Genesis 3:11

KJV

¶ And he said, Who told thee that thou [wast] naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Who {H4310} told {H5046} thee that thou wast naked {H5903}? Hast thou eaten {H398} of the tree {H6086}, whereof I commanded thee {H6680} that thou shouldest not {H1115} eat {H398}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree from which I ordered you not to eat?”

Berean Standard Bible

“Who told you that you were naked?” asked the LORD God. “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”

American Standard Version

And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 3:11 captures the Lord God's direct and piercing interrogation of Adam following humanity's first sin. This pivotal verse reveals the immediate consequence of disobedience—profound shame and a broken relationship—as God's questions expose the depth of their fall and the origin of their newfound self-awareness, setting the stage for divine judgment and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the crucial moment of God's direct confrontation with Adam and Eve after their disobedience in eating from the forbidden tree. Immediately prior, [Genesis 3:7-8](/genesis/3-7-8 "Adam and Eve's Realization and Hiding") describes their eyes being opened, their realization of nakedness, and their crude attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves, followed by their flight from God's presence in the garden. God's initial call, "[Where art thou?](/genesis/3-9 "God's Question to Adam")" is not a question of location for an omniscient God, but a summons to accountability. Adam's evasive and fear-filled reply in [Genesis 3:10](/genesis/3-10 "Adam's Reply to God") ("I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.") directly sets up God's piercing follow-up questions in verse 11, moving from the symptom (fear, hiding, nakedness) to the root cause (disobedience).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Genesis 3 is primarily a theological narrative, the concept of nakedness in ancient cultures often carried connotations of vulnerability, shame, or humiliation, particularly in public or before a superior. In the pristine context of Eden, however, [Adam and Eve were initially naked and unashamed](/genesis/2-25 "Genesis 2:25 - Adam and Eve's Original Innocence"), indicating a state of perfect innocence, transparency, and unmarred communion with God and each other. Their sudden awareness of nakedness and subsequent shame, as implied by God's question in this verse, signifies a profound rupture—a spiritual and psychological shift that transcends mere physical exposure. This new state contrasts sharply with the pre-fall ideal, highlighting the radical impact of their transgression on their very being and their relationship with the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 3:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **disobedience and its immediate consequences**, demonstrating how a single act of rebellion against a clear divine command leads to shame, guilt, and alienation from God. The verse also highlights **God's perfect knowledge and His redemptive questioning**, as His inquiries are designed not to gain information but to elicit confession and reveal the depth of humanity's fallen state. Furthermore, it underscores the **loss of original innocence** and the introduction of a **fallen human condition**, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of sin's proliferation and God's unfolding plan of redemption, a theme that reverberates throughout the entire biblical narrative, from [the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium: First Promise of a Redeemer") to the ultimate redemption found in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root (H559) is used with great latitude, meaning "to say," "to speak," or "to utter." In this context, it signifies God's direct, authoritative address to Adam. It is not a casual inquiry but a deliberate, purposeful communication from the Creator to His creature, initiating the process of accountability and judgment.
* **naked (Hebrew, _ʻêyrôm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be bare" or "exposed," this word (H5903) refers to nudity. However, in the context of Genesis 3, it carries profound spiritual and psychological weight. Prior to the fall, Adam and Eve were "naked and unashamed" ([Genesis 2:25](/genesis/2-25 "Adam and Eve's Original Innocence")), signifying innocence, transparency, and unblemished communion. Their post-fall awareness of nakedness signifies a loss of this innocence, a profound vulnerability, shame, and a broken relationship with God and each other.
* **commanded (Hebrew, _tsâvâh'_):** This intensive root (H6680) means "to constitute," "to enjoin," or "to give a charge/command." It highlights the authoritative nature of God's instruction regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The use of this word underscores that Adam's transgression was not an accidental oversight but a deliberate act of disobedience against a clear, explicit, and divinely established prohibition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked?":** This opening clause marks the Lord God's direct, probing interrogation of Adam. The question "Who told thee?" is rhetorical, not seeking information for an omniscient God, but rather designed to elicit a confession from Adam and to expose the source of his newfound shame. The awareness of "nakedness" here transcends mere physical unclothedness; it signifies a profound spiritual and psychological state of vulnerability, guilt, and a shattered innocence that was previously absent. God's question forces Adam to confront the internal consequence of his actions, revealing that his shame was not an external revelation but an internal conviction stemming from his sin.
* **"Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?":** This second, more direct question cuts to the heart of the transgression. It explicitly references the specific divine prohibition given in [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "God's Command and Warning in Genesis 2:17"), highlighting the clarity and specificity of God's original command. By recalling the precise instruction, God underscores the deliberate nature of Adam's disobedience. The question serves to remove any pretense of ignorance or accident, compelling Adam to acknowledge his direct violation of God's established boundary. This inquiry initiates the process of divine accountability, linking the internal state of shame ("nakedness") directly to the external act of rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The Lord God's interrogation in Genesis 3:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**. God's questions, "Who told thee that thou wast naked?" and "Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?", are not asked out of ignorance but are designed to provoke self-reflection, confession, and to expose the truth of Adam's transgression. They serve a pedagogical and judicial purpose, guiding Adam towards an acknowledgment of his sin. There is also a profound **Irony** at play: humanity, seeking greater knowledge by disobeying God, gains a knowledge (of good and evil) that immediately brings shame and fear, rather than the promised enlightenment. The very act meant to elevate them instead diminishes them. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is central, particularly with "nakedness." What was previously a state of innocent transparency ([Genesis 2:25](/genesis/2-25 "Adam and Eve's Original Innocence")) now symbolizes guilt, vulnerability, and a severed relationship with God. The "tree" itself functions as a symbol of divine authority and the boundary of human freedom, making the act of eating from it a symbolic act of rebellion against God's sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 3:11 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of sin and its immediate consequences. It reveals that sin is fundamentally an act of rebellion against God's explicit command, leading not only to external consequences but also to profound internal shifts, such as shame, guilt, and a distorted self-perception. God's questioning, though seemingly simple, highlights His omniscience and His desire for humanity to acknowledge their fallen state. This divine interrogation is a precursor to judgment but also implicitly a call to repentance, demonstrating God's continued engagement with His creation even in their sin. The verse sets the stage for the entire biblical narrative of redemption, emphasizing humanity's need for a covering and restoration that only God can provide.

* [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Sin and Death Through Adam")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "God's Omniscience and Our Openness to Him")
* [Isaiah 64:6](/isaiah/64-6 "Our Righteousness as Filthy Rags")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 3:11 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the human condition after the fall. It powerfully illustrates how sin immediately impacts our internal state, leading to a profound sense of shame, vulnerability, and a desire to hide from God. This passage challenges us to honestly confront our own "nakedness"—those areas of our lives where we have disobeyed God, experienced guilt, and attempted to conceal our true spiritual state. God's questions to Adam are not accusatory in a way that seeks to destroy, but rather diagnostic, aiming to bring about a recognition of sin and a pathway to restoration. For us, this means understanding that God's awareness of our sin is not for His information, but for our conviction and ultimate healing. It calls us to abandon self-covering and embrace the divine covering offered through grace, recognizing that true peace comes from open confession and reliance on God's provision rather than human effort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Adam, tend to hide or make excuses when confronted with my own sin or shortcomings?**
* **What "nakedness"—areas of shame or vulnerability—do I attempt to cover with my own efforts rather than bringing before God?**
* **How does understanding God's omniscience (that He already knows) change my approach to confession and repentance?**

### FAQ

**Why does God ask questions if He already knows the answer?**

Answer: God's questions are not born of ignorance, but of divine pedagogy and justice. They serve to draw out confession, to lead the individual to acknowledge their sin, and to reveal the state of their heart. This is a consistent pattern in Scripture, where God engages humanity in dialogue to foster accountability and lead towards repentance, rather than merely imposing judgment without interaction. It's a demonstration of His relational nature, even in the context of confronting sin.

**What is the significance of "nakedness" in this context?**

Answer: Beyond mere physical unclothedness, "nakedness" in Genesis 3:11 symbolizes a profound spiritual and psychological state. It represents the immediate consequence of sin: a loss of innocence, a shattered communion with God and each other, and a newfound vulnerability, shame, and guilt. Prior to the fall, [Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed](/genesis/2-25 "Genesis 2:25 - Adam and Eve's Original Innocence"), indicating perfect transparency and harmony. Their sudden awareness of nakedness signifies the rupture of this ideal state and the entry of sin's corrupting influence.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of guilt?**

Answer: The awareness of nakedness and the subsequent attempt to hide from God's presence are direct manifestations of guilt. Adam and Eve's actions betray their internal conviction of having violated a divine command. Their fear and desire to evade accountability stem from their recognition of wrongdoing. Genesis 3:11 thus marks the initial stage of the human experience of guilt before a holy God, demonstrating how sin immediately brings a burden of conscience and a sense of separation.

**What does "the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat" emphasize?**

Answer: This specific phrasing emphasizes the clarity, specificity, and authority of God's original prohibition. It underscores that Adam's sin was not an accident, a misunderstanding, or an act of ignorance, but a deliberate and conscious act of disobedience against a known divine command. This highlights the gravity of their rebellion against their Creator's explicit will, making their transgression inexcusable and underscoring the justness of the ensuing judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This verse, with its stark portrayal of humanity's immediate shame and spiritual nakedness after the fall, profoundly underscores the desperate need for a divine covering and a Mediator. Adam's futile attempt to hide and cover himself with fig leaves foreshadows the ultimate inadequacy of human effort to atone for sin or to conceal one's shame before a holy God. This broken state points forward to Christ, the [second Adam](/1-corinthians/15-45 "Christ as the Second Adam"), who perfectly fulfills the need for a sinless substitute. Through His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ fully covers our spiritual nakedness by imputing His perfect righteousness to all who believe (cf. [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Paul's Desire for Christ's Righteousness")). His sacrifice on the cross provides the true and lasting covering, transforming our shame into glory and restoring our fellowship with God, a reality first hinted at by God's gracious provision of animal skins for Adam and Eve in [Genesis 3:21](/genesis/3-21 "God Provides Clothing for Adam and Eve"). This divine act of clothing, necessitating the death of an innocent creature, prefigures the ultimate Lamb of God whose sacrifice provides the only sufficient covering for the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.

Cross-References

Romans 3:20

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.

Genesis 4:10

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Psalms 50:21

These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.