Creation and Fall

The foundational narrative of human origins in the Abrahamic traditions: God’s creation of the world and humanity, the first humans’ disobedience, and the consequences that followed.

Creation

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God spoke the universe into existence over six days, culminating in the creation of humanity. He formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him.

“The LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden.” God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and care for it. From Adam’s rib, God created Eve as his companion. They lived in paradise, walking with God, naked and unashamed.

The Fall

The serpent, more cunning than any beast, tempted Eve to eat forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She ate and gave some to Adam, who was with her.

Their eyes were opened. They knew they were naked. When they heard God walking in the garden, they hid from his presence.

Expulsion

God pronounced curses upon all parties. Adam would toil painfully for his food; Eve would suffer in childbirth. Death entered the world.

God made garments of skin for them and drove them out of the Garden of Eden, placing cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life.

Theological Significance

This narrative establishes core themes in Abrahamic faith:

• God as sole creator
• Humanity made in God’s image
• The gift of free will and moral responsibility
• Sin and its consequences
• The broken relationship between God and humanity
• The need for redemption

In Christianity, the Fall is connected to the doctrine of original sin and the need for salvation through Christ. In Islam, Adam and Eve repented and were forgiven, emphasizing God’s mercy and the human capacity for repentance.