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Genesis 3:23 - Divine exile for human growth.

Genesis 3:23 - בראשית 3:23

Hebrew Text

וַיְשַׁלְּחֵהוּ יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים מִגַּן־עֵדֶן לַעֲבֹד אֶת־הָאֲדָמָה אֲשֶׁר לֻקַּח מִשָּׁם׃

English Translation

therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of ῾Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.

Transliteration

Vay'shal'khehu Adonai Elohim mi-gan Eden la'avod et-ha'adama asher lukach misham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֛הוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים מִגַּן־עֵ֑דֶן לַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֻקַּ֖ח מִשָּֽׁם׃
וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֛הוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים מִגַּן־עֵ֑דֶן לַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֻקַּ֖ח מִשָּֽׁם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Exegesis of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 3:23) describes Hashem's decree to expel Adam from Gan Eden after his transgression with the Eitz HaDa'at (Tree of Knowledge). The expulsion serves both as a consequence and a rectification for Adam's actions.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "לַעֲבֹד אֶת־הָאֲדָמָה" ("to till the ground") indicates that Adam was now required to engage in physical labor, a consequence of his sin. Before the sin, his work in Gan Eden was effortless, but now he must toil to sustain himself (Rashi on Bereshit 3:23).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:2) interprets Adam's expulsion as a transition from a purely intellectual existence (focused on divine truths) to a physical one, where he must now contend with worldly struggles. This reflects the human condition after the sin—man must strive to regain spiritual clarity through labor and mitzvot.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (21:7): The expulsion was an act of divine mercy—Had Adam remained in Gan Eden after sinning, he might have eaten from the Eitz HaChayim (Tree of Life) and lived forever in a flawed state. Hashem expelled him to allow for teshuvah (repentance) and eventual rectification.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Buber, Kedoshim 7): The phrase "אֲשֶׁר לֻקַּח מִשָּׁם" ("from whence he was taken") teaches that Adam was formed from the earth outside Gan Eden, emphasizing his return to his origin as part of his punishment.

Kabbalistic Interpretation (Arizal)

The Arizal (Etz Chaim, Shaar HaKlalim) explains that Adam's labor in tilling the earth symbolizes the spiritual work of refining the physical world (Tikkun Olam). His expulsion set in motion humanity's mission to elevate creation through Torah and mitzvot.

Halachic Implications (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva)

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 5:1) derives from this episode that teshuvah is always possible—just as Adam could repent after his sin, so too can all individuals return to Hashem through sincere repentance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 38b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about Adam's creation and his expulsion from the Garden of Eden, illustrating the consequences of his actions.
📖 Avodah Zarah 5a
Mentioned in the context of discussing human labor and divine punishment, relating to Adam's punishment of having to work the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem send Adam out of Gan Eden?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 3:23), Adam was sent out of Gan Eden as a consequence of eating from the Tree of Knowledge, which was against Hashem's command. This was to teach that actions have consequences, and to emphasize the importance of following divine commandments.
Q: What does 'to till the ground from whence he was taken' mean?
A: The Ramban (Genesis 3:23) explains that this phrase teaches that Adam's purpose outside Gan Eden was to work the earth, showing that human beings have a role in improving and perfecting the world through physical labor, aligning with Hashem's plan for creation.
Q: Is there a deeper meaning to Adam being sent out of Gan Eden?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 21:7) teaches that being expelled from Gan Eden was not just a punishment, but also an act of mercy. Had Adam stayed, he might have eaten from the Tree of Life and lived forever in a sinful state. Hashem allowed for teshuvah (repentance) and growth outside the garden.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 5a) derives from this verse that human beings are meant to engage in meaningful work ('לעבדה ולשמרה'). This teaches us the value of labor and responsibility in serving Hashem, even outside ideal circumstances, as part of our spiritual growth.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Adam was taken from the ground?
A: Rashi (Genesis 3:19) connects this to the earlier verse 'for dust you are and to dust you shall return,' emphasizing human humility. The Sforno adds that remembering our earthly origin helps us avoid arrogance and recognize our dependence on Hashem, even as we work the land He provided.