Tree of Life
The tree of life is a special tree first seen in the Garden of Eden and later in the new creation. In Scripture it signifies life as God gives and sustains it, especially in His presence.
At a Glance
The tree of life is a special tree first seen in the Garden of Eden and later in the new creation. In Scripture it signifies life as God gives and sustains it, especially in His presence.
Description
The tree of life is a biblical image that begins as a real feature of the Garden of Eden and returns in the closing vision of Scripture. In Genesis 2–3, it stands in the garden as part of God’s good creation, and after Adam and Eve sin, God prevents access to it, underscoring the seriousness of the fall and humanity’s loss of unhindered life in His presence. In Proverbs, “tree of life” is also used figuratively for realities such as wisdom and righteousness, showing that the expression can describe God-given vitality and blessing. In Revelation 2 and 22, the tree of life appears in the context of final restoration, where access is granted to God’s redeemed people. The safest conclusion is that the tree of life signifies life and blessing that come from God alone, with Eden lost through sin and finally surpassed in the new creation through God’s redemptive work.
Study-aid notice
This page is part of an AI-assisted conservative evangelical Bible-study project. It has been produced under strict prompts, structured review, QA checks, and publication testing, but it is not inspired, infallible, or a replacement for Scripture, prayer, pastors, teachers, or local church discernment.
All claims should be tested against Scripture in context. To report a possible issue, see the Corrections and Review Policy.