What does the Bible call the fruit?

It does not name a species. Genesis 2:17 calls the tree the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and Genesis 3:6 simply says the fruit of that tree. There is no apple, fig, grape, or any other fruit named in the text of Genesis.

Where did the apple idea come from?

From later tradition and art, helped by a Latin pun. In Latin the word malum can mean both apple and evil, so the apple became a natural visual symbol for the forbidden fruit. This association shaped centuries of paintings and storytelling, but it is not in the Genesis account.

So is calling it an apple wrong?

It is a tradition, not a biblical fact. The Bible only speaks of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 2:17 and 3:6. Picturing it as an apple is fine as imagery, but it should not be presented as something Scripture actually states.

Does the Bible say it?

Does the Bible say the forbidden fruit was an apple?

No. The Bible never says the forbidden fruit was an apple. Genesis 2:17 speaks of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and Genesis 3:6 simply says Eve took of its fruit and ate. No species is named. The apple tradition arose later, helped by a Latin pun in which malum means both apple and evil.

VerdictCommon misconception

What it actually is

The relevant passages are Genesis 2:17, which names the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and Genesis 3:6, which says the woman took of the tree's fruit and ate. Neither verse identifies the fruit as an apple or any other species.

The apple image comes from later tradition rather than the text. It was reinforced by a Latin pun, since the word malum can mean both apple and evil, which made the apple a natural symbol for the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil in later art and retelling. The Bible itself leaves the fruit unnamed.

What the Bible actually says

Here is what Genesis actually says about the tree and its fruit.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.”

Genesis 3:6

“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

Genesis 2:17

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A better question than the quote

Behind every “is this in the Bible?” is a gentler one: what does the Bible actually say, and who is the Jesus at the center of it? You do not have to take our word for it, ours least of all. Read his own words and see for yourself. It costs nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Meet Jesus His words and acts Read the Gospel of John

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible call the fruit?: It does not name a species. Genesis 2:17 calls the tree the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and Genesis 3:6 simply says the fruit of that tree. There is no apple, fig, grape, or any other fruit named in the text of Genesis.
Where did the apple idea come from?: From later tradition and art, helped by a Latin pun. In Latin the word malum can mean both apple and evil, so the apple became a natural visual symbol for the forbidden fruit. This association shaped centuries of paintings and storytelling, but it is not in the Genesis account.
So is calling it an apple wrong?: It is a tradition, not a biblical fact. The Bible only speaks of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis 2:17 and 3:6. Picturing it as an apple is fine as imagery, but it should not be presented as something Scripture actually states.

Explore furtherIs it in the Bible?Read the Bible Who is Jesus Christ?