You will surely die!

Today’s verse is controversial because the related verse causes God’s words to be questioned, but when you explore the verses fully, it makes sense.

Genesis 2:17:
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (KJV)

but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainlydie.” (NIV)

So this is just after Man (Adam) is created and God tells him that all the garden belongs to him EXCEPT the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. If he eats of this tree, he will surely die.  Eve, followed by Adam is tricked into eating from the tree by Satan disguised as a serpent in Genesis 3:4. He tells her that she will not surely die, and on the outside it seems as though he was correct.  But ….

….the immediate  result was that God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, and blocked the entrance so they could never return.  They were still very much alive at this point.  They also obviously gave birth to children and raised them, something they couldn’t have done if they were dead.  But …

…. when God had originally installed Adam and Eve into the Garden of Eden, they were immortal and would live forever, along with their offspring.  When they disobeyed God, they lost that immortality, and therefore from that moment on, their death was inevitable.

When God says something, He means it.

[Reference: Paul’s Personal Commentary. ]

—-

Now that you’ve enjoyed this page, why don’t you check out the free resources page? No obligation.

Steps to Christ:

Thousands have become acquainted with Jesus through this little book, Steps to Christ. And it has helped many more, including those who have walked with Him for years, to know Him better. In just thirteen short chapters, you’ll discover the steps to finding a forever friendship with Jesus. You’ll read about His love for you, repentance, faith and acceptance, growing like Him, the privilege of prayer, what to do with doubt, and how to spend your days rejoicing in your best Friend, Jesus.