What is the Tree of Life?

TL;DR:

The Tree of Life was found in the garden of Eden and was evidently a source through which physical life could be sustained forever. The Tree of Life is a powerful symbol of God’s plan of redemption and restoration for humanity.

what does the bible say?

The Tree of Life, planted in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9), symbolizes eternal life and communion with God. It stood at the center of Eden, offering Adam and Eve the promise of life everlasting and continual fellowship with God. After their disobedience, access to the tree was restricted to prevent sinful humanity from living forever in a fallen state. In the Book of Revelation, the Tree of Life reappears in the new heavens and new earth, where it bears twelve kinds of fruit and its leaves bring healing to the nations, symbolizing eternal satisfaction and perfect communion with God. This tree remains a powerful symbol of God's eternal plan for humanity's redemption and restoration.

from the old testament

There were two trees of significance growing in the garden of Eden: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. There were many trees and plants growing on the earth at the beginning (Genesis 1:11–13) but only these two were mentioned by name: "And out of the ground the LORD God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:9).
The Tree of Life signified immortality. God told Adam, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die" (Genesis 2:16–17).
The serpent came along and told Eve, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:4–5). When they listened to the serpent's lie and ate the fruit, Adam and Eve became sinful.
God took away their access to the Tree of Life so they would not live forever in their fallen state. "Then the LORD God said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—' therefore the LORD God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life" (Genesis 3:22–24).

from the new testament

God did not want man to live eternally in a state of sin, subject to the pain and suffering of a fallen body, a fallen society, and a fallen natural world. Providing Adam and Eve access to the Tree of Life after their sin would have resulted in an endless, hopeless life. Mercifully, God limited the number of years man lives, and gave us each the opportunity to, during our lifetime, choose eternal life through Jesus Christ. One man's sin plunged all of humanity into a fallen, diseased state of being. But God provided a shortened lifespan and the perfect Man, Jesus Christ, to give all humanity the hope of eternal life with God, in a perfect state, where no serpent can deceive and no sin can enter (Romans 5:17).
The Book of Revelation describes the eternal state that awaits all believers and the role that the Tree of Life will play there: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 22:1–5).

implications for today

Scripture reveals a profound lesson about God's intention for humanity with the Tree of Life. The presence of the Tree of Life in Eden offered Adam and Eve the opportunity for everlasting life in God's presence, illustrating His desire for all people to enjoy eternal fellowship with Him. However, their disobedience and subsequent banishment from the garden reveals the consequences of sin and the loss of access to this life-giving tree.

This narrative challenges us to consider our relationship with God. Are we actively seeking spiritual nourishment from God through prayer, Scripture, and worship? Are we prioritizing communion with God over worldly distractions? True fulfillment and eternal life are found in abiding in God's presence (John 15). Reflecting on the Tree of Life and the life that comes from Him prompts us to cultivate a daily practice of seeking Him earnestly, knowing that in His presence is fullness of joy and eternal satisfaction. As Revelation describes, the ultimate fulfillment of this longing will be realized in the new heavens and new earth, where the Tree of Life will once again flourish, offering healing and eternal life to all who belong to God.

understand

The Tree of Life symbolized eternal existence and communion with God in the garden of Eden.
Adam and Eve lost access to the Tree of Life after disobeying God's command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
In Revelation, the Tree of Life reappears, offering healing and eternal life in the new heavens and new earth, symbolizing God's ultimate redemption and restoration for believers.

reflect

How does the Tree of Life in Genesis challenge your understanding of God's original plan for humanity and the impact of sin?
Reflecting on Revelation 22:1–5, what aspects of the Tree of Life resonate most with your longing for eternal communion with God?
In what practical ways can you seek spiritual nourishment and prioritize communion with God in your daily life, reflecting the eternal satisfaction promised by the Tree of Life?

engage

In the Bible, trees often carry profound symbolic meanings, reflecting spiritual truths and teachings. The burning bush, through which God spoke to Moses, symbolizes God's presence and holiness (Exodus 3:2–4). Psalm 1:3 compares a righteous person to a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season. In Isaiah 61:3, trees are a symbol of restoration and blessing, likened to oaks of righteousness planted by the Lord. Jesus referred to Himself as the true vine, emphasizing our dependence on Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness (John 15:1–5). His death on the cross, often symbolized as a tree (Galatians 3:13), signifies redemption and salvation for humanity, demonstrating God's sacrificial love and forgiveness. These instances highlight how trees in the Bible serve as powerful metaphors for divine encounters, spiritual growth, and the ultimate sacrifice for sin.
How does the Tree of Life in Genesis 2—3 and Revelation 22 depict God's overarching plan of redemption and restoration for humanity?
Consider the symbolism of the Tree of Life. How does this deepen our understanding of God's character and His desire for eternal fellowship with His creation?