Final answer:
God prohibited Adam and Eve from eating the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This action led to the fall of man and the banishment from the Garden of Eden, as well as the understanding of good and evil.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the narrative of Genesis, particularly Genesis 3, God prohibited Adam and Eve from eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The specific action forbidden by God was: 'You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.' This is a crucial aspect of the story as it sets the stage for the fall of man and introduces the concept of original sin. Eating from the Tree of Life was not initially forbidden until after the transgression involving the tree of knowledge. The action of eating from the Tree of Knowledge led to consequences impacting all of humanity, which includes being banished from the Garden of Eden and gaining the understanding of good and evil.
The story illustrates a critical moral lesson about obedience and the consequences of defying divine instruction. Adam and Eve's choice is a foundational element in Judeo-Christian theology, often discussed in the context of free will, temptation, and the nature of sin.