Genesis 3:10

KJV

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I [was] naked; and I hid myself.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, I heard {H8085} thy voice {H6963} in the garden {H1588}, and I was afraid {H3372}, because I {H595} was naked {H5903}; and I hid myself {H2244}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.”

Berean Standard Bible

“I heard Your voice in the garden,” he replied, “and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”

American Standard Version

And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:10 marks a poignant turning point in human history, capturing Adam's immediate and profound response to God after the Fall. His confession, "I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself," unveils the instant psychological and spiritual consequences of disobedience: fear, shame, and a desperate impulse to conceal oneself from the holy presence of God. This verse vividly portrays the rupture of innocent communion and the birth of guilt in the human heart.

### CONTEXT
This verse is Adam's direct reply to God's tender yet probing question in [Genesis 3:9, "Where art thou?"](/genesis/3-9 "God's call to Adam in Genesis 3:9"). It immediately follows the act of disobedience where Adam and Eve [ate from the forbidden tree](/genesis/3-6 "Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3:6"), shattering their state of innocent nakedness described in [Genesis 2:25](/genesis/2-25 "Adam and Eve's innocent nakedness in Genesis 2:25"). Their newly opened eyes, now aware of good and evil, perceive their physical nakedness not as natural, but as a symbol of their exposed guilt, leading to an overwhelming sense of shame and dread in God's presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Adam’s terse confession, "I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself," is a stark revelation of the immediate, devastating impact of sin on the human psyche and spirit. The once-welcome sound of God's presence, when He walked in the cool of the day, now evokes profound dread. The Hebrew word for "afraid" here, *yare* (יָרֵא), conveys a terror or apprehension, distinct from the reverential awe it can sometimes denote. This fear is not born of a healthy respect for God's power, but of a guilty conscience exposed before perfect holiness. It is the natural consequence of transgression, a profound discomfort that drives one to flee the very source of life and truth.

The core of Adam's fear is tied to his nakedness. Prior to their sin, Adam and Eve were [naked and felt no shame](/genesis/2-25 "The original state of innocent nakedness in Genesis 2:25"), their physical state reflecting their spiritual transparency and unblemished relationship with their Creator. However, after partaking of the forbidden fruit, their nakedness (Hebrew: *arom*, עָרוֹם) transforms from a state of innocence into a symbol of vulnerability, guilt, and spiritual destitution. It is not merely a physical condition, but a profound spiritual and emotional realization of their fallen state, a nakedness of soul laid bare before a holy God. This awareness of their exposed guilt compels them to instinctively seek concealment.

The act of "hiding myself" speaks volumes. It is humanity's first attempt to escape the divine gaze, a futile effort to sever the intimate fellowship that once defined their existence. This impulse to hide is a universal human response to guilt, as [Proverbs 28:1 notes that the wicked flee when no one pursues](/proverbs/28-1 "The wicked flee when no one pursues in Proverbs 28:1"). Sin erects a barrier, transforming the open, unhindered communion with God into a relationship marked by shame and distance. The very presence of God, once a source of joy and life, now becomes a source of terror, prompting a desperate, though ultimately unsuccessful, attempt at self-concealment. This broken fellowship, where [sin separates us from God](/isaiah/59-2 "Sin separates us from God in Isaiah 59:2"), sets the tragic trajectory for all humanity, revealing the deep chasm that sin creates between Creator and creature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **The Immediate Consequences of Sin:** This verse vividly illustrates that sin's fallout is not merely external punishment but immediate internal disruption, manifesting as fear, shame, and a desire to hide.
* **The Holiness of God and Human Guilt:** Adam's fear underscores the inherent holiness of God, before whom unrighteousness cannot stand, and highlights the universal human experience of guilt following transgression.
* **Broken Fellowship:** The act of hiding signifies the rupture of the intimate, open communion humanity once enjoyed with God, establishing a pattern of estrangement that permeates human history.
* **God's Initiative in Reconciliation:** Even in their hiding, God initiates the conversation, calling out to Adam, foreshadowing His continuous pursuit of humanity for reconciliation.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:10 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting the human condition. It reveals our innate tendency to hide our sins and shame, not only from God but often from ourselves and others, instinctively trying to cover our transgressions. Yet, this verse also subtly highlights God's unwavering pursuit of humanity, reminding us that true peace and restoration come not from concealing our brokenness, but from confessing it and embracing God's grace and forgiveness, which alone can cover our nakedness and restore fellowship.

### FAQ
**Why was Adam afraid of being naked now, but not before?**

Answer: Before sin, their nakedness symbolized innocence and transparency. After sin, it became a symbol of their guilt, vulnerability, and exposed rebellion before a holy God, leading to shame and fear.

**What does "hid myself" signify in this context?**

Answer: It signifies humanity's first attempt to escape the divine presence due to guilt, a futile effort to conceal their sin and shame from the all-seeing God, symbolizing the broken fellowship.

**Is Adam's fear a fear of God Himself, or a fear of the consequences of his actions?**

Answer: It is primarily a fear rooted in guilt and the anticipated consequences of his disobedience. While it involves a dread of God's judgment, it stems from his internal awareness of transgression, rather than reverential awe.

**How does this verse relate to the human experience today?**

Answer: It illustrates the universal human experience of guilt, shame, and the impulse to hide when we transgress, showing that sin still creates a barrier between humanity and God, and often between individuals.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Adam's desperate attempt to cover his nakedness with fig leaves (Genesis 3:7) points to humanity's inherent need for a covering that it cannot provide for itself. This verse, with its emphasis on fear and shame due to exposed sin, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution found in Christ. He is the one who provides the perfect, divine covering for our sins, replacing our shame with His righteousness. Just as God later provided animal skins as a covering (Genesis 3:21), this prefigures Christ's atoning sacrifice, where He became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ became sin for us in 2 Corinthians 5:21")). Through Christ, we are clothed in His righteousness, enabling us to [approach God's throne with confidence](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach God's throne with confidence in Hebrews 4:16"), overcoming the fear and shame that Adam first experienced.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.