Would Adam and Eve have lived forever if they never ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil?

[Curtis]

What are some of the things the Bible says about the Tree of Life and what it is?

 

[Hekuran]

@Curtis The Bible Project has a video and other resources tracking the theme of the Tree of Life through the whole Bible. It features more prominently than I had first thought

And an article, covering much of the same material, for those of us who prefer written words to video. There's also hours of discussion of the theme in podcast format if you have the time

Tree of Life: Lost but Not Forgotten​

When you think about the tree of life, what are some of the things that come to mind? Even if you’re not a Bible scholar, you’ll likely make connections like the garden of Eden or everlasting life. Indeed, these represent key associations in the account of humanity’s creation and failure found in the first pages of the Bible. But have you ever wondered what the meaning of the tree is and what happened to it after all was sadly lost in the garden?

It may come as a surprise to many that the tree of life reappears elsewhere in the Bible––lots of places actually. Let’s take a look in order to discover the meaning of this biblical theme and its implications for our lives today.

The Tree of Life Planted​

We are introduced to the tree of life in Genesis 2, where it is described as bearing beautiful, delicious fruit and standing prominently at the center of the garden of Eden.

Out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. ── Genesis 2:9 God then invites the humans to eat the tree’s fruit (Genesis 2:16), and the text later states that eating from the tree will lead to everlasting life (Genesis 3:22-24). However, eternal life was not the tree’s only function.

At the heart of the garden, where it couldn't be missed, the tree of life served as an object lesson of sorts. It displayed the proper flow of life. God, the source of life, imparted some of his own life to sustain humans. In turn, they were to give life to others and creation (Genesis 1:28). In this way, the tree was a reminder of humanity’s dependence on God and their responsibility to steward the life they received. But what about the other tree in the garden?

The Tree of Life Lost​

Like the tree of life, the tree of the knowledge of good (Heb tov) and bad (Heb. ra’) also stood at the center of the garden and produced enticing fruit (Genesis 2:9). But unlike the tree of life, God prohibited the humans from taking and eating its fruit. Why?

Up until this point, God had been deciding what was good (Heb tov) and bad (Heb. ra’). For example, he declared his creation to be good (Genesis 1:10
Genesis 1:10; 1:12; 1:18; etc.) and Adam without Eve to be not good, that is, bad (Genesis 2:18). Will humans continue to live with God allowing him to define and teach them what is good and bad, or will they take the fruit and the power to define good and bad for themselves outside of God’s wisdom?

Unfortunately, humans ignore God’s wisdom and take the fruit, finding themselves amidst some catastrophic consequences (Genesis 3). Among the most painful of them, the first humans had to leave the garden, and the way back to the tree of life was barred (Genesis 3:22-24)

Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— 23therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken. 24So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life.


Without access to the life-giving fruit, death was inevitable. So what happened to the tree of life? Was it destroyed? We are not told, but what we do know is that it lived on as a symbol of abundant life in the Hebrew Scriptures.

The Tree of Life Remembered​

Israel’s teachers of wisdom used the tree of life to create colorful metaphors, for example:

She [wisdom] is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. ── Proverbs 3:18

In cases like this, the tree language serves as a hyperlink back to God’s ideal for humanity in Genesis 2. The biblical writers invite us to recall the tree’s association with abundance to make the connection between living wisely and enjoying a full life (Proverbs 3:18) or the life-giving effects on others Proverbs 13:12


Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.



The tree of life also reappears as a symbol in Israel's worship—first with the tabernacle and later with the temple in Jerusalem. The symbolism incorporated into the design of these sacred spaces portrays them as miniature gardens of Edens. Adorning both of these gardens was a golden lampstand, which took the form of a stylized tree. Coincidence? We think not. This garden and tree imagery once again hyperlinks to Genesis 2 and is intended to encourage Israel to remember their special part in God's plan to restore creation.

Like Adam and Eve, the nation of Israel was faced with a choice: Would they heed these reminders, obey God’s commands, and channel life to the nations around them Genesis 12:2-3


And I will make you a great nation,
And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.


or would they look to other gods and seek to define good and bad for themselves?

Sadly, Israel disregarded God’s commands. They traded long and abundant life in a good land for hardship, shame, and death in exile. Fortunately, this was not the last word. From the stump of a fallen Israel would arise a shoot—the promised Messiah (Isaiah 6:13). He would do what the nation of Israel could not.

The Tree of Life Replanted​

When Jesus—the Messiah—came, he demonstrated an unswerving reliance on God and perfect obedience to him. That is to say, he did what the first humans failed to do in choosing to eat from the other tree in the garden and define good and evil for themselves.

Jesus’ reliance and obedience also accomplished what God’s chosen people couldn’t do—channel abundant life to the nations. The cross is actually referred to as a tree in the New Testament (Acts 10:38-40; Galatians 3:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25)!

It is through his death and resurrection that Jesus himself becomes the source of life for those who choose to follow him. The tree of life reappears in the final chapters of the Bible (Revelation 2:7), but not merely as a figure of speech. The tree of life is a physical feature at the center of God’s restored creation.

This new tree is described as prominently sitting upon a river emanating directly from the throne of God and the Lamb. It will produce “twelve kinds of fruit,” yield “its fruit each month,” and bear leaves “for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:1-2). These details demonstrate its vitality, abundance, and healing properties. The “healing of the nations” is a curious feature of this tree, likely indicating that the leaves, and presumably the tree itself, will serve as a reminder of how the nations have been healed. But how? The work of Jesus—the ultimate source of life—has healed their natural bent to disobey God and reconciled them to the Creator.

The new tree of life (and the rivers flowing from the throne of God) certainly mirrors the original tree in the garden of Eden, providing hope of sustained life with Yahweh. In this way, the tree both recalls the garden story and also provides an expectation of future hope.

The Tree of Life Pondered​

We have only scratched the surface here, but even this sketch of the contours affirms the importance of the tree for God's people—past, present, and future. So what can we learn from the tree of life?

On one level, following the theme from Genesis to Revelation demonstrates that the tree of life has never been forgotten. In fact, it will continue to serve as a symbol of abundant life forever.

On another level, tracing the tree through the Bible provides us with the opportunity to reflect on God's unfolding plan to restore his creation and our place in it. It's striking how the tree of life—as an iconic part of the broader theme of creation—stands at the very beginning of the Bible (Genesis 2-3) and at the very end (Revelation 22) as part of the original creation and the coming new creation.

These “bookends” not only nicely frame the entire biblical story, but they also highlight the completion of God's redemptive plan.

For us, the new tree of life serves as a reminder that God's purposes will not be thwarted. The tree that was lost will be replanted; the creation that was lost will be restored. Therefore, we can look to the future with great confidence and hope.

The Tree of Life: Lost but Not Forgotten

When you think about the tree of life, what are some of the things that come to mind? It may come as a surprise to many that the tree of life reappears elsewhere in the Bible. Read our blog to discover the Tree of Life meaning as a Biblical theme.

bibleproject.com

 

[Brad Huber]

The Tree of life is not gone. If God wanted to destroy it, he could have at that time, instead he sent a guardian angel with the abilities to defend it and even hide it from the eyes of man. I think I may have seen it in a vision from God once.

 

[B-A-C]

The Tree of life is not gone. If God wanted to destroy it, he could have at that time, instead he sent a guardian angel with the abilities to defend it and even hide it from the eyes of man. I think I may have seen it in a vision from God once.

It seems there may be multiple trees of life in the New Jerusalem.

Ezek 47:1; Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, for the house faced east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar.
Ezek 47:2; He brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate by way of the gate that faces east. And behold, water was trickling from the south side.
Ezek 47:3; When the man went out toward the east with a line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he led me through the water, water reaching the ankles.
Ezek 47:4; Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the knees. Again he measured a thousand and led me through the water, water reaching the loins.
Ezek 47:5; Again he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not ford, for the water had risen, enough water to swim in, a river that could not be forded.
Ezek 47:6; He said to me, "Son of man, have you seen this?" Then he brought me back to the bank of the river.
Ezek 47:7; Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other.
Ezek 47:8; Then he said to me, "These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh.
Ezek 47:9; "It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes.
Ezek 47:10; "And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to Eneglaim there will be a place for the spreading of nets. Their fish will be according to their kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, very many.
Ezek 47:11; "But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt.
Ezek 47:12; "By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing."

Rev 22:1; Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Rev 22:2; in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rev 22:3; There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;

Rev 2:7; 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.'
Rev 22:14; Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.

I do not know if this is the original tree(s) of life, or if they are new ones.
But Rev 22:2; seems to say there are at least 2. Ezek 47:12; seems to say the same thing.

 

[B-A-C]

Gen 2:9; Out of the ground the LORD God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Gen 2:17; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die."
Gen 3:22; Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever"—

Genesis 2 and 3 are the only place the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is mentioned. I don't see any reason to think it will exist in the future.

 

[Curtis]

Jesus said he was the vine and we are the branches. The fruit grows on the branches and we can be partakers of the fruit of our own lips, and other people can also partake of the fruit of our own lips.

Wisdom is a tree of life to those who have laid hold on her. Jesus is known as the "wisdom" and the power of God. If he (Jesus) lives in us then we have the Tree of Life living on the inside. You will know them by their fruits.

Psa 92:12 Yes! Look how you’ve made all your lovers to flourish like palm trees, each one growing in victory, standing with strength!
Psa 92:13 You’ve transplanted them into your heavenly courtyard, where they are thriving before you.
Psa 92:14 For in your presence they will still overflow and be anointed. Even in their old age they will stay fresh, bearing luscious fruit and abiding faithfully.(TPT)

 

[Brad Huber]

It did more than just heal the body. It somehow made the partaker wiser, it was also known as the tree of wisdom in other texts outside scripture. Not sure if the fruit or the leaves did that, but the river of life (Jesus) gave it nourishment, and we learned from the disciples that being with Jesus means we tend to be influenced in a good way, to make us wiser.

 

[Beetow]

There was a time when I sincerely believed the chemistry of the forbidden fruit
altered their perception of decency until I realized that when Eve tasted the fruit,
nothing happened. She went right on in the buff same as before. It wasn't till Adam
tasted the fruit that she got busy cobbling together a fig-leaf apron to cover her
pelvic area.

Also: it's commonly assumed that the so-called fallen nature is inherited from one's
biological father. But Eve was constructed with material taken from Adam's body
prior to his tasting the fruit so it was too late for him to pass the fallen nature on to
her via reproduction.

Now as far as wisdom goes: had the fruit made Eve wise, she wouldn't have been
stupid enough to get her husband to eat something she knew was wrong for him.
_

 

[Curtis]

The first thing God told Adam before any mention of the trees in the garden was.......

Gen 2:15 And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. (AMP)

Adam's job was to "protect" and, "keep" the garden. The word "keep" means to "guard and to protect"
Adam failed in his job which in turn allowed the serpent into the garden.

 

[complete]

I am asking the question because if eternal life could be gained by not eating from the tree of good and evil then why have a tree of life?

Hello @Curtis,

There was no question of gaining anything, but of losing something. If Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin would have entered into the world and death by sin (Romans 5:12). Adam and Eve would die, and all of their offspring would also die as a consequence of their action.

If Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of life, they would have lived for ever (Genesis 3:22).

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[complete]

The first thing God told Adam before any mention of the trees in the garden was.......

Gen 2:15 And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and guard and keep it. (AMP)

Adam's job was to "protect" and, "keep" the garden. The word "keep" means to "guard and to protect"
Adam failed in his job which in turn allowed the serpent into the garden.

'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; '
(Eze 28:13)

Hello @Curtis,

With respect, it is not written that Adam failed to 'keep' the garden: and it is not written that Satan was not allowed access into the garden, either. The only thing that Adam is called in question for is for disobeying God's known will for him, in eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Curtis]

'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; '
(Eze 28:13)

Hello @Curtis,

With respect, it is not written that Adam failed to 'keep' the garden: and it is not written that Satan was not allowed access into the garden, either. The only thing that Adam is called in question for is for disobeying God's known will for him, in eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

No earthly king of Tyre was ever in Eden, as was this angel, nor does this Eden refer to Adam’s Eden although Lucifer was in it also (Gen 3:1-24; 2Co 11:3). The Eden here was a garden in the earth when he ruled in perfection and sinlessness before he fell (Eze 28:13).

 

[Curtis]

Hello @Curtis,

There was no question of gaining anything, but of losing something. If Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin would have entered into the world and death by sin (Romans 5:12). Adam and Eve would die, and all of their offspring would also die as a consequence of their action.

If Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of life, they would have lived for ever (Genesis 3:22).

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

But, what would have happened if Adam and Eve did NOT eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and if they did Not eat of the tree of life?
How long would they have lived?

 

[complete]

But, what would have happened if Adam and Eve did NOT eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and if they did Not eat of the tree of life?
How long would they have lived?

Hi Curtis,

I don't know.

 

[complete]

No earthly king of Tyre was ever in Eden, as was this angel, nor does this Eden refer to Adam’s Eden although Lucifer was in it also (Gen 3:1-24; 2Co 11:3). The Eden here was a garden in the earth when he ruled in perfection and sinlessness before he fell (Eze 28:13).

'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;
every precious stone was thy covering,
the sardius, topaz, and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper,
the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:
the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes
was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.'
(Eze 28:13)

Hello there,

Would you please explain what you mean when you say, ' ... nor does this Eden refer to Adam's Eden ...' (Ezekiel 28:13), You refer to Genesis 3:1-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:3 in relation to this, which both refer to the garden of Eden and the beguiling of Eve by the serpent, which took place on the earth.

Are you saying that, 'the garden of God', referred to as 'Eden' in Ezekiel 28:13 was not the Eden which was created upon the earth, in which Adam and Eve were placed to till and to keep? If so, will you please provide me with Scriptural evidence, so that I can confirm it.

Thank you in anticipation
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[lentz]

'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;
every precious stone was thy covering,
the sardius, topaz, and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper,
the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:
the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes
was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.'
(Eze 28:13)

Hello there,

Would you please explain what you mean when you say, ' ... nor does this Eden refer to Adam's Eden ...' (Ezekiel 28:13), You refer to Genesis 3:1-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:3 in relation to this, which both refer to the garden of Eden and the beguiling of Eve by the serpent, which took place on the earth.

Are you saying that, 'the garden of God', referred to as 'Eden' in Ezekiel 28:13 was not the Eden which was created upon the earth, in which Adam and Eve were placed to till and to keep? If so, will you please provide me with Scriptural evidence, so that I can confirm it.

Thank you in anticipation
In Christ Jesus
Chris

All speculation when it comes to Luci and that Eden. Scripture never comes right out and says he is Satan. Just a king.
But would Adam had lived forever? I dont think so. Man had to fall. If not him,me

 

[Curtis]

'Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God;
every precious stone was thy covering,
the sardius, topaz, and the diamond,
the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper,
the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold:
the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes
was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.'
(Eze 28:13)

Hello there,

Would you please explain what you mean when you say, ' ... nor does this Eden refer to Adam's Eden ...' (Ezekiel 28:13), You refer to Genesis 3:1-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:3 in relation to this, which both refer to the garden of Eden and the beguiling of Eve by the serpent, which took place on the earth.

Are you saying that, 'the garden of God', referred to as 'Eden' in Ezekiel 28:13 was not the Eden which was created upon the earth, in which Adam and Eve were placed to till and to keep? If so, will you please provide me with Scriptural evidence, so that I can confirm it.

Thank you in anticipation
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Eze 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.​

Lucifer was "created" in "Eden the garden of God", not in the "garden of Eden" The Garden of Eden did not even exist at the time Lucifer was created! They are not the same place! Angels were created before the Earth ever came into existence. The book of Job says that the stars and the sons of God (referring to angels) sang, and rejoiced as God began laying the foundations of the earth. Job 38:4-7

Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
Job 38:5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
Job 38:6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

perhaps that Lucifer character was Adam's guardian angel? Not sure if he needed one but everyone (?) repeats that we all have a guardian angel, don't they?
Is it OK to stretch our imaginations, if not?


Bless you all ....><>

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings all,

Brad wrote:

It did more than just heal the body. It somehow made the partaker wiser,

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

is there a connection, do you think?


Bless you ....><>

 

[Brad Huber]

Greetings all,

Brad wrote:

It did more than just heal the body. It somehow made the partaker wiser,

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

is there a connection, do you think?


Bless you ....><>

I find its more unusual that things arent more connected than what we understand.