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Genesis 3:17 - Man's toil: consequence of disobedience?

Genesis 3:17 - בראשית 3:17

Hebrew Text

וּלְאָדָם אָמַר כִּי־שָׁמַעְתָּ לְקוֹל אִשְׁתֶּךָ וַתֹּאכַל מִן־הָעֵץ אֲשֶׁר צִוִּיתִיךָ לֵאמֹר לֹא תֹאכַל מִמֶּנּוּ אֲרוּרָה הָאֲדָמָה בַּעֲבוּרֶךָ בְּעִצָּבוֹן תֹּאכֲלֶנָּה כֹּל יְמֵי חַיֶּיךָ׃

English Translation

And to the man He said, Because thou hast hearkened to 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;

Transliteration

Ul'adam amar ki-shama'ta l'kol ishtecha vatochal min-ha'etz asher tziviticha lemor lo tochal mimenu arur ha'adama ba'avurecha b'itzavon tochalena kol y'mei chayecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּלְאָדָ֣ם אָמַ֗ר כִּֽי־שָׁמַ֘עְתָּ֮ לְק֣וֹל אִשְׁתֶּ֒ךָ֒ וַתֹּ֙אכַל֙ מִן־הָעֵ֔ץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוִּיתִ֙יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לֹ֥א תֹאכַ֖ל מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אֲרוּרָ֤ה הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ בַּֽעֲבוּרֶ֔ךָ בְּעִצָּבוֹן֙ תֹּֽאכְלֶ֔נָּה כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ׃
וּלְאָדָ֣ם אָמַ֗ר כִּֽי־שָׁמַ֘עְתָּ֮ לְק֣וֹל אִשְׁתֶּ֒ךָ֒ וַתֹּ֙אכַל֙ מִן־הָעֵ֔ץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוִּיתִ֙יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לֹ֥א תֹאכַ֖ל מִמֶּ֑נּוּ אֲרוּרָ֤ה הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ בַּֽעֲבוּרֶ֔ךָ בְּעִצָּבוֹן֙ תֹּֽאכְלֶ֔נָּה כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation of the Verse

Rashi (Bereshit 3:17) explains that the phrase "כִּי־שָׁמַעְתָּ לְקוֹל אִשְׁתֶּךָ" ("Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife") indicates that Adam listened to his wife's advice to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, despite Hashem's explicit command not to do so. Rashi emphasizes that Adam should have upheld the divine commandment rather than yielding to his wife's persuasion.

The Rambam's Perspective on Human Responsibility

The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1) discusses this verse in the context of human free will. He teaches that Adam's choice to listen to his wife demonstrates the principle of bechira chofshit (free will), as Adam had the ability to obey or disobey Hashem's command. The consequences—cursed ground and toil—highlight the gravity of misusing free will.

Midrashic Insights on the Curse of the Ground

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 5:9) elaborates on the phrase "אֲרוּרָה הָאֲדָמָה בַּעֲבוּרֶךָ" ("cursed is the ground for thy sake"). It explains that before Adam's sin, the earth yielded produce effortlessly. After the sin, the earth was cursed to produce thorns and thistles, forcing man to labor for sustenance. This reflects the spiritual principle that sin disrupts the natural harmony between humanity and creation.

Talmudic Analysis of "בְּעִצָּבוֹן תֹּאכֲלֶנָּה"

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 59b) interprets "בְּעִצָּבוֹן תֹּאכֲלֶנָּה" ("in sorrow shalt thou eat of it") as a broader consequence of Adam's sin. It teaches that this sorrow encompasses not only physical toil but also the emotional and spiritual struggles that accompany human existence after the fall. The Sages connect this to the broader concept of yissurim (suffering) as a means of teshuvah (repentance).

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Accountability: Adam was held responsible for his actions, teaching the importance of personal responsibility in mitzvah observance.
  • Consequences of Sin: The curses illustrate how sin disrupts both spiritual and physical realms.
  • Free Will: The verse underscores the power of human choice and its far-reaching effects.
  • Teshuvah: The hardships imposed serve as a reminder of the need for repentance and returning to Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 5b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the consequences of Adam's sin and how it affected humanity.
📖 Sanhedrin 70a
The verse is cited in a discussion about the nature of the sin of Adam and Eve and its repercussions.
📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the hardships of human life as a result of Adam's transgression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the ground cursed because Adam listened to his wife?
A: According to Rashi, the ground was cursed because Adam failed in his responsibility to uphold G-d's commandment. By listening to his wife instead of adhering to G-d's direct command, Adam showed a lack of proper leadership and accountability. The curse on the ground serves as a consequence of his actions, teaching us the importance of following divine commandments.
Q: What does 'in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life' mean?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 5a) explains that this verse teaches that human labor will now involve hardship and struggle. Before the sin, Adam could easily enjoy the fruits of the earth, but now he must toil with difficulty. This teaches us that actions have consequences, and straying from G-d's will brings challenges into our lives.
Q: Why is Adam held responsible for listening to his wife? Isn't marriage about partnership?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:1) explains that while marriage is indeed a partnership, Adam's mistake was prioritizing his wife's suggestion over G-d's clear commandment. In Jewish thought, a spouse should help strengthen their partner's connection to Torah and mitzvos, not lead them away. This verse teaches the importance of keeping divine commandments as the highest priority.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 20:9) explains that this verse teaches us about personal responsibility. Just as Adam was accountable for his choices, we must take responsibility for our actions. The 'cursed ground' represents how our mistakes can create difficulties in life, reminding us to carefully consider our decisions and always strive to follow Torah values.
Q: What is the significance of the ground being cursed 'for thy sake'?
A: Rashi explains that the phrase 'for thy sake' means the curse was actually for Adam's ultimate benefit. Though painful, the need to work the land would keep him occupied and prevent him from having too much idle time that could lead to further wrongdoing. This teaches us that sometimes what appears as punishment is actually for our spiritual growth and protection.