The Tree of Life is a significant symbol found in the Bible, representing eternal life, divine wisdom, and the fullness of God's provision. It appears prominently in the books of Genesis, Proverbs, and Revelation, serving as a powerful motif that spans the entirety of Scripture.

Genesis

The first mention of the Tree of Life is in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis. God placed the Tree of Life in the midst of the garden, alongside the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Genesis 2:9 states, "And out of the ground the LORD God made to grow every tree that is pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

After Adam and Eve's disobedience by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, they were expelled from the garden to prevent them from eating from the Tree of Life and living forever in a fallen state. Genesis 3:22-24 recounts, "Then the LORD God said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil. And now, lest he reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever...' Therefore the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life."

Proverbs

The Tree of Life is also mentioned in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Proverbs. Here, it is used metaphorically to describe the life-giving and sustaining power of wisdom, righteousness, and fulfilled desires. Proverbs 3:18 declares, "Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed." Additionally, Proverbs 11:30 states, "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise."

Revelation

The Tree of Life reappears in the book of Revelation, symbolizing the restoration of eternal life and communion with God in the new creation. Revelation 2:7 promises, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the paradise of God." This promise is fulfilled in the vision of the New Jerusalem, where the Tree of Life stands as a central feature. Revelation 22:1-2 describes, "Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."

Theological Significance

The Tree of Life represents God's provision of eternal life and His desire for humanity to live in perfect fellowship with Him. It serves as a reminder of the lost paradise due to sin and the hope of its restoration through Jesus Christ. The Tree of Life in Revelation signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where believers will enjoy eternal life and healing in the presence of God.