Genesis 2:9 - Divine wisdom's tempting duality?

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיַּצְמַח יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים מִן־הָאֲדָמָה כָּל־עֵץ נֶחְמָד לְמַרְאֶה וְטוֹב לְמַאֲכָל וְעֵץ הַחַיִּים בְּתוֹךְ הַגָּן וְעֵץ הַדַּעַת טוֹב וָרָע׃

English Translation

And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant 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.

Transliteration

Va'yatzmach Adonai Elohim min-ha'adama kol-etz nechmad lemar'eh vetov lema'achal ve'etz hachayim betoch hagan ve'etz hada'at tov vara.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּצְמַ֞ח יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ מִן־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה כׇּל־עֵ֛ץ נֶחְמָ֥ד לְמַרְאֶ֖ה וְט֣וֹב לְמַאֲכָ֑ל וְעֵ֤ץ הַֽחַיִּים֙ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַגָּ֔ן וְעֵ֕ץ הַדַּ֖עַת ט֥וֹב וָרָֽע׃

Parasha Commentary

The Trees in Gan Eden

The verse describes how Hashem caused various trees to grow from the ground in Gan Eden. Rashi (Bereshit 2:9) explains that these trees were not merely functional but were aesthetically pleasing ("נֶחְמָד לְמַרְאֶה") to enhance the enjoyment of Gan Eden. This teaches that Hashem created beauty in the world for human benefit and appreciation.

The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge

The verse mentions two special trees: the עֵץ הַחַיִּים (Tree of Life) and the עֵץ הַדַּעַת טוֹב וָרָע (Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil). Ramban (Bereshit 2:9) suggests that the Tree of Life had the power to grant eternal life, while the Tree of Knowledge represented moral choice. The placement of the Tree of Life "בְּתוֹךְ הַגָּן" (in the midst of the garden) indicates its central importance.

Tree of Life: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 15:6) associates this tree with Torah, as Mishlei (3:18) states, "עֵץ חַיִּים הִיא לַמַּחֲזִיקִים בָּהּ" – "It is a tree of life to those who grasp it."
Tree of Knowledge: The Sforno explains that this tree symbolized human free will—the ability to choose between good and evil, which distinguishes mankind from angels.

Spiritual and Physical Sustenance

The phrase "טוֹב לְמַאֲכָל" (good for food) indicates that the trees provided physical nourishment, while the presence of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge provided spiritual and moral dimensions. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 2:9) notes that this duality reflects the balance between physical and spiritual needs in human existence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Tree of Life in Genesis 2:9?
A: The Tree of Life (עֵץ הַחַיִּים) is a special tree in the Garden of Eden that symbolizes eternal life and closeness to Hashem. According to Rashi, it represents the Torah, which is called a 'Tree of Life' (Proverbs 3:18) because it sustains those who study and follow it.

Q: What does the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represent?
A: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (עֵץ הַדַּעַת טוֹב וָרָע) represents human free will and moral choice. The Rambam explains that this tree symbolizes the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, which is a fundamental aspect of human responsibility in serving Hashem.

Q: Why did Hashem create trees that were 'pleasant to the sight' in the Garden of Eden?
A: Hashem created beautiful trees to show His kindness and desire for human enjoyment. The Midrash teaches that Hashem wanted Adam to appreciate the beauty of creation, which would inspire gratitude and recognition of the Creator. The trees being 'good for food' also reflects Hashem's provision for physical needs.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 2:9 today?
A: This verse teaches us that Hashem provides both physical and spiritual sustenance. Just as the trees were pleasing and nourishing, we must recognize Hashem's blessings in our lives—both material (like food) and spiritual (like Torah). The presence of the two special trees reminds us to choose wisely between good and evil in our daily decisions.

Q: Where was the Tree of Life located in the Garden of Eden?
A: The verse states that the Tree of Life was 'in the midst of the garden' (בְּתוֹךְ הַגָּן). Rashi explains that its central location symbolizes its importance—just as the Torah is central to Jewish life. The Talmud (Berachot 32b) also discusses its significance in relation to Divine wisdom and eternal reward.