Adam's primary punishment was being banished from the Garden of Eden.
This expulsion wasn't the only consequence, though. Here's a breakdown of the multifaceted nature of Adam's punishment, as understood from the biblical narrative:
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Banishment from Paradise: The most immediate consequence was being forced to leave the idyllic Garden of Eden, losing the direct presence of God and the ease of living provided there.
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Mortality: Adam, and by extension, humanity, became subject to death. Before the transgression, a state of immortality (or at least a prolonged life without natural death) was implied.
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Toil and Labor: Life outside the garden was marked by hardship. Adam was condemned to work the ground, producing food through strenuous effort and facing the challenges of a less-than-perfect environment. The ground itself would now produce thorns and thistles alongside crops.
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Separation from God: The act of disobedience created a rift between humanity and God. While God still interacted with humanity, the intimacy and unbroken communion experienced in the Garden were lost.
In summary, Adam's punishment encompassed exile, mortality, the burden of labor, and a diminished relationship with God.
