The Two Trees

2:15 God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and watch it.

2:16 God gave the man a commandment, saying, 'You may definitely eat from every tree of the garden.

2:17 But from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil [daath], do not eat, for on the day you eat from it, you will definitely die.'

In Hebrew, knowledge is "daath" while in Greek is "gnosis." This is the most significant symbol in the text. The Tree of Knowledge has levels of meaning. Of primary importance in our investigation related to sex is that level of meaning made clear when we look at the use of the word knowledge throughout the writings of Moses and even in the New Testament:

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived... - Genesis 4:1

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived... - Genesis 4:17

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son... - Genesis 4:25

I have two daughters who have never known a man. - Genesis 19:8

And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. - Judges 11:39

But the men would not hearken to him: so the man took his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning... - Judges 19:25

And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife... - 1 Samuel 1:19

And the damsel was very fair, and cherished the king, and ministered to him: but the king knew her not. - 1 Kings 1:4

Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. - Matthew 1:24-25

Thus we know that this knowledge - Daath, Gnosis, the secret doctrine of the Tree of Knowledge - is sexual. That is why, having given the warning, God then says:

2:18 God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a compatible helper for him.'