Genesis 3:19

French (La Bible expliquée)

tu gagneras ton pain à la sueur de ton front, jusqu'à ce que tu retournes à la terre dont tu as été tiré. Car tu es fait de poussière, et tu retourneras à la poussière. »

What Does This Mean?

God is speaking to Adam, telling him that he will have to work hard to grow food and eat. This will continue until he dies and returns to the earth from which he was made. The key message is about the consequences of sin and the reality of death.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a garden, and to get yummy food, you have to work really hard, even if it makes you sweat. This is like the work Adam had to do after he made a big mistake. One day, he would stop working and go back to the ground, just like how you might go back to bed after a long day of play.

Historical Background

This verse is from the book of Genesis, traditionally attributed to Moses, written around 1446-1406 BC. It was written to the Israelites, explaining their origin story and the consequences of sin. The cultural setting reflects an agrarian society understanding the hardships of manual labor.

Living It Out Today

Imagine starting a new job that requires physical labor, like gardening or construction. This verse can remind you of the value of hard work and the inevitable passage of time, encouraging you to work diligently but also to remember the transient nature of life.

Topics

• work
• sin
• death
• humanity
• consequences
• nature

Related Verses

• Genesis 2:7
• Ecclesiastes 3:20
• Romans 6:23
• Hebrews 9:27
• 1 Corinthians 15:42

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'till thou return unto the ground' mean?

It means that eventually, Adam (and all humans) will die and be buried, returning to the earth from which he was made.

Does this verse apply only to Adam?

While spoken to Adam, the message applies to all humans, highlighting the universal nature of labor and mortality.

How does this verse relate to the concept of sin?

It underscores that the consequences of sin (such as hard labor and death) are a reality for humanity, stemming from the disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

What can we learn about human dignity from this verse?

Even in describing a life of hard labor, the verse acknowledges the intrinsic value of human work and our return to our original state, affirming our dignity in God's creation.