What does Genesis 2:16 mean?

Genesis 2:16 highlights themes such as obedience, command, freedom when read in context.

How should I apply Genesis 2:16 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

14And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

15And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

16And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

18And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

obediencecommandfreedom