Adam was the first man, created by God from the dust of the ground and brought to life by His own breath Genesis 2:7 . His name comes from the Hebrew word for mankind and is closely tied to the word for earth, showing the deep connection between man and the ground from which he came. Made in the image of God, Adam was distinct from the animals and given dominion over all creation Genesis 1:26-27 .

Unlike the rest of creation, which God spoke into being, Adam was formed personally and given God’s breath. That breath gave him not only physical life but a spiritual nature, an immortal soul capable of reason, worship, and choice. God placed him in the Garden of Eden to work and care for it, allowing him to eat from any tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil Genesis 2:15-17 .

God saw that Adam should not be alone and created Eve from his rib as a suitable helper Genesis 2:21-22 . Together they lived in innocence until they disobeyed God’s command. Eve, tempted by the serpent, ate the forbidden fruit and gave some to Adam, who also ate. Their eyes were opened, they felt shame, and hid from God Genesis 3:6-10 .

Because of their sin, God cursed the ground and told Adam he would toil in pain until death. They were banished from Eden and the tree of life. Yet God showed mercy. He clothed them and promised that the woman’s offspring would crush the serpent’s head Genesis 3:15-21 .

Adam was free and morally responsible as head of his family. His disobedience introduced sin and death into the world, affecting all his descendants. Scripture presents him as a real historical person Genesis 5:1-5 Luke 3:38 . He lived 930 years and fathered many children, including Cain, Abel, and Seth. Every human inherits his fallen nature, which theologians call original sin.

The apostle Paul highlights the contrast between Adam and Christ Romans 5:12-19 1 Corinthians 15:22-47 . Jesus is the second Adam, the head of a new humanity. Whereas Adam brought sin and death, Christ brings righteousness and life John 1:4 . Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers new birth and a new nature to all who believe John 3:3-16 2 Corinthians 5:17 . Adam lost paradise, but Jesus will restore it for all who are His.