Genesis 3:2

KJV

And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the woman {H802} said {H559} unto the serpent {H5175}, We may eat {H398} of the fruit {H6529} of the trees {H6086} of the garden {H1588}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat from the fruit of the trees of the garden,

Berean Standard Bible

The woman answered the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden,

American Standard Version

And the woman said unto the serpent, Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 3:2](/genesis/3-2 "KJV Text: And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:") records the woman's initial response to the serpent's cunning question, affirming God's generous permission to eat from most trees in the Garden of Eden. While seemingly accurate, this statement sets the stage for the serpent's subsequent deception by subtly shifting the focus from God's abundant provision to the single prohibition, marking a critical step in the unfolding drama of humanity's fall.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows the serpent's subtle challenge in [Genesis 3:1](/genesis/3-1 "Read about the serpent's cunning question in Genesis 3:1"), where it questioned God's command regarding the trees of the garden. God had previously granted Adam and Eve immense liberty, allowing them to [freely eat from every tree in the Garden of Eden](/genesis/2-16 "Explore God's generous provision in Genesis 2:16"), with the singular exception of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil ([Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "Understand the forbidden tree in Genesis 2:17") details this crucial prohibition). Eve's reply here confirms her initial awareness of this vast permission and the divine generosity extended to them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The scene opens with the serpent's cunning question, designed to sow seeds of doubt, and Eve's initial reply, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden." At first glance, her statement appears entirely accurate and grounded in God's original command. The Hebrew phrasing, *ʼāḵōl nōʼḵēl* (אָכוֹל נֹאכֵל), uses an infinitive absolute before the imperfect verb, a common idiom emphasizing certainty or permission—essentially, "**eating we are certainly permitted to eat.**" This highlights the clear understanding Eve initially possessed regarding God's generous allowance, underscoring the abundance and freedom within the garden. She correctly articulates the vast scope of their permitted diet, a stark contrast to the serpent's implied restriction.

However, this seemingly correct statement is merely the opening gambit in a high-stakes dialogue. The serpent's strategy, beginning with a broad, seemingly innocent question about *every* tree, aims to subtly shift the focus from God's immense provision to the single prohibition. Eve's response, while factually sound, inadvertently provides the serpent with the precise opening it needs to narrow its focus and intensify the temptation. The dramatic tension builds as the reader, aware of the impending fall, sees the trap being laid. This initial affirmation of God's generosity foreshadows the tragic turn in the very next verse, where Eve will begin to subtly alter and add to God's word, paving the way for disobedience. The narrative here masterfully depicts the subtle, incremental nature of temptation, often beginning with a seemingly harmless conversation that gradually undermines truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Generosity and Provision:** This verse highlights God's initial, abundant provision for humanity in Eden. Before the prohibition, there was vast permission, setting the context for God's character as a generous giver, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Psalm 104:27-28](/psalm/104-27-28 "Read about God's provision in Psalm 104:27-28"), which speaks of God providing food.
* **The Subtlety of Temptation:** The serpent's approach, starting with a general question before moving to the specific, illustrates how temptation often begins subtly, questioning God's goodness and shifting focus from what is given to what is withheld. This mirrors later warnings about [Satan's deceptive schemes in 2 Corinthians 11:3](/2_corinthians/11-3 "Learn about Satan's deceptive schemes in 2 Corinthians 11:3").
* **The Importance of God's Word:** Eve's initial accuracy, soon followed by her misrepresentation of God's command in [Genesis 3:3](/genesis/3-3 "See Eve's misrepresentation in Genesis 3:3"), underscores the critical importance of knowing and accurately handling God's word. This principle is foundational, as seen in [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "Study 2 Timothy 2:15 on handling God's word"), which urges believers to accurately handle the word of truth.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This brief exchange serves as a timeless reminder of the deceptive power of questioning God's word and the importance of clinging to its precise truth. Even when we begin with a correct understanding, the enemy often seeks to subtly twist our perspective, shifting our gaze from God's abundant provision to perceived restrictions. It challenges us to be vigilant, to know God's commands intimately, and to resist the subtle whispers that aim to undermine His goodness and authority in our lives.

### FAQ
**Was Eve's statement in Genesis 3:2 completely accurate?**

Answer: Yes, Eve's statement in [Genesis 3:2](/genesis/3-2 "KJV Text: And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:") is factually accurate regarding God's permission. God had indeed allowed them to eat freely from all but one tree ([Genesis 2:16-17](/genesis/2-16-17 "Read about God's command regarding the trees in Genesis 2:16-17")). Her accuracy here highlights the initial vastness of God's provision. However, this accurate statement acts as a setup for the serpent's next move, where Eve will begin to subtly misrepresent God's command in [Genesis 3:3](/genesis/3-3 "See Eve's misrepresentation in Genesis 3:3"), demonstrating how temptation can begin with partial truths or seemingly innocuous conversations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 3:2](/genesis/3-2 "KJV Text: And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:") captures the initial moment of human interaction with temptation, where the first woman, Eve, accurately states God's generous provision before succumbing to deception. This scene, preceding humanity's fall, underscores the profound need for a perfect obedience and a true word. Christ, as the "Second Adam," stands in stark contrast to this initial failure. Where Eve's accurate statement was followed by a subtle distortion of God's word and subsequent disobedience, Christ perfectly embodied and fulfilled God's will, even in the face of intense temptation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Read about Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4:1-11")). His unwavering adherence to God's word and His perfect obedience ultimately provide the redemption necessary to overcome the consequences of the original sin initiated in Eden. The generosity of God, initially experienced in Eden and affirmed by Eve, finds its ultimate and unfailing expression in Christ's sacrificial provision for humanity's salvation.

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.