Biblical Parallels Index – Bereshit 3/0
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Biblical Parallels Index – Bereshit 3
Knowledge of Good and Evil
Tools
Concordance – By using the concordance one can explore the usage of both the root "ידע" and the phrase "ידע טוב ורע" to gain further insight into the nature of the knowledge granted by the Tree of Knowledge and acquired by Adam and Chavvah..
- By double clicking on the word "ידע" in the Mikraot Gedolot Bereshit 3:5, one can find Biblical parallels that demonstrate the various connotations of knowledge in Tanakh. This root word can relate to: a) skilled knowledge b) intent or will c) knowledge of God and d) sexual knowledge.
- One can then click on “יֹדְעֵי טוֹב וָרָע” in the same verse to see parallels to this phrase in Tanakh:
- In Devarim 1:39 and Yeshayahu 7:16 the phrase seems to refer to moral knowledge
- In Shemuel II 19:36 it appears in the context of physical/sensual experiences.
Primary Sources
Almost all commentators question the nature of the knowledge granted by the tree.
- Ibn Ezra, Radak, Abarbanel – These exegetes all suggest that the fruit of the Tree introduced sexual desire to mankind.
- Rashi, R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, Ramban and R. Y"S Reggio – Upon eating from the Tree, humans acquired an inclination to do evil (יצר הרע), thereby giving them the free will to choose between good and bad.
- U. Cassuto, Rambam, Ralbag – According to these commentators, partaking from the Tree affected the intellect of man, either raising their intellect or introducing subjective (and not simply objective) knowledge.
- R. D"Z Hoffmann – The tree granted moral knowledge. After eating from it, universal concepts of right and wrong were instilled in mankind.
Articles
- See The Tree of Knowledge for an overview of different understandings of what constituted knowledge of good and evil.
