It’s one of the most familiar and mysterious stories in the Bible: a beautiful garden, a cunning serpent, a forbidden fruit—and a decision that forever altered the course of human history. But what really happened in the Garden of Eden? What is original sin, and why does it still matter today? And the question many quietly wonder: should Eve have given Adam the apple?
Let’s explore the deeper meaning behind this story and what it reveals about our hearts, our choices, and the grace of God.
Understanding the Garden: A Story of Beauty and Boundaries
Before we get into the idea of original sin, we need to understand the setting. The Garden of Eden wasn’t just a picturesque paradise—it was a place of perfect harmony between God, humanity, and creation. Adam and Eve lived in complete relationship with their Creator. They had meaningful work, purpose, and freedom—but not without boundaries.
God gave one command: “And the Lord God commanded the many saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may free eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, but in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16–17, NKJV).
This wasn’t about fruit—it was about trust. Would Adam and Eve trust that God’s boundaries were for their good, or would they seek wisdom on their own terms?
What Is Original Sin?
Original sin is a theological term that refers to the fallen condition of humanity inherited from Adam and Eve. It’s not just the first sin—it’s the beginning of a spiritual brokenness that touches every human heart.
Romans 5:12 NKJV says, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because all sinned...”
In other words, when Adam and Eve sinned, they opened the door for sin and death to enter the human story. Their rebellion brought a separation from God, a distortion of human nature, and a world that no longer functioned as it was meant to.
Original sin means we are not born spiritually neutral. We are born with a bent toward selfishness, pride, and mistrust of God. As Psalm 51:5 NKJV says, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin my mother conceived me.”
This doesn’t mean we’re all as bad as we could possibly be. But it does mean that sin is deeply rooted in us—it’s a heart condition, not just a list of bad behaviors.
The Temptation: Did God Really Say?
In Genesis 3, we meet the serpent—crafty, cunning, and deceptive. He doesn’t attack with brute force. Instead, he plants a seed of doubt: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1).
With just a few words, he twists God’s command and shifts the focus from God’s generosity (“you may eat from any tree…”) to restriction (“you can’t eat this one?”). His strategy is one we still recognize today—get people to doubt God’s goodness, and they’ll soon doubt His word.
Eve listens. She adds to the command (“we must not touch it”) and begins to question whether God might be holding something back. The fruit looks pleasing. It seems like it could make her wise. And so, she takes it.
An Aside About Eve & the Fruit
Many years ago, in a Bible study class, we were studying Genesis. We got to Adam and Eve, original sin, etc. The discussion was very lively on the entire topic. At one point, I had a funny thought. Should Eve have shared the fruit with Adam?
If Eve hadn't shared the fruit with Adam, women probably would have ruled over men. Many women would be happy with that setup!
Now, back to the serious discussion!
Who’s at Fault: Adam or Eve?
It’s easy to make Eve the villain in this story. For centuries, she’s often carried the blame for what went wrong. However, the Bible gives us more details and greater accountability.
Genesis 3:6 NKJV says, “She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”
Adam was with her. He wasn’t far off, unaware of the conversation. He was present, silent, and passive. He heard the lie, saw the choice, and joined in.
So, should Eve have given Adam the fruit? No—she shouldn't have, and she shouldn’t have eaten it either. But just as importantly, Adam shouldn't have taken it. He wasn’t deceived. He chose disobedience.
This shared failure reflects a shared human condition: we are all prone to follow instead of lead, to go silent when we should speak, and to choose our own way over God’s.
The Fallout: What Sin Does to Us
As soon as they eat the fruit, Adam and Eve’s eyes are opened—but not in the way they expected. They feel shame. They cover themselves. They hide from God. What was once innocent and free is now marked by fear and guilt.
God calls to them, not in anger, but in pursuit: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). He knew what had happened, but He still sought them out.
When questioned, Adam blames Eve—and indirectly, God: “The woman you put here with me…” (Genesis 3:12). Eve blames the serpent.
It’s a cycle we know well: sin, shame, hiding, blame.
The consequences are real. Pain enters the world—pain in childbirth, pain in work, pain in relationships. The ground is cursed. Death becomes part of the human experience. And worst of all, Adam and Eve are sent out of the garden, away from the Tree of Life and God’s presence.
The Hope Hidden in the Curse
And yet, even in the middle of judgment, there’s a thread of grace.
In Genesis 3:15 NKJV, God speaks to the serpent and makes a mysterious promise: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head and you shall bruise His heel.”
This is often called the “first gospel”—the first whisper of redemption. One day, someone would come from Eve’s line who would crush the serpent’s head. It’s a prophecy pointing forward to Jesus.
Why Original Sin Still Matters Today
You might wonder, “Why does this ancient story matter now?” Because it explains so much about the human experience.
Why do we struggle with selfishness? Why do we hurt the people we love? Why do we chase things that never satisfy? Why do we feel this deep ache for something more?
Original sin shows us that the problem isn’t just out there—it’s in here – within us. We’re not just people who make bad choices. We’re people in need of transformation.
But here’s the good news: God didn’t leave us in that condition. The same God who called to Adam and Eve still calls to us. The same grace that covered their shame is available to cover ours.
Jesus: The Second Adam
Romans 5 draws a beautiful contrast between Adam and Jesus.
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19 NKJV)
Jesus is often called the “Second Adam” because He came to reverse the curse. Where Adam failed, Jesus succeeded. Where Adam disobeyed, Jesus obeyed. Where Adam brought death, Jesus brings life.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers us a new start—a new nature, a restored relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life.
What This Means for You and Me
We don’t have to carry the weight of Adam and Eve’s sin forever. We don’t have to stay stuck in cycles of shame or self-blame. In Jesus, we are invited into a new story—one of healing, freedom, and hope.
But it begins with recognizing the truth: we need a Savior. Original sin humbles us. It reminds us we can’t fix ourselves. But it also drives us to the One who can.
Reflection Questions
• Where do I see myself in Adam and Eve’s story?
• Have I ever doubted God’s goodness or twisted His commands?
• Am I tempted to blame others instead of owning my choices?
• How do I respond when I’ve made a mistake—do I hide, or do I run to God?
• What would it look like to trust God’s boundaries as loving rather than limiting?
Final Thoughts: A Story of Grace
At first glance, the story of original sin can feel heavy and hopeless. But when we look closer, we see that even in humanity’s worst moment, God’s grace was already at work.
He sought Adam and Eve. He clothed them. He promised redemption. And He does the same for us.
So, should Eve have given Adam the apple? No. But the real question isn’t about what she did—it’s about what we will do with the truth we now know.
Will we continue to hide? Or will we let God find us, forgive us, and lead us home? Should Eve have shared the fruit with Adam? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or via email!
God bless,
