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

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: “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: 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: 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?