Most people who have grown up in the "Christian" church have been taught that it was an apple that Eve took the bite from. However, Jewish tradition says that it was a pomegranate. And, evidence supports that premise in how pomegranates were used in the context of Scripture. In all aspects of their use, they represent, and are associated with, wisdom.
On the tree:
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:6
The symbolism here is “with knowledge comes responsibility” and also “responsibility is of God, blame is of the devil.” What was the first thing Adam did when God questioned them? Blame Eve. So, if a person wants knowledge without understanding, that person is on a sure road to nowhere.
On the hem of the priest’s robe:
They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around on the hem of the robe, alternating a bell and a pomegranate all around on the hem of the robe for the service, just as the LORD had commanded Moses. Exodus 39:25-26
The symbolism here is “listen to wisdom” and be respectful to those that have it in a Godly capacity.
On the pillars of Solomon’s temple:
And the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars. 1 Kings 7:42
The symbolism here is being under the authority and leadership of one who has wisdom will result in a blessed life.
Jewish tradition also states that there are 613 seeds in every pomegranate, corresponding to the 613 laws given in regards to God’s instruction of how to live.
rimmon: a pomegranate
Original Word: רִמּוֹן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Phonetic Spelling: (rim-mone')
from ramam: exalt
Original Word: רָמַם
Part of Speech: Verb
Phonetic Spelling: (raw-mam')
from a primitive root word: to rise
(literally or figuratively), to lift oneself up, to exalt oneself, to mount oneself up higher than others
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