Genesis 3:23
Genesis 3:23 in Multiple Translations
Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
therefore Jehovah God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
So the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to be a worker on the earth from which he was taken.
So the Lord God expelled them from the Garden of Eden. He sent Adam to cultivate the ground from which he'd been made.
Therefore the Lord God sent him foorth from the garden of Eden, to till ye earth, whence he was taken.
Jehovah God sendeth him forth from the garden of Eden to serve the ground from which he hath been taken;
Therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken.
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken.
And the Lord God sent him out of the paradise of pleasure, to till the earth from which he was taken.
So Yahweh God expelled the man and his wife from the garden of Eden. Yahweh God had created Adam from the ground, but now he forced him to till that ground so that he could grow food to eat.
So God hunted them out of the garden. To get food, they had to dig the ground and grow plants. You know, God made that man out of the ground, and after they left the garden, that man had to dig that same ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 3:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 3:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֛/הוּ
יְהוָ֥ה
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
מִ/גַּן
עֵ֑דֶן
לַֽ/עֲבֹד֙
אֶת
הָ֣/אֲדָמָ֔ה
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֻקַּ֖ח
מִ/שָּֽׁם
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֛/הוּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מִ/גַּן
gan
H1588
garden
Prep | N-cs
עֵ֑דֶן
ʻÊden
H5731
Eden
N-proper
לַֽ/עֲבֹד֙
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ֣/אֲדָמָ֔ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֻקַּ֖ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
מִ/שָּֽׁם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 3:23
וַֽ/יְשַׁלְּחֵ֛/הוּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מִ/גַּן
gan
H1588
"garden"
Prep | N-cs
The word for garden refers to an enclosed area, like the Garden of Eden. It can also symbolize a bride or a place for plants.
Definition: 1) garden, enclosure 1a) enclosed garden 1a1) (fig. of a bride) 1b) garden (of plants) 1c) Garden of Eden
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: garden. See also: Genesis 2:8; 2 Kings 25:4; Isaiah 51:3.
עֵ֑דֶן
ʻÊden
H5731
"Eden"
N-proper
Eden refers to the garden where Adam and Eve lived, a place of pleasure and beauty. It is also the name of a person who lived during the Divided Monarchy. The word means pleasure in Hebrew.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.31.15 § Eden= "pleasure" the first habitat of man after the creation
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Eden. See also: Genesis 2:8; 2 Chronicles 31:15; Isaiah 51:3.
לַֽ/עֲבֹד֙
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ֣/אֲדָמָ֔ה
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֻקַּ֖ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Pual-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מִ/שָּֽׁם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
Study Notes — Genesis 3:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 3:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
- Sermons on Genesis 3:23
Context — The Expulsion from Paradise
21And the LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and He clothed them.
22Then the LORD God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil. And now, lest he reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever...”
23Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.
24So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 4:2 | Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil. |
| 2 | Genesis 3:19 | By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground— because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” |
| 3 | Genesis 4:12 | When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” |
| 4 | Genesis 2:5 | Now no shrub of the field had yet appeared on the earth, nor had any plant of the field sprouted; for the LORD God had not yet sent rain upon the earth, and there was no man to cultivate the ground. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 5:9 | The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields. |
| 6 | Genesis 9:20 | Now Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. |
Genesis 3:23 Summary
[Genesis 3:23 tells us that God banished Adam from the Garden of Eden because He did not want Adam to live forever in a state of sin. This was an act of love and mercy, as God wanted to protect Adam from further harm. As a result, Adam had to leave the Garden and work the ground, which was now cursed because of his sin (Genesis 3:17-19). This reminds us that sin has consequences, but God is always working to restore and redeem us, as seen in Romans 5:12-19 and Revelation 21:1-4.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God banish Adam from the Garden of Eden?
God banished Adam from the Garden of Eden because He did not want Adam to eat from the tree of life and live forever in a state of sin, as stated in Genesis 3:22. This action was an act of mercy and judgment, as seen in Genesis 2:17.
What does it mean to 'work the ground' in Genesis 3:23?
To 'work the ground' means to cultivate and care for the earth, which was now cursed because of Adam's sin, as stated in Genesis 3:17-19. This is a consequence of the Fall and a reminder of humanity's new relationship with the earth.
Is God being cruel by banishing Adam from the Garden?
No, God's actions are motivated by love and a desire to protect humanity from further harm, as seen in Genesis 3:22. Banishing Adam from the Garden was a necessary step to prevent him from living forever in a state of sin and separation from God.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
Genesis 3:23 sets the stage for the rest of the Bible, which tells the story of God's redemption of humanity and restoration of the earth, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4. This verse is a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ, as stated in Romans 5:12-19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Adam, have been separated from God's presence and blessings due to sin?
- How can I, in my own life, experience the consequences of sin and the mercy of God, as seen in Genesis 3:23?
- What does it mean for me to 'work the ground' in my own life, and how can I cultivate a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards God's creation?
- How can I trust in God's love and mercy, even when I face difficult circumstances or consequences, as Adam did in Genesis 3:23?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 3:23
Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden,.... Gave him orders to depart immediately; sent or put him away as a man does his wife, when he divorces her; or as a prince banishes a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 3:23
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
For prevention thereof, the Lord God sent him forth, or expelled him with shame and violence, and so as never to restore him thither; for it is the same word which is used concerning divorced wives. To till, to wit, with toil and sweat, as was threatened, , the ground without Paradise; for he was made without Paradise, and then put into it, as was noted before.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
Genesis 3:23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.Ver. 23. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth.] He gently dismissed him, as the word signifies; placed him over against Paradise, in the sight thereof (as Stella observeth out of the Septuagint) that, by often beholding, the sorrow of his sin, might be increased, that his "eye might affect his heart" Yet, "lest he should be swallowed up of over-much sorrow," and so Satan get "an advantage of him" - for God is not ignorant of his devices - Christ, the promised Seed, was, by his voluntary banishment, to bring back all believers to their heavenly home; to bear them by his angels into Abraham’ s bosom, and to "give them to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God." Our whole life here is nothing else but a banishment. That we like it no worse, is because we never knew better. They that were born in hell, saith the proverb, think there’ s no other heaven. The poor posterity of a banished prince take their mean condition well-aworth; Moses counts Egypt, where yet he was but a sojourner, his home; and in reference to it calls his son, born in Midian, Gershom, that is, a stranger there. Oh, how should we breathe after our heavenly home! groaning within ourselves, like those birds of paradise naturalists speak of, stretching forth the neck, as the apostle’ s word importeth, "waiting for the adoption, even the redemption of our bodies," glorifying God meanwhile with our spirits and bodies, devouring all difficulties, donec a spe ad speciem transeamus , till Christ, who is gone to prepare a place for us, return and say, "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise." Stella in Luke 7:1-50. Iisdem, quibus videmus, oculis flemus. Avis Paradisi . - Gesner. αποκαρασοκια, Romans 8:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
(23) To till the ground.—This is the same word as that rendered “dress” in Genesis 2:15. Adam’s task is the same, but the conditions are altered.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 3:23
23. sent him forth, &c.] Man is dismissed from the garden with the duty imposed upon him to till the ground. Agriculture is here treated as the earliest human industry. See note on Genesis 3:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 3:23
23. Therefore the Lord God sent him forth — The divine utterance in the previous verse was impressively left unfinished, a notable example of aposiopesis.
Sermons on Genesis 3:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Help Wanted: A Gardener by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of four gardens to explain the history of sin and redemption. The first garden mentioned is the Garden of Eden, where sin entered the |
|
(Church of Cain) Works of Cain - Part 4 by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and greatness of Jesus Christ as the kinsman redeemer and Lamb of God. He highlights that through Jesus, all sins can be forgiven, |
|
Mormonism: A Creed From Hell by Stephen Hamilton | In this sermon, the speaker begins by thanking God for being our Father and for reversing the effects of the fall through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that sin is evil and should ne |
|
Man's Cause and It's Effect gen.11:1-9 by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the book of Genesis. He highlights how the people of that time decided to build a city and a tower that |
|
Palm Sunday (The Stones Sing Out) by Thaddeus Barnum | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Joshua chapter 4 in the Bible. The passage describes the Israelites' journey from captivity in Egypt to the promised land. The s |
|
January 17. 1678. the Threefold State of Man. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the threefold state humanity must pass through to recover the lost prerogative of power and purity. The first state is a rocky, ruinous ground of nature, v |
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The Pouring Forth of All His Wrath by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the duality of God's nature, portraying Him as both merciful and just. He illustrates that while God extends mercy to humanity, His justice will prevail if |