Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Genesis

[Taiwanese]

Did God plan for Adam and Eve to live childless for eternity?

[jimwalton]

No, the evidence to the contrary is consistent:

- Genesis 1.28: "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth." The plan was that they would be abundantly fruitful. "Be fruitful" isn't a command, but a blessing. It doesn't have anything to do with what humans must to do to please God, but rather with God's plan that Adam and Eve be blessed with many descendants.
- Genesis 4.1. When Eve became pregnant and gave birth, she (rightly) praised God for it as part of his plan and help.
- Genesis 4.25. When Eve gave birth to Seth, she praised God and expressed that it was God gift to her.

We read in Genesis 5.4 that Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters. There is no indication that God was displeased or that this was not part of His plan.

[Taiwanese]

I have always thought the ‘forbidden fruit’ referred to sex. So that interpretation is completely wrong?

[jimwalton]

Yes, that interpretation (the forbidden fruit refers to sex) is completely wrong. The fruit (of the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil) is the ability to decide. The ancients' worldview centered around order and wisdom. The gods were believed to be the center of both. "Knowledge of good and evil" in the ancient world is a legal idiom for the ability to formulate and articulate a judicial decision (Gn. 24.50; 31.24, 29; Dt. 1.39; 1 Ki. 3.9; 22.18). In 2 Sam. 14.17 the phrase means to listen to a case with discernment so as to make a good judgment. In 2 Sam. 19.35; 1 Ki. 3.9; Isa. 7.15-16 it refers to the human capability to be discriminating. Knowing good and evil is a characteristic of God (3.22), but not of children (Dt. 1.39; Isa. 7.15-16), the infirm elderly (2 Sam. 19.35), or the inexperienced (1 Ki. 3.9). By this we know that Adam & Eve weren't ignorant or that God wasn't expecting anything of them of which they weren't capable.

Word studies suggest that this tree is associated with mature wisdom (Gn. 3.6; 1 Kings 3.9). What is forbidden to humans is the ability to decide for themselves what is in their best interests and what is not. These were things they needed to look to God for. God is not trying to keep anything from them. They are capable of making the right choice, God guides them in the right choice and warns them of the consequences of the wrong choice (making themselves the center of order and wisdom, and rejecting God).

So the forbidden fruit has nothing to do with sex. Nothing at all.

[Taiwanese]

interesting, thanks!