Old Testament
Genesis 3:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree I commanded you not to eat from, the ground is cursed because of you; in sorrow you will eat from it all the days of your life."
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And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
What Genesis 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God speaks to Adam after he disobeyed by eating from the forbidden tree. God explains that because Adam listened to his wife and chose to eat the fruit, the ground is now cursed. This means that Adam will face hardship and struggle to grow food. His life will be filled with sorrow as he works the land. The consequences of his choice affect not just him but the world around him. This moment marks a significant shift in human experience, introducing toil and pain into life. It serves as a reminder of the impact of our decisions and the importance of listening to wisdom. Adam's actions lead to a reality where life is not easy, highlighting the weight of responsibility we carry in our choices. God’s words emphasize that our actions have lasting effects, shaping our lives and the world we inhabit. Understanding this can help us navigate our own choices with care and awareness of their potential consequences. It’s a call to reflect on how we respond to guidance and the choices we make.
How to apply Genesis 3:17 to your life
This passage encourages us to consider the weight of our decisions. Just as Adam faced consequences for his choices, we too must be mindful of how our actions affect ourselves and others. Reflect on the guidance you receive and choose wisely in your life. Every choice matters and shapes our future significantly. Take time to think before acting, ensuring your decisions align with wisdom and values you hold dear. It’s a reminder to seek understanding
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
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Illustrated scene from Adam's story: God's Judgment (Genesis 3:14–19)
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Adam
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Genesis 3:17
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At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 3:17 mean?
Genesis 3:17 explains God's response to Adam after he disobeyed by eating from the forbidden tree. It indicates that because of Adam's choice, the ground is cursed, leading to a life of hardship and sorrow as he works to grow food.
What is the meaning of 'the ground is cursed' in Genesis 3:17?
In Genesis 3:17, 'the ground is cursed' signifies that Adam's disobedience has resulted in a negative change in the world. This curse means that farming will be difficult and filled with struggle, reflecting the consequences of his actions.
How does Genesis 3:17 relate to personal responsibility?
Genesis 3:17 illustrates the theme of personal responsibility by showing that Adam's actions had significant consequences. It serves as a reminder that our choices can impact not only our lives but also the world around us.
What lessons can we learn from Genesis 3:17?
From Genesis 3:17, we learn the importance of considering the consequences of our decisions. It encourages us to reflect on the guidance we receive and to make choices that align with wisdom, understanding that our actions shape our future.
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