Genesis 3:1

¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Now the serpent {H5175} was {H1961} more subtil {H6175} than any beast {H2416} of the field {H7704} which the LORD {H3068} God {H430} had made {H6213}. And he said {H559} unto the woman {H802}, Yea {H637}, hath God {H430} said {H559}, Ye shall not eat {H398} of every tree {H6086} of the garden {H1588}?

Now the serpent was more crafty than any wild animal which Adonai, God, had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You are not to eat from any tree in the garden’?”

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field that the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden?

Commentary

Genesis 3:1 marks the pivotal beginning of the temptation and subsequent fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden. This verse introduces the primary antagonist in this narrative: the serpent, described as uniquely cunning among all creatures.

Context of Genesis 3:1

Prior to this verse, God had created Adam and Eve in perfection, placing them in the idyllic Garden of Eden. He gave them one specific command: not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). The stage is set for a direct challenge to God's authority and the innocence of humanity, as a creature of the field initiates a conversation that will change everything.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of Temptation: The serpent's approach is not overt force but subtle questioning. He doesn't directly forbid or command, but rather casts doubt on God's clear instruction, "Yea, hath God said...?" This highlights how temptation often begins with planting seeds of suspicion about God's goodness or truthfulness.
  • The Character of the Tempter: The serpent is introduced as "more subtil" (KJV) or "crafty." This cunning intelligence is used for destructive purposes. While presented as a creature, later Scripture clearly identifies this entity with Satan, the Devil, the ancient deceiver (Revelation 20:2).
  • The Attack on God's Word: The serpent's first words are an immediate challenge to the clarity and scope of God's command. By asking "Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" he subtly misrepresents God's instruction, making it sound overly restrictive. This tactic aims to undermine trust in God's word and His benevolence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "subtil" is 'arum (עָרוּם). While it can mean "prudent" or "shrewd" in a positive sense (e.g., of a wise person), here it unequivocally carries the negative connotation of "crafty," "cunning," or "deceptive." The choice of this word immediately signals the serpent's malicious intent. The Hebrew word for "serpent," nachash (נָחָשׁ), can also imply a shining or brilliant appearance, adding another layer to its deceptive allure.

Practical Application

Genesis 3:1 serves as a timeless warning about the nature of spiritual warfare. Temptation often begins subtly, questioning God's word, character, or motives. For believers today, it underscores the importance of:

  • Knowing God's Word: A firm understanding of biblical truth is essential to discern and resist deception.
  • Discerning Doubt: Be vigilant against thoughts or influences that cause you to question God's commands or His goodness.
  • Recognizing the Enemy's Tactics: The adversary still uses cunning, lies, and misrepresentation to lead people astray, just as he did in the Garden. Paul warns about being beguiled by the serpent's subtilty (2 Corinthians 11:3).
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3 (50 votes)

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:14 (28 votes)

    And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

  • Revelation 12:9 (24 votes)

    And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

  • Revelation 20:2 (18 votes)

    And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

  • Matthew 4:3 (17 votes)

    And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

  • Genesis 3:13 (11 votes)

    And the LORD God said unto the woman, What [is] this [that] thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

  • Genesis 3:15 (11 votes)

    And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.