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Genesis 3:22 - Divine knowledge's double-edged gift?

Genesis 3:22 - בראשית 3:22

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים הֵן הָאָדָם הָיָה כְּאַחַד מִמֶּנּוּ לָדַעַת טוֹב וָרָע וְעַתָּה פֶּן־יִשְׁלַח יָדוֹ וְלָקַח גַּם מֵעֵץ הַחַיִּים וְאָכַל וָחַי לְעֹלָם׃

English Translation

And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become like one of Us, knowing good and evil: and now, what if he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eating, live for ever:

Transliteration

Va'yomer Adonai Elohim, hen ha'adam haya ke'achad mimeno lada't tov va'ra, ve'ata pen yishlach yado ve'laka gam me'etz ha'chayim ve'achal va'chai le'olam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר <b>׀</b> יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֗ים הֵ֤ן הָֽאָדָם֙ הָיָה֙ כְּאַחַ֣ד מִמֶּ֔נּוּ לָדַ֖עַת ט֣וֹב וָרָ֑ע וְעַתָּ֣ה <b>׀</b> פֶּן־יִשְׁלַ֣ח יָד֗וֹ וְלָקַח֙ גַּ֚ם מֵעֵ֣ץ הַֽחַיִּ֔ים וְאָכַ֖ל וָחַ֥י לְעֹלָֽם׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ׀ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֗ים הֵ֤ן הָֽאָדָם֙ הָיָה֙ כְּאַחַ֣ד מִמֶּ֔נּוּ לָדַ֖עַת ט֣וֹב וָרָ֑ע וְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ פֶּן־יִשְׁלַ֣ח יָד֗וֹ וְלָקַח֙ גַּ֚ם מֵעֵ֣ץ הַֽחַיִּ֔ים וְאָכַ֖ל וָחַ֥י לְעֹלָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Divine Statement

The verse states: "Behold, the man is become like one of Us, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:22). Rashi explains that the phrase "like one of Us" refers to the fact that man has now attained a level of discernment similar to that of the heavenly beings (Rashi on Genesis 3:22). This does not imply equality with Hashem, but rather that man has gained a new capacity for moral judgment, distinguishing between good and evil—a faculty previously reserved for higher spiritual entities.

The Danger of Eternal Life in a Fallen State

Hashem expresses concern: "What if he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eating, live for ever?" The Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that eternal life in a state of moral imperfection would be disastrous. If man, now aware of evil, were to live forever, he might perpetuate sin indefinitely (Ramban on Genesis 3:22). The expulsion from Eden was thus an act of divine mercy, preventing eternal corruption.

The Tree of Life and Human Mortality

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 21:6) teaches that the Tree of Life symbolizes the potential for eternal closeness to Hashem. After the sin, man was no longer fit for this eternal bond in his current state. The Sforno adds that mortality became a necessary condition for teshuvah (repentance), allowing man to rectify his actions within a limited lifespan (Sforno on Genesis 3:22).

The Plural Language ("Us")

The use of the plural "like one of Us" has been discussed by commentators. Ibn Ezra suggests it reflects the "royal we," a common linguistic convention (Ibn Ezra on Genesis 3:22). Alternatively, the Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) interprets it as Hashem consulting with the angels, emphasizing the gravity of the decision—showing that major decrees are made with divine deliberation.

  • Rashi: Man has gained discernment like heavenly beings.
  • Ramban: Eternal life in sin would lead to eternal corruption.
  • Midrash: The Tree of Life represents divine connection, now inaccessible due to sin.
  • Sforno: Mortality enables repentance and growth.
  • Ibn Ezra/Talmud: The plural denotes either royal speech or divine consultation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 29a
The verse is discussed in the context of the consequences of Adam's sin and the potential for eternal life had he also eaten from the Tree of Life.
📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of knowledge and the distinction between good and evil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the man is become like one of Us, knowing good and evil' mean in Genesis 3:22?
A: Rashi explains that this verse means Adam and Chava (Eve) gained the ability to choose between good and evil after eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Before this, they followed G-d's will instinctively, but now they have free will like heavenly beings (though still limited as humans).
Q: Why was G-d concerned about humans eating from the Tree of Life in Genesis 3:22?
A: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 21:6) teaches that eternal physical life without spiritual growth would be harmful. G-d expelled Adam from Eden to ensure humans would experience mortality, which motivates moral development and repentance - central themes in Judaism.
Q: How does Genesis 3:22 relate to free will in Judaism?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 5:1) cites this verse as foundational for Jewish understanding of free will. By gaining 'knowledge of good and evil,' humans became morally accountable beings capable of choosing mitzvot (commandments) or sin - making our choices meaningful.
Q: What is the Jewish interpretation of 'like one of Us' in Genesis 3:22?
A: Ibn Ezra explains this refers to angels (using plural 'Us' as the royal 'we'). After eating from the Tree, humans gained angel-like moral discernment, but unlike angels, humans struggle between yetzer hatov (good inclination) and yetzer hara (evil inclination) - a key concept in Jewish ethics.
Q: Why didn't G-d want humans to live forever according to Genesis 3:22?
A: The Talmud (Eruvin 13b) teaches that death gives life urgency and meaning. Without an end to physical life, humans might never feel motivated to perfect themselves spiritually. This verse sets the stage for Judaism's focus on using our limited time for Torah study and mitzvot.