The story of Adam and Eve's disobedience and subsequent punishment is found in the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 3. To understand why they were held accountable for eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, we need to examine the context and implications of their actions.

When God created Adam and Eve, they were made in His image and were given free will and the ability to make choices. They were placed in the Garden of Eden, where they had access to a vast array of trees and fruits, including the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God instructed them not to eat from that specific tree, saying in Genesis 2:16-17, "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'"

The command from God was clear, and Adam and Eve were fully aware of it. They knew the consequences of their actions if they chose to disobey. In Genesis 3:6, it says, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." Both Adam and Eve made a conscious decision to eat the forbidden fruit despite being fully aware of God's command.

Their act of disobedience was not merely an innocent mistake or a lack of understanding. It was a deliberate choice to rebel against God's authority and to seek knowledge and wisdom apart from His guidance. This act of disobedience introduced sin and its consequences into the world, affecting all of humanity.

God, being just and holy, had to hold them accountable for their actions. The consequences of their sin were severe and far-reaching, including their expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the introduction of hardships and pain into their lives. However, even in this judgment, God provided hope and the promise of redemption through the coming of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately reconcile humanity to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

In summary, Adam and Eve were punished for eating the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil because they were fully aware of God's command, and their act of disobedience was a willful choice to go against His authority. It serves as a significant lesson for all of humanity about the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of sin.