What was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?

Question

Sun Myung Moon · Accepted Answer

Understanding the true nature of the forbidden fruit is paramount, as it reveals the very root of evil and humanity's fallen condition. This clarity is essential for grasping the purpose of God's entire providence of salvation and for understanding how humanity can be restored. The Biblical Foundation The Bible introduces the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil as central to God's initial interactions with humanity. God commanded Adam: "But of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not partake, for in the day that you do you shall surely die" (Genesis 2:17). This prohibition was critical for their journey toward maturity. The breaking of this commandment is, according to the Bible, the root of all evil. The serpent, later identified as an angel, deceived Eve. Revelation 12:9 reveals this serpent once resided in heaven, possessing the ability to communicate with humans and to transcend time and space. Second Peter 2:4 reveals this serpent's identity as an angel, and Jude 6-7 further specifies that angels fell due to fornication. This angel, Satan, enticed Eve. The interpretation of the fruit as a literal item, like an apple, is incorrect for two main reasons. First, Jesus stated that "It isn't what you put into your mouth that defiles you; it's what comes out of your mouth" (Matthew 15:11), indicating that sin originates from within, not from something eaten. Second, the effects of a literal fruit cannot be inherited by all subsequent generations, yet the original sin was passed down to all humanity. Immediately after partaking of the fruit, "the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves" (Genesis 3:7). This sudden shame over their nakedness, specifically covering their lower parts, indicates a transgression related to their intimate being and sexuality. Job 31:33-34 supports this inference, stating, "If I have hidden my sin like Adam," implying a hidden sin associated with shame. Their attempt to hide from God (Genesis 3:8) further emphasizes a spiritual estrangement and guilt. The consequences, including pain in childbirth, toil in labor, and physical death (Genesis 3:14-19), indicate the far-reaching impact of this disobedience, affecting all humanity. The "death" described in Genesis 2:17 was primarily spiritual death—a severance of their direct, life-giving relationship with God. Divine Principle's Clarification The Divine Principle clarifies that the "fruit" was not a botanical item but a symbol for Eve's love, and "eating" it represented engaging in an unprincipled love relationship. The Tree of Life, standing next to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, represents a man who has achieved the purpose of creation—a complete Adam. Similarly, the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represents a completed woman, Eve. Consequently, the fruit of that tree represented Eve's love. Eve, according to the nature of her love, possessed the potential to bring forth either good or bad fruit. Therefore, the act of "partaking of the fruit" biblically refers to the consummation of an unsanctioned love relationship. Eve consummated a love relationship with the Archangel, the serpent who became Satan. This act constituted fornication, which is why they felt shame and covered their lower parts (Genesis 3:7, 2:25). Because of this fornication by the first human ancestors with the angel, all humanity is born into Satan's lineage. This is why John the Baptist referred to certain religious leaders as a "brood of vipers" (Matthew 3:7), and Jesus called them "serpents, you generation of vipers" (Matthew 23:33). The Fall established a lineage of evil, rooted in self-centered love. God's Providential Purpose God's original purpose was to create a world centered on true love, manifested through God-centered families, embodying the Three Great Blessings (Genesis 1:28). The Fall, however, introduced false love and a lineage of evil, derailing God's plan. The entire history of God's providence is therefore a history of restoration. God has worked through the ages—from the Old Testament to the New Testament with Jesus Christ—to restore humanity to its original, unfallen state. God's providential purpose continues, aiming to resurrect humanity from spiritual death and establish a new lineage of pure, God-centered love, culminating in the establishment of God's Kingdom on Earth. Living the Principle Understanding the forbidden fruit as symbolic of illicit love has profound practical implications for our lives: 1. Cultivate a life of faith, prayer, and study of truth to receive pure life elements for the spirit body (Proverbs 13:12, Revelation 22:14). 2. Practice altruistic living—living for the sake of others—as a source of good vitality elements for a healthy spirit body. 3. Strive for chastity and fidelity in relationships, recognizing the sacredness of love and sexuality. 4. Actively work to overcome

What was the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?

The Biblical Foundation

Divine Principle's Clarification

God's Providential Purpose

Living the Principle

Sources and further reading