to deter humanity from gaining access to the Tree of Life to live for eternity.
What is the name of the tree that Adam and Eve eat?
The name of the tree that Adam and Eve ate was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. According to Genesis 3:4-6, the serpent deceived Eve that if she ate the forbidden fruit, she would not face death, but instead, she would become enlightened and akin to God in the knowledge of good and evil. When Eve saw that the fruit appeared to be good for consumption in that it was edible, it was pleasant to the sight, meaning it was alluring, and it could make one wise, she consumed it and gave it to Adam, who equally partook of it.
Was the forbidden fruit in the Bible a real fruit?
The forbidden fruit in the Bible was a real fruit. This is because it is portrayed as an actual fruit growing on a real tree. According to Genesis 2:8-9, God planted the Garden of Eden and created every beautiful tree that produces fruit. The forbidden fruit was also among the trees and was spatially located at the center of the garden.
Was the ‘forbidden fruit’ in the Garden of Eden really an apple?
Numerous illustrations of an apple being portrayed as the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. The representation of the forbidden fruit with an apple may be due to the resemblance of the two terms in the Bible’s Latin translation. The term ‘mali’ refers to evil in accordance with the tree’s name, whereas the term ‘mala’ refers to an apple in Latin. This resemblance may have resulted in the apple being used to depict the forbidden fruit. Since numerous varieties of fruits grow on trees, there is no precise way of identifying what fruit it was, although the forbidden fruit was not necessarily an apple.
What is the forbidden fruit a metaphor for?
The forbidden fruit was a metaphor for free will and obedience. God established free will for humanity so that man can freely obey God’s command. God gave man freedom and did not want to subject them to coercion. Adam and Eve had free will but disobeyed God because the serpent tricked and influenced them to deem that God was holding back something valuable from them. They thought eating the forbidden fruit was ideal for gaining wisdom, and they would acquire something that other trees could not provide. They consumed it because it promised them what they wanted to experience, which was the knowledge of good and evil.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
