Definition: Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 3:18. It’s a really important passage about sin and consequences. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God tells Adam and Eve that they will be punished for disobeying him. He gives them a choice – they can eat from the fruit of the tree in the Garden of Eden, or they can stay away. But, as a result of their disobedience, God sends thorny bushes and prickly plants to grow alongside the fruit. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee…” – This is saying that everything that grows from this tree will be filled with these things. It's not just a few berries or leaves; it’s a whole landscape of thorny and prickly plants. Think of it like a garden – the fruit itself isn't the problem, but the surrounding environment becomes dangerous. "...and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;" – This is the key part. It means that anyone who eats from this tree will be forced to eat the thorny and prickly plants. It’s a warning. So, what does it mean in practical terms? Sin leads to consequences: This verse illustrates that our choices, especially disobeying God's commands, lead to negative results – suffering and hardship. God’s protection: It's a way for God to protect Himself and his creation (Adam and Eve). He doesn't want them to be alone or vulnerable. Responsibility: The verse also highlights that we are responsible for our choices and their consequences. We can choose to follow God, and that brings blessings and peace. We can’t choose to disobey him, and that leads to suffering. Important Note: This is a very significant story in the Bible, and it's important to remember it's about sin and its consequences. It's not meant to be a comfortable or easy-to-understand explanation, but rather a powerful reminder of God’s judgment and our responsibility to follow his will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories? Discuss the why behind this verse (e.g., what does it say about free will)?