Genesis 3:23
Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.
Genesis 3:23
This verse continues the exile from the Garden: God sends Adam to till the ground from which he was taken. The act of expulsion is not merely punishment but a reordering of humanity’s task in a fallen world. The ground—already cursed in v.17—will be the arena of human labor. The language emphasizes the integrity of God’s plan for stewardship, even amidst loss. Eden’s symmetrical beauty is replaced by the responsibility to cultivate and sustain life in a world that can’t be easily conquered.
Theologically, it reinforces human dependence on God’s sustaining grace as we labor in exile. It foreshadows the redemptive work of God who calls a people to bear witness in the midst of brokenness. It also underscores the continuity of God’s plan: even in exile, God remains faithful, preserving a people through whom blessings can flow.
Practically, this speaks to work ethic and resilience. In modern life, we often face “exile” moments—job loss, relocation, or disrupted dreams. The verse invites perseverance, wise stewardship, and a sense of purpose in daily work. It encourages viewing labor as part of God’s ongoing invitation to participate in creation’s renewal, even when conditions are challenging.
Cross-References: Romans 8:18-25; 2 Thessalonians 3:12-13; Isaiah 65:17-25