What is the definition of Genesis 2:16?

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 2:16. It's a really important and often debated passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms:
The Basic Idea:
God is telling Adam (the first man) that he can freely pick any fruit from the garden He created.
Let’s unpack it piece by piece:
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“The LORD God commanded…”
: This tells us this isn't a random statement; it’s something God directly said and instructed. 💎
“…saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:”
This is the core of the verse. “The garden” refers to the paradise in the beginning – before humanity was created. “Thou mayest” means "you may." So, God is giving Adam permission to 💎choose💎 to eat from each fruit in the garden.
What’s the Big Question?
This verse raises a fundamental question about free will and our relationship with God:
Does God give us absolute freedom to choose our own path, or does He have some control over what we do?

Different Interpretations & What it Means for Us:
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God's Sovereignty:
Many Christians believe this verse demonstrates God’s ultimate sovereignty – that He is in complete control of everything. He created the garden and set the rules, and He allows Adam to choose freely. 💎
Human Responsibility:
Others interpret it as a challenge to our free will. We are given the ability to make choices, but we are ultimately responsible for those choices. God didn't 💎force💎 us to eat from the fruit; He gave us the option.
It’s a complex verse!
There have been many different theological discussions about its meaning throughout history. ---
Resources if you want to learn more:
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Bible Gateway:
[https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1038-genesis-2](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/1038-genesis-2) - This is a good starting point for understanding the context and different interpretations. 💎
GotQuestions.org:
[https://www.gotquestions.org/Genesis-2-16.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Genesis-2-16.html) - A helpful resource with explanations from various perspectives. ---
Do you want me to:
💎 Explain any of these points in more detail? 💎 Discuss the historical context of this verse (when and why was it written)? 💎 Talk about different theological viewpoints on this passage?