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Genesis 2:16-17 Why was tree of knowledge forbidden? - My take

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.’”

I saw a video where a student posed a qestion to a Christian scholar: "Why would you worship a God who forbade humanity from eating from the tree of knowledge—especially when you yourself are clearly knowledgeable? Wouldn’t that mean God wanted people to remain ignorant?"

Here’s my take, without knowing how the scholar responded.


Was Adam Created Dumb?

Absolutely not! Adam was created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). That alone tells us that he was given intelligence, reasoning, and creativity. Here’s why we know he wasn’t lacking in knowledge:

1. Adam Named All the Animals – In Genesis 2:19-20, Adam was given the task of naming every living creature. This was not a mindless act but one that required observation, understanding, and creativity.

2. Adam Had Dominion Over Creation – God gave Adam authority over all creatures (Genesis 1:28). Ruling over creation requires wisdom, decision-making, and leadership, none of which are traits of an ignorant being.

3. Adam Worked in the Garden – Genesis 2:15 says Adam was placed in Eden “to till it and keep it.” This implies knowledge of cultivation, stewardship, and care for the earth.

So, the idea that knowledge came from only eating from the forbidden tree does not align with the biblical narrative.


Why Was Eating from the Tree Forbidden?

The answer lies in the nature of free will.

God did not create humanity as mindless beings but as persons capable of love and choice.

True obedience can only exist where disobedience is possible. If Adam had no opportunity to choose, he wouldn’t have had free will at all. 

The tree was there to provide a single test of trust and obedience. It was an invitation to trust God rather than looking for something beside Him for wisdom.

The name “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” does not mean the fruit itself granted wisdom. Rather, true knowledge of good was found in God alone, while knowledge of consequences of evil came through the experience of disobedience. 

By eating from the tree, Adam and Eve did not gain more wisdom; instead, they were introduced to shame, fear, and separation from God (Genesis 3:7-10). Their choice was an act of rebellion; a rejection of God's wisdom in favor of self-reliance.

This is similar to a toddler who is warned not to touch a hot pot. If the child obeys, they remain safe. However, if they disobey, they come to know what a burn feels like; not through wisdom, but through painful consequences.


God’s command was never about withholding knowledge but about preserving humanity’s relationship with Him who is the true source of all wisdom. As it says in Proverbs 9:10“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

May we hold on to this truth in our daily lives, especially when we are tempted to seek answers apart from God.

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