Tree of Life

The tree of life is a special tree that God placed in the middle of the garden of Eden, the first place where God put humans (Genesis 2:8–9). Its fruit had the power to give eternal life. God told Adam, the first man, that he could eat from every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (verses 16–17). When Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, disobeyed God and ate from that tree, God sent them out of the garden. This prevented them from also eating from the tree of life and living forever (3:22).

The Tree of Life in Genesis

The story in Genesis shows that the tree of life represents life in close relationship with God and trust in him. Human life is not only physical, like the life of animals, but also spiritual. It reaches its full meaning in relationship with God. Full life, both physical and spiritual, could continue only as long as people obeyed God’s command (Genesis 2:17).

The Tree of Life in Proverbs

Apart from Genesis, the phrase tree of life appears only in the book of Proverbs. There, it is used as a symbol for things that give life, help, and well-being. For example:

wisdom is "a tree of life to those who embrace her" (Proverbs 3:18);
"the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life" (11:30);
a fulfilled desire is like “a tree of life” (13:12); and
“a soothing tongue is a tree of life” (15:4).

The Tree of Life in Revelation

Later, in the New Testament, the tree of life appears only in the book of Revelation (Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14, 19). The Bible begins with a garden that includes the tree of life and ends with a similar picture. In Genesis, access to the tree of life was closed. In Revelation, it is open again for those who trust in God and follow him. Jesus Christ makes this possible.

The second Adam, Jesus Christ, made this possible. It is for those who have washed their robes in the blood of Christ (compare Revelation 7:14). It is for those who have sought forgiveness of their sin through the redemptive work of Christ. These people receive the right to the tree of life (22:14). Those who refuse to obey God do not have access to it.