Biblical Answer

Step 1: Understanding the Genesis Record

The Genesis record provides insight into the origin of death. According to the passage, God created humans for Himself, intending for them to choose, love, and serve Him. However, humans did not fulfill this purpose, and consequently, death came upon them. The primary consequence of this was spiritual death, or eternal separation from God, which led to physical death, or the death of the body.

Step 2: The Fall of Humanity and Death

The Fall of humanity occurred when they disobeyed God's command not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This disobedience brought about spiritual death, and as a result, physical death became a reality for humanity. The passage explains that death is a new reality arising out of the disobedience of humans, and it is a consequence of the sin that entered the world through them.

Step 3: God's Sovereignty and the Purpose of Death

The passage also highlights God's sovereignty over creation, including death. God used the scattering of the nations to fulfill His desire that the earth be populated, despite the presence of death. The passage does not deny the reality of death but rather explains its origin and purpose. Death serves as a reminder of humanity's fallen state and the need for a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The final answer is: There is no final numerical answer to this question. However, the answer provided above explains why death entered the world from a biblical perspective.