Topical Bible: Life: Tree of

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The "Tree of Life" is a significant biblical symbol that appears in both the Old and New Testaments, representing eternal life and divine wisdom. It is first introduced in the Book of Genesis and reappears in the Book of Revelation, framing the biblical narrative with its presence.

Genesis and the Garden of Eden

The Tree of Life is initially mentioned in Genesis 2:9, where it is described as being located in the Garden of Eden: "And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" . The Tree of Life, alongside the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, is central to the narrative of humanity's fall. After Adam and Eve's disobedience, God expels them from the garden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and living forever in their fallen state (Genesis 3:22-24).

Symbolism and Wisdom Literature

In the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, the Tree of Life is a metaphor for wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 3:18 states, "Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed" . This imagery suggests that living in accordance with divine wisdom brings life and blessing. Similarly, Proverbs 11:30 declares, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" , linking righteousness with life-giving qualities.

Eschatological Fulfillment in Revelation

The Tree of Life reappears in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 2:7 promises, "To the one who is victorious, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God" . This promise is fulfilled in Revelation 22:2, where the Tree of Life is described as growing on either side of the river of the water of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are said to be "for the healing of the nations" , symbolizing the restoration and eternal life available to the redeemed.

Theological Implications

The Tree of Life serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and the eternal life that He offers to humanity. It represents the fullness of life that comes from a relationship with God, both in the present through wisdom and righteousness and in the future through the promise of eternal life in His presence. The Tree of Life underscores the biblical theme of redemption and the ultimate restoration of creation, where access to eternal life is granted through Jesus Christ, the source of true life.

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Genesis 2:9
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the middle of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
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Genesis 3:22,24
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
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Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her: and happy is every one that retains her.
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Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
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Revelation 2:7
He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit said to the churches; To him that overcomes will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the middle of the paradise of God.
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Library

The Tree of Life.
... Cultivate the Christian graces, and see to it that there is never a withered leaf
on your life's tree, but be ever green and full of fruit, scattering a holy ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/the tree of life.htm

The Tree of Life.
... Hymn 3:8. The tree of life. ... 3 The tree of life that near the throne In heaven's high
garden grows, Laden with grace, bends gently down Its ever-smiling boughs. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 3 8 the tree of.htm

Of the Tree of Life and Death.
... XXXV."Of the Tree of Life and Death. Adam was the ... beginning. Now stretch forth
your hand, and take of the tree of life. The excellent ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/xxxv of the tree of life.htm

The Tree of Life
... Hymns, Book II HYMN 8 The tree of life. CM The tree of life. [COME, Jet us join
a joyful tune,. To our exalted Lord,. Ye saints on high around his throne,. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 8 the tree of.htm

What was the Life in Paradise, and what was the Forbidden Tree ?
... III."Philosophical Works. XX. What was the life in Paradise, and what was
the forbidden tree ? 1. What then is that which includes ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xx what was the life.htm

Whether in the State of Innocence Man Would have Acquired ...
... OF THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE PRIMITIVE STATE (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether in the state of
innocence man would have acquired immortality by the tree of life? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether in the state of 5.htm

On the Sacraments of the Old Testament, the Tree of Life ...
... DISPUTATION LXI ON THE SACRAMENTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, THE TREE OF LIFE,
CIRCUMCISION, AND THE PASCHAL LAMB. The tree of life was ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lxi on the sacraments.htm

Celsus, Moreover, Thinks that we have Invented this "Tree of Life" ...
... Chapter XXXVII. Celsus, moreover, thinks that we have invented this "tree
of life" to give an allegorical? Celsus, moreover, thinks ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxvii celsus moreover thinks.htm

The Provisions for the Table of Our Lord; Or, the Tree of Life ...
... Hymns. Book 3. Prepared for the Lord's Supper. Hymn 3:20. The provisions for
the table of our Lord; or, The tree of life, and river of love. ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 3 20 the provisions for.htm

Above All, So Live that You May have the Right to Eat of this Tree ...
... Section 57. Above all, so live that you may have the right to eat of this tree
of knowledge and life, and so come to eternal joys. Doxology. ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 57 above all so.htm