Apple vs fig

[Brenda Creech]

Now, this isn't backed behind any kind of viable reference, but wasn't this a case of unclear translations? The way that it was originally written made it ambiguous enough that it could have been several different things - both fig and apple included?

That is a very good question. I personally can't answer, but maybe someone else can! An unclear translation is a possibility due to multiple people trying to translate the Bible!

[Brenda Creech]

We will never know for sure. It has never been referenced anywhere in the Bible. I think Apple became the common reference since maybe it was a common or loved fruit since the ancient days. Otherwise, we will never know

I agree with you. We'll never know for sure. As kids, we were told that the Adam's apple was as a result of the remnants of the forbid fruit. Maybe that's the origin of the assumption.

I was told that too! Perhaps you're right and maybe that is where the assumption came from!

[Brenda Creech]

I’ve never thought about this but it actually makes sense now one does, The particular fruit was not mentioned and honestly it doesn’t really matter to me.The apple was generally accepted just like most things we accept without questioning.

Honestly, if this fruit was only available at the garden of Eden, then there is no way it ever left there, or even its seeds. I don't think it's available outside of Eden.

Ahhh, that is a very interesting thought!

[Brenda Creech]

I was always told it was an apple, except the time I was told that the actual real sin was that Eve slept with Satan and that’s where Cain came from. Otherwise it was always an apple. Maybe that’s why apples are so delicious?

That may be why apples are so delicious! I bet the majority of people who answer this question will say they grew up believing it was an apple. Oh my, to be told Eve slept with Satan must have been a shock!

The way the book describes it, this fruit must be juicy. I haven't seen a juicy apple. I don't know about figs, but are they juicy?

Figs are not really juicy. In fact, I wouldn't say they are juicy at all. They are known as 'the candy of fruit' because they are so sweet, but none I have eaten are juicy.

[Dannyphery]

Well, It wasn't really stated which fruit it was that they ate. I doubt that's the important point though, the fact is that they ate a fruit they were asked not to eat; be it apple, fig or whatever, they still disobeyed.

[monicamu]

I don't think it really matters, as it's symbolic. However, I think it's more likely to be a fig as that's more consistent with the climate and the fact that they covered themselves with fig leaves.

[jdsatosk]

A fig does seem more historically accurate. I believe people have used an apple to replace the "fruit" term simply because it is the first thing people come to mind. It is commonly consumed by people today, therefore it is easier to imagine rather than a fig.

That is what I was thinking. Honestly, I couldn’t pin down what was bothering me about the scene until I saw this in the discussion! My brain was like - hey wasn’t that supposed to be an apple?
I’m glad that so many people chimed in on the different theories and the lack of evidence in the Bible. It lends itself to let the readers insert the “delicious fruit” they find themselves faced with in their own lives.

[Brenda Creech]

Well, It wasn't really stated which fruit it was that they ate. I doubt that's the important point though, the fact is that they ate a fruit they were asked not to eat; be it apple, fig or whatever, they still disobeyed.

Oh, absolutely the important point is that they sinned!

[Brenda Creech]

I don't think it really matters, as it's symbolic. However, I think it's more likely to be a fig as that's more consistent with the climate and the fact that they covered themselves with fig leaves.

I totally missed that connection, but you are right, they covered themselves with fig leaves! Thanks for bringing that up!

[Brenda Creech]

A fig does seem more historically accurate. I believe people have used an apple to replace the "fruit" term simply because it is the first thing people come to mind. It is commonly consumed by people today, therefore it is easier to imagine rather than a fig.

That is what I was thinking. Honestly, I couldn’t pin down what was bothering me about the scene until I saw this in the discussion! My brain was like - hey wasn’t that supposed to be an apple?
I’m glad that so many people chimed in on the different theories and the lack of evidence in the Bible. It lends itself to let the readers insert the “delicious fruit” they find themselves faced with in their own lives.

I am glad so many responded too! It took me a couple of pauses to figure out what was wrong, or should I say different in the scene as well. I like your thought about finding our "delicious fruit" that we are faced with in our own lives!

[Alys Sterk]

We will never know for sure. It has never been referenced anywhere in the Bible. I think Apple became the common reference since maybe it was a common or loved fruit since the ancient days. Otherwise, we will never know

You're absolutely right, we will never know for sure! I just found it interesting that after thinking it was an apple all of my life, why the author chose a fig. Just a fun discussion to see what others have believed down through the year.

I guess it doesn't really matter. With all the translating going on, it's a wonder more things do not get mixed up. I mean just look at what happens even over email. One poorly chosen word and......

[mbiku254]

I have read the Bible severally and I see no where it mentions the fruit that was eaten by Adam and Eve. However, from my childhood, I have always heard people using an apple and not a fig. The truth remains, no one knows about it.

[Brenda Creech]

We will never know for sure. It has never been referenced anywhere in the Bible. I think Apple became the common reference since maybe it was a common or loved fruit since the ancient days. Otherwise, we will never know

You're absolutely right, we will never know for sure! I just found it interesting that after thinking it was an apple all of my life, why the author chose a fig. Just a fun discussion to see what others have believed down through the year.

I guess it doesn't really matter. With all the translating going on, it's a wonder more things do not get mixed up. I mean just look at what happens even over email. One poorly chosen word and......

That is so true! And trying to translate from another language in someone else's handwriting is bound to cause errors and missing content!

[Brenda Creech]

I have read the Bible severally and I see no where it mentions the fruit that was eaten by Adam and Eve. However, from my childhood, I have always heard people using an apple and not a fig. The truth remains, no one knows about it.

I have never read anything in the Bible about what kind of fruit they ate either! I think the majority of us were taught it was an apple.

[jhunt]

I don't think we'll ever definitely know, however, I do think there's a strong possibility it was actually a fig!